When is the best time to visit Cambodia?

The best time to visit Cambodia is generally November to February, the cool, dry season, when the weather is at its most comfortable for exploring the temples of Angkor and the wider country — warm and sunny, but without the fierce heat of spring or the downpours of the wet months. It's the peak season for good reason.

That said, Cambodia has just two real seasons — dry and wet — and each has its appeal. The hot months before the rains are intense but quiet, while the green season brings lush landscapes, full temple moats and far fewer crowds. So the "best" time depends a little on what you want from your trip.

Below we explain each season, what Angkor is like across the year, and how to time a comfortable visit.

The quick answer

• November to February is the ideal time — cool, dry and comfortable (and the busiest).
• March to May is the hot season — very warm, especially April.
• June to October is the green/wet season — lush and quiet, with afternoon downpours.
• The heat at Angkor is the main factor — the cool season makes temple days far easier.
• The green season fills Angkor's moats and turns the landscape emerald, with fewer crowds and lower prices.
• Whenever you go, start temple visits at dawn to beat the heat.
• Cambodia pairs naturally with Vietnam or Thailand, whose seasons broadly align.
• The cool season books up early, so plan ahead for peak months.

Cool and dry (November–February): the most comfortable weather — warm days, lower humidity, clear skies. Ideal for long temple days at Angkor and the easiest all-round conditions. This is peak season, so book ahead.

Hot (March–May): the temperature climbs, and April in particular can be extremely hot and humid — temple visits need an early start, plenty of water and a midday rest. The upside is fewer visitors.

Green and wet (June–October): the monsoon brings short, heavy afternoon downpours rather than all-day rain, along with a beautifully lush, green landscape, full moats around Angkor Wat, fewer crowds and lower prices. Many travellers love this atmospheric season; you simply plan around the showers.

For most first-time visitors, the cool season delivers the easiest, most comfortable trip, especially given how much time you spend outdoors at the temples.

Because a Cambodia trip revolves around Angkor, the weather matters most for your temple days:

• Cool season (Nov–Feb): the best temple weather — comfortable enough to explore at a relaxed pace, with clear skies for photography and sunrise over Angkor Wat.
• Hot season (Mar–May): the temples are quieter but the heat is demanding; a dawn-and-late-afternoon rhythm is essential, with the middle of the day spent resting.
• Green season (Jun–Oct): the most photogenic in some ways — the moats brim, the stone glistens after rain, and the crowds thin — but expect a daily downpour and steamy air.

Whatever the season, the golden rule is the same: visit the temples early in the morning, when it's cooler and the light is beautiful, and rest through the hottest hours.

A couple of Cambodian events are worth knowing about:

• Khmer New Year (mid-April): the country's biggest celebration, joyful but with many businesses closing and Angkor busy with domestic visitors. Atmospheric if you don't mind the crowds and the heat.
• Water Festival (Bon Om Touk, November): marking the reversal of the Tonle Sap river's flow, with boat races in Phnom Penh — colourful, but the capital gets very busy.

Neither need dictate your trip, but knowing when they fall helps you either seek them out or plan around the extra crowds. The cool season generally offers the best balance of pleasant weather and manageable crowds.

For most first-time visitors, November to February gives the easiest, most comfortable trip, with the kindest temple weather. If you prefer fewer crowds, lush scenery and better value, and don't mind afternoon showers and humidity, the green season (June–October) is a rewarding, atmospheric alternative. Cambodia's seasons also broadly match Thailand's and Vietnam's, so a combined South-East Asia trip works well in the cool months.

How our experience helps

We plan trips around both the weather and the heat — timing your Angkor visits for the cool early mornings, building in proper midday rests, and choosing the season that best suits your plans and any combined itinerary. Because we know how Cambodia's climate and the temple days interact, we can shape a trip that feels comfortable and unhurried whenever you're able to travel.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best month to visit Cambodia? November to February — the cool, dry season — offers the most comfortable weather for exploring Angkor and the country, though it's also the busiest.

Is the wet season a bad time to visit Cambodia? Not at all. Rain usually comes in short afternoon bursts, the landscape is lush and green, Angkor's moats fill, and there are fewer crowds and lower prices. Just plan temple visits around the showers.

When is it too hot in Cambodia? March to May, with April the peak, can be very hot and humid. It's still doable with early starts, midday rest and plenty of water, and the temples are quieter.

What's the weather like at Angkor Wat? Hot and humid year-round, most comfortable in the cool season (Nov–Feb). Whatever the month, visit early in the morning to beat the heat and enjoy the light.

Does Cambodia's season match Thailand and Vietnam? Broadly yes — the cool, dry months (roughly November to February) are a good time across the region, which makes a combined trip straightforward.

When is best to photograph Angkor? The cool season for clear skies, or the green season for full moats and dramatic reflections. Early morning gives the best light and sunrise over Angkor Wat.

Related reading

• Is Angkor Wat suitable for travellers over 60?
• How many days do you need in Cambodia?
• Do UK travellers need a visa for Cambodia?