The best time to visit Cambodia
Mid-August in Phnom Penh: the air is thick enough to swim through, the Mekong and Tonlé Sap are swollen to their brims, and by 4 p.m. the sky opens up as if someone turned on a faucet. You’re sitting at a café on Sisowath Quay, watching the rain hammer the river, and you realize you’ve never felt more alive. This is Cambodia’s green season — and it might just be the best time to visit, if you know how to play it.
Green Season (May–October): Lush, Cheap, and Unpredictable
From May through October, Cambodia is at its most verdant. The rice paddies turn emerald, the Tonlé Sap river reverses its flow, and the flooded forests become a fisherman’s paradise. Expect heavy, short downpours most afternoons — often just as you’re about to hop on a tuk-tuk. But the rain rarely lasts more than an hour, and it clears the dust and lowers the temperature to a tolerable 25–31°C (feels like 36°C with humidity, so dress light).
What’s the trade-off? Fewer tourists, lower prices, and that incredible smell of wet earth after a storm. You can walk the grounds of the Royal Palace (entry about US$10 or roughly 41,000 riel) with only a handful of other souls, and the National Museum feels like a private gallery. The riverside at night becomes a local affair — the Chaktomuk Walk Street (between the Royal Palace and the Night Market) is closed to traffic on weekends, drawing nearly 100,000 people for street food, crafts, and live music. Grab a bai sach chrouk for 6,000 riel (about US$1.50) and you’ll understand why this season has its own charm.
One heads-up: the summer months also bring industrial and entertainment events. In mid-August 2026, the World Poker Tour Cambodia is running at NagaWorld (the $1,300 buy-in, $500k-guaranteed main event kicks off Aug 20), and the Diamond Island Convention and Exhibition Center on Koh Pich is hosting linked machinery, textile, and packaging expos. If you’re into cards or trade shows, you’ll be in luck — otherwise, expect some traffic detours around Koh Pich.
Cool Dry Season (November–February): Peak Season Perfection
If you want picture-perfect weather, come between November and February. The humidity drops, the rain vanishes, and the skies are that impossible blue you see on postcards. Days hover around 24–30°C, nights are cool enough for a light jacket. This is Cambodia at its most comfortable — and its most crowded.
Prices jump across the board. A modest one-bedroom flat that rents for about 1,400,000 riel (US$350) a month in the off-season can cost 20–30% more in December. Hotel rooms in Daun Penh’s Riverside neighborhood book out weeks in advance, and you’ll jostle with selfie-stick crowds at Angkor Wat (yes, it’s a trek from Phnom Penh, but most travelers make the trip). But the trade-off is worth it for some: the Royal Palace shines in the low sun, the Silver Pagoda’s 5,000 silver tiles glint like a mirror, and you can sip an iced Khmer coffee (6,000–8,000 riel, about US$1.70) on a terrace without sweating through your shirt.
Festivals? November’s Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) is the big one — Phnom Penh erupts in boat races on the Tonlé Sap, fireworks, and riverside parties. It’s a magical, chaotic, utterly Cambodian celebration. Book accommodations months ahead, and expect the city to swell with locals from every province.
Hot Dry Season (March–April): The Furnace
March and April are brutal — temperatures hit 35–40°C, and the humidity feels like a wet blanket. The saving grace? The sky stays clear, and the crowds thin to a trickle. If you can handle the heat, you’ll find bargain prices and empty temple halls. The Russian Market (Tuol Tumpong) becomes a cool, shaded labyrinth to hide in — bargain for silk scarves and factory overruns while drinking a coconut.
April brings Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey), the country’s biggest celebration. For three days, Phnom Penh turns into a water fight — locals playfully douse each other with buckets, hoses, and talc powder. It’s joyful, chaotic, and unforgettable. Many businesses close, so plan ahead, but if you want to experience Cambodia’s heart, this is it.
