Cambodia is a land of ancient temples, golden plains, and tropical coasts — but what makes it truly captivating is how each region transforms with the seasons.
From sunrise over Angkor Wat to turquoise waves on Koh Rong, knowing when to go where ensures the best experience.
Below, we break down the best time to visit Cambodia by region — practical, region-by-region, and written for travelers planning ahead for 2025–2026.
A. Northern Cambodia
Main destinations: Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Tonle Sap Lake, Battambang, Preah Vihear
1. Weather Overview
Cool Dry Season (Nov–Feb): 20–30°C, low humidity, clear skies.
Hot Season (Mar–May): 30–38°C, strong sun, best light for photography.
Green Season (Jun–Oct): 25–33°C, short afternoon rains, lush rice paddies, Tonle Sap full.
2. Travel Highlights by Period
| Period | What to Expect | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | Pleasant, dry, crisp mornings | Perfect for Angkor sightseeing and countryside cycling. |
| Mar–Apr | Hot, bright skies | Superb sunrise/sunset light, fewer crowds at temples. |
| May–Jul | First rains, greener landscapes | Tonle Sap floating villages at their most photogenic. |
| Aug–Oct | Lush countryside, cooler air | Moody skies, fresh vegetation, temple photography magic. |
3. Best Experiences
Angkor Wat: Sunrise reflections (Nov–Mar).
Battambang: Countryside train rides & art cafés (Aug–Oct).
Tonle Sap Lake: Visit June–Oct when water levels rise.
Preah Vihear Temple: Best views Nov–Feb, clear horizon.
4. Best Time to Visit the North
November – February – ideal weather, comfortable touring.
August – October – lush, quiet, and atmospheric for photographers.
Sunrise over Angkor Wat in dry season
Angkor Wat sunrise
B. Central Cambodia
Main destinations: Phnom Penh, Kampong Cham, Kampong Thom, Oudong, Tonle Bati
1. Weather Overview
Dry Season (Nov–Apr): 24–34°C, bright skies, low rainfall.
Rainy Season (May–Oct): 25–32°C, warm showers, greener scenery.
2. Travel Highlights by Period
| Period | What to Expect | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | Warm, breezy, clear | Best months for riverside walks, palaces, and sunset cruises. |
| Mar–Apr | Very hot (35–38°C) | Fewer tourists; enjoy cafés, museums, and Khmer New Year events. |
| May–Aug | Rain refreshes countryside | Lush paddies, colorful street markets, lively atmosphere. |
| Sep–Oct | Rain eases, bright air | Perfect for Water Festival boat races and local life along the Mekong. |
3. Best Experiences
Phnom Penh: Visit Nov–Feb for ideal weather; attend Water Festival in Nov.
Kampong Cham: Bike along riverside paths (Dec–Mar).
Kampong Thom: Pre-Angkor temples glow in post-rain greenery (Jul–Oct).
4. Best Time to Visit the Central Region
November – March – pleasant and dry.
September – October – festivals and vivid countryside views.
Sunset along Phnom Penh’s riverside promenade
Phnom Penh riverside at sunset
C. Southern Cambodia
Main destinations: Kampot, Kep, Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem
1. Weather Overview
Dry Season (Nov–Apr): 25–32°C, calm seas, bright blue skies.
Green Season (May–Oct): 25–30°C, afternoon showers, warm water, quiet beaches.
2. Travel Highlights by Period
| Period | What to Expect | Why Go |
|---|---|---|
| Nov–Feb | Dry, breezy, turquoise waters | Best for beach stays, snorkeling, and island escapes. |
| Mar–Apr | Hot, humid | Great for swimming; vibrant evenings along the coast. |
| May–Jul | Short rains, peaceful vibe | Budget-friendly, green landscapes, still-swimmable seas. |
| Aug–Oct | Wet but photogenic | Moody skies over Kampot River, lush jungle backdrops. |
3. Best Experiences
Kep: Fresh crab market & quiet beaches (Dec–Apr).
Kampot: Pepper farms & Bokor Hill mist (Aug–Oct).
Koh Rong & Samloem: Clear water and diving (Dec–Apr).
4. Best Time to Visit the Coast
December – April – perfect island weather.
August – October – green, quiet, and atmospheric for slow travel.
Koh Rong beach during dry season
Koh Rong island beach clear water
✨ Quick Comparison Table
| Region | Best Weather | Best For | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| North (Siem Reap) | Nov–Feb | Temples, cultural touring | Apr heat |
| Central (Phnom Penh) | Nov–Mar | City life, riverside festivals | Mar–Apr heat |
| South (Coast) | Dec–Apr | Beaches, islands | Sep peak rain |
Key Festivals to Note
| Festival | Month | Region | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) | Apr | Nationwide | Joyful water fights & blessings |
| Royal Ploughing Ceremony | May | Central | Royal ritual marking planting season |
| Pchum Ben (Ancestor’s Day) | Sep–Oct | Nationwide | Offerings at temples, family reunions |
| Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) | Nov | Phnom Penh / Siem Reap | Boat races, lanterns, fireworks |
Boat races on the Tonle Sap River during Water Festival
Bon Om Touk Water Festival boat races in Phnom Penh
Travel Tip from Tonkin Travel
If time allows, combine two regions for contrast:
North + Central (Nov–Feb): Dry and cool — ideal for temples and culture.
Central + South (Aug–Oct): Lush green countryside ending with peaceful beaches.
Our Cambodia experts will plan your route around the best weather, festivals, and local rhythm to make your journey flow beautifully.
Kampot pepper fields during green season
From Angkor’s sunrise to Kampot’s river sunsets,
Tonkin Travel tailors private Cambodia journeys so you see the country at its seasonal best.
