{"id":4166,"date":"2017-06-21T09:35:07","date_gmt":"2017-06-21T08:35:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/?p=4166"},"modified":"2021-08-05T11:08:36","modified_gmt":"2021-08-05T10:08:36","slug":"when-to-visit-cambodia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wendywutours.co.uk\/blog\/cambodia\/when-to-visit-cambodia\/","title":{"rendered":"Best Time to Visit Cambodia"},"content":{"rendered":"

For the best weather the best time to visit Cambodia is between November and April, <\/strong>but the weather isn’t everything is it?<\/p>\n

We\u2019re here to talk you through exactly when to go, where to go for relaxation, culture and history, what to wear, what the weather is going to be like, how to be respectful at temples and religious sites and exactly when to visit Cambodia.<\/p>\n

When is the best time to visit Cambodia?<\/h2>\n

Cambodia is a stunning destination regardless of when you go. That said, we all have our own personal taste that come together to make the dream trip. You may be willing to don the waterproofs for the reward of fewer crowds then you may wish to travel between May and October. Otherwise you can embrace the tropical climes during November and March. As Paul Johnson, editor of A Luxury Travel Blog<\/a> explains, it really is up to you:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best time to visit Cambodia really depends on whether you’re wishing to dodge the crowds or dodge the downpours of the wet season. From November to March, it’ll tend to be dry but busy, whilst from April\/May to early October, it is common to experience downpours in the afternoon. That said, it’s much quieter during the latter period, the countryside is lush and green, and the rainfall only a minor disruption to what are usually otherwise sunny days.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Like in most places, there are four annual seasons in Cambodia:<\/p>\n

Cool and dry: November-February<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hot and dry: March \u2013 May<\/strong