Shoulder Seasons: The Sweet Spots
If you can’t decide, aim for late May (just as the rains start) or mid-October (when they taper off). These windows offer green-season prices without the daily deluge. You’ll find moderate crowds, lush scenery, and the rare chance to watch the Tonlé Sap reverse its flow — a natural phenomenon that happens nowhere else on Earth. The riverside in Phnom Penh, especially the Bassac Lane area in Tonle Bassac, gets lively but not overwhelming.
One caution: October’s tail-end can bring flooding in low-lying areas, especially along the Mekong. Check local news, and pack waterproof sandals.
Festivals & Events to Plan Around
- Khmer New Year (April): Water fights, temple visits, family reunions — expect closed shops and street parties.
- Water Festival (November): Boat races on the Tonlé Sap, fireworks, and a riverside carnival in Phnom Penh.
- Pchum Ben (September/October): A solemn 15-day ancestor remembrance; many Cambodians visit pagodas, and you’ll see offerings of yellow flowers and rice.
- International Events: The World Poker Tour (August) and the Cambodia Expo Series (August 26–28, 2026) at Koh Pich add a business edge to the green season.
Practical Tips for Any Season
No matter when you come, a few local truths apply. The currency is the riel, but the US dollar is widely accepted — about 4,100 riel to $1. Street meals are your best friend: num banh chok (fish-curry noodles) for 7,000 riel, kuy teav (noodle soup) for 6,000 riel, and a local Angkor beer for 4,000 riel (about US$1). The Phnom Penh City Bus runs flat-fare routes at 1,500 riel per ride — use the ‘City Bus’ app, but for most trips, hail a tuk-tuk via PassApp or Grab; a short city ride runs about 4,000–8,000 riel.
Visas: Get the Tourist ‘T’ for US$30 or Ordinary ‘E’ for US$35 (cash) on arrival at Phnom Penh airport. E-visas are about US$36 via the official site, and don’t forget the free Cambodia e-Arrival Card (arrival.gov.kh) within 7 days before landing. If you plan to stay long-term, convert to an extension at the General Department of Immigration — overstays cost US$10/day.
Download ABA Bank’s app (expat-friendly) or just carry cash — ATMs dispense USD. And for your SIM, grab a prepaid Smart or Cellcard at the airport; data plans start at a few dollars, but you’ll need your passport for registration.
So, When’s Best for You?
Here’s the bottom line: if you want perfect weather and don’t mind crowds, go November–February. If you want to save money and experience the raw, beating heart of Cambodia, brave the green season of May–October — you’ll be rewarded with fewer tourists, lower prices, and that unforgettable post-storm glow. And if you’re a festival chaser, April’s Khmer New Year or November’s Water Festival are unmatchable.
Personally, I love August. The rains are dramatic, the riverside is alive, and the city feels like it’s exhaling after the tourist rush. Just bring an umbrella, a good pair of sandals, and a sense of adventure. Cambodia will do the rest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Cambodia for good weather?
November through February offers the coolest, driest weather — perfect for sightseeing. Expect crowds and higher prices, but you can’t beat the climate.
Is it worth visiting Cambodia during the rainy season?
Absolutely. May to October is lush, cheaper, and less crowded. Rains are short and refreshing — just plan indoor activities for late afternoons.
When is Cambodia's biggest festival?
Khmer New Year in mid-April is the largest celebration, with water fights and street parties. The Water Festival in November is a close second, with boat races on the Tonlé Sap.
How much does a meal cost in Phnom Penh?
Street food like bai sach chrouk costs about 6,000 riel (US$1.50), while a mid-range restaurant meal like fish amok runs around 20,000 riel (US$5).
Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia?
Tourists can get a visa on arrival for US$30 (or US$35 for the Ordinary 'E'), or apply online for an e-visa for about US$36. Don’t forget the free e-Arrival Card.
Things to do in Cambodia
Siem Reap Angkor Airport Taxis (from Airport to Hotel)
2-Day Private Angkor Wat, Floating Village & Countryside Tour
Private 3-Days tour at comfortable areas
Siem Reap Floating Village Sunset Jeep Tour / SUV Car Available
2-Days in temples and other areas
From Siem Reap: Angkor Wat and Floating Village 3-Day Trip