The Worst Time to Visit Cambodia: When is the Best Time to Visit Cambodia?

Cambodia is an awesome country set in the middle of Indochina, and one of the most stunning destinations you can find in Asia. But while it does have peak and low seasons, which coincide with the dry and rainy seasons, Cambodia can be easily visited throughout the year. This is due to the fact that the rainy season is not as wet as many people think, and has some great aspects that you will love.

Weather in Cambodia

Cambodia has two weather patterns, wet and dry. However, those two seasons can be better defined in three periods, the Cool Season, the Hot Season, and the Rainy Season.

In the Cool Season, from December to February, the temperatures have dropped and it is the perfect time to hit the stunning beaches and islands of Cambodia. Temperatures range from 32°C down to 21°C, and it is not uncommon to see locals in sweaters complaining of the cold in the lower end of those temperatures.

The Hot Season runs from March to June, and temperatures really climb then, reaching as high as 40°C. While it is generally known as the dry season, the humidity will make it feel much hotter, and stickier. However, the clear skies and lack of rain make it worthwhile, and the occasional hour-long torrential downpour helps to cool the air a little.

The Rainy Season, or the monsoon season, is often dreaded by travelers, thinking the whole country is flooded at this time of year. However, while it is known as the “rainy” season, it does not rain 24/7.

While it can rain 20 days in any given month in the rainy season, most rains are short downpours that last mere hours, and usually occur in the afternoons, making the rains predictable.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia for Good Weather - Dry Season

The Dry Season, from November to May, is normally the best time to visit, though it can get very hot from March onwards. However, with better drier weather, it is the ideal time to visit Angkor, without the mud, and spend time wandering the temples of the complex.

March is one of the best time to explore Pub Street in Siem Reap.

Siem Reap is also better experienced in the dry season, as the nightlife is outstanding, and the fun spills out onto the sidewalk in Pub Street. And if you like the beach or island hopping, this is the perfect time, as it is not too hot, and hardly ever rains.

It is a good idea to wear light layers that you can add and remove easily, as the temperature can drop at night and in the height of January so that you may feel a slight chill.

Is Rainy Season a Bad Time to Visit Cambodia?

The rainy season may seem like a bad idea for a trip to Cambodia, but it has its own pros, and those can be of benefit to the cunning traveler.

The rain is not usually a problem really, as it is predictable, and the hour-long downpours usually happen in the afternoon. Thus, the mornings are bright and dry and perfect for doing those touristy things you want to do, such as visiting Angkor or traveling to Tonle Sap Lake.

Tonle Sap Lake is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia.

And the upside of afternoon rains means a relief from the hot temperatures and the opportunity to visit Cambodia when the rains are turning the entire country lush and green with new growth of vegetation. Plus, there is usually a lack of tourists, making Angkor much less crowded.

Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat

The best time to visit Angkor Wat depends on what you want from the complex. For many, the best time would be in the cool season, from December to February, as this is when the climate is best suited for wandering around temples. But this is also when the temples are most crowded, and when thousands of tourists rush to get the best shot of the sunrise over Angkor Wat itself.

Sunrise at Angkor Wat after rain

But if you are not a fan of crowds, then the better time would actually be in the monsoon season, when the rains come only in the afternoons, and there are a lot less tourists crowding the temples. And you can get the best sunrise shots in the rainy season, as the landscape is lush and green, not dry and withered, and often includes a little misty effect.

Best Time to Visit Cambodia for Family Tours

If you are traveling as a family, then you will want to spend your time in Cambodia in the dry and cool season, so that the kids can avoid the heat of the hot and rainy seasons. November to February is the best time, as the temperatures are lower, and while it is more crowded, there is plenty going on, as the tourist trade is at its peak.

And with plenty of things for the kids to do in the peak season, they are never going to get bored, and will enjoy the trip more.

Enjoy a family cycling tour to explore Angkor Wat

Best Time to Visit Cambodia for Cycling Tours

The best time for cycling in Cambodia is the dry and cool season as well. After all, it can be really hard trying to cycle through mud. With drier weather, and little in the way of rain, the roads are safer and you are unlikely to get rained on while traveling. And the cooler weather means that you will find it more comfortable cycling around the country than in March to October, when the temperatures are much hotter.

Conclusion

When is the best time to visit Cambodia? Anytime from January to December really, since the country has opportunities for tourism all year round. The dry season may be the best for some, but for others, the chance to feel less crowded and enjoy the lushness of the countryside is definitely preferable. So whatever your choices and preferences, Cambodia can cater to your needs all year round.