Best Travel Time & Climate
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. Temperatures are high year-round — it never gets cold.
Best Time: November–April (Dry Season)
The absolute recommendation for most travelers:
- November–February: The most pleasant time. 25–32°C, little rain, lower humidity. December and January are the "coolest" months (22°C at night). Peak season in Siem Reap and on the islands — book accommodations in advance!
- March–April: The hottest months. 35–40°C, sometimes over 40°C inland. Angkor and Phnom Penh are scorching hot. Best to visit temples early in the morning or late afternoon. Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) in mid-April is an experience — but many businesses close.
Rainy Season: May–October
The "Green Season" has its own charm:
- May–June: Start of the monsoon. Mostly short, heavy showers in the afternoon (1–2h), then sunshine again. Everything turns green. Significantly fewer tourists, lower prices.
- July–September: Heaviest rain. Day tours possible, but unpaved roads in the northeast can become impassable. Tonle Sap fills up — a unique phenomenon (the river reverses its flow!).
- October: Rain subsides, landscape at its greenest. Angkor temples surrounded by water reservoirs and lush vegetation — especially photogenic. Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) in late October/November in Phnom Penh.
Climate Table: Siem Reap
| Month | Max °C | Min °C | Rainy Days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32 | 22 | 1 | Top |
| February | 34 | 23 | 1 | Top |
| March | 36 | 25 | 3 | Good (hot) |
| April | 37 | 26 | 5 | Hot |
| May | 35 | 26 | 14 | Rainy Season |
| June | 34 | 25 | 16 | Rainy Season |
| July | 33 | 25 | 18 | Rainy Season |
| August | 32 | 25 | 18 | Rainy Season |
| September | 32 | 24 | 19 | Rainy Season |
| October | 31 | 24 | 16 | Green Season |
| November | 31 | 23 | 5 | Top |
| December | 30 | 22 | 2 | Top |
💡 Tipp
November and December are ideal for Angkor: pleasant temperatures, little rain, and the water basins around the temples are still full (reflections!). Those who can handle the heat and want to save money should travel in May or June — rainy season means only 1–2 hours of showers in the afternoon.
