Weather in Cambodia by month and How to travel properly?

How is the weather in Cambodia by month, and how do you travel the right way? Here's a look at the pros and cons of each season, along with a few handy tips for an extraordinary trips to vietnam and cambodia. Check it all out below.

Cambodia weather overview

If you're looking to escape a freezing, snowy winter back home, you're going to fall for Cambodia. This tropical country has one of Asia's most straightforward weather systems, with a fairly consistent climate that makes it a true year-round travel destination. And for anyone wondering does Cambodia have snow — the answer is no; you'll find warm tropical sunshine instead. Cambodia stays generally warm all year, split into two distinct patterns: dry and monsoon (some prefer to call them the cool and hot periods).

Cambodia seasons

At a glance, the Cambodia seasons fall into three broad phases: a cool season, a hot season, and a rainy season. For the most part, the whole nation follows similar weather patterns, largely thanks to the relatively uniform elevation and latitude across the country. Understanding Cambodia's weather year round is the first step to timing your visit well.

As the table shows, Phnom Penh weather stays warm month after month, with rainfall — rather than temperature — marking the biggest seasonal shift.

See more: A full overview of Cambodia

How to travel around Cambodia in each season?

1. Cool season: December – February

The weather in December through February is lovely, with January being the coolest month of the year. Temperatures start to creep up again by the end of February. Throughout the cool season, averages sit comfortably between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius.

• Pros: This is hands down the best time to visit Cambodia. The temperatures are ideal for soaking up brilliant sunshine on the beach or trekking through the country's lush jungles. With little heat or rain to worry about, the cool season is also perfect for a Mekong River cruise and the stunning Cambodian scenery that comes with it. It pairs beautifully with combined Vietnam and Cambodia tours, when travelers like to link both countries during the dry months.
• Cons: Because it's the best time to be here, the cool season also draws huge crowds of tourists. For anyone who dislikes busy sites, that can be a real drawback — it's the least relaxing time to explore Cambodia, especially around Angkor Wat. This is the most popular stretch of the year for visitors and locals alike, since it overlaps with many of the country's holidays and festivals. As a result, sites get crowded and tourism prices climb to their peak. If you're set on coming during this season, we strongly suggest booking your accommodation a few months ahead, as the best places fill up fast. Travelers on tours of Vietnam and Cambodia often reserve even earlier to lock in the popular spots.

2. Hot season: March – June

Hot and humid, April and May are usually the most sweltering months of the year, with temperatures climbing toward 40°C in recent years.

• Pros: During this stretch, the crowds thin out a little. There are occasional rain showers in the hot season, though they're usually brief — often less than an hour long. Keep an umbrella handy in case the skies open while you're out exploring.
• Cons: In pure weather terms, this is the toughest time to visit Cambodia. The thermometer may read around 35°C, but the extreme humidity makes it feel closer to 45°C, which can quickly wear you down as you walk the streets, wander the temples, or set off on a hike.

So what should you do in Cambodia during the hot season?

• Go to the coast: Sea breezes and cool water offer welcome relief. We highly recommend Sihanoukville or Kep, with their white-sand beaches and calm turquoise waters — perfect escapes from the heat of the city.

Beach in Cambodia @Swedish Nomad

• Hydrate with coconut: When humidity soars and there isn't a breath of wind, you'll dehydrate fast in this heat. A fresh Cambodian coconut is the cure. Cart-push street vendors are everywhere, so you can grab one and refresh on the spot. Chill out and enjoy!

Coconut in Phnom Penh

• Swimming at hotel pools: Even if you're not a guest, many hotels let you use their pool for a small fee — around $5. The 252 in Phnom Penh is a great pick, with a lovely pool, leafy garden, and shady cabanas.

The 252 Phnom Penh

See more: Cambodia temple and beach tailor made tour with local expert

3. Rainy season: June – November

Cambodia's rainy season runs from June to November, with rain falling on as many as 20 days in a single month. That might sound off-putting. Yet many expats who've lived here a while actually look forward to these rains rather than slogging through the heat of the hot season.

• Pros: During this period, showers tend to last under an hour and arrive on a predictable schedule, usually in the afternoon, bringing relief from the heat from July through September. In October and November, the rain continues but the air turns cooler. Visitor numbers drop, making it an ideal time to explore temples, admire the country's glorious greenery, and enjoy the rare treat of seeing the flooded forest and stilted homes around Tonle Sap Lake.

Tonle Sap Lake

• Cons: If you can't stand rain and damp, this season won't be for you. On top of that, between mid-September and October, some remote parts of Cambodia can flood, leaving roads slippery and dangerous. It's best to skip far-flung treks during this time. Even Phnom Penh and Siem Reap have seen flooding in recent rainy seasons.

Flood in Phnom Penh

Pack a light raincoat or a rain poncho and the wet weather shouldn't stop you from discovering mighty Cambodia. Since the rains often come with strong winds, an umbrella may not do much good. All in all, the rainy season is still a wonderful time to visit.

Contact Threeland Travel experts at help@threeland.com to get the latest on Cambodia tours and free support in planning your extraordinary Cambodia trip. Whether you're after a relaxed group adventure, combined Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand tours, or a private journey across the region, our team can help you travel at the best possible time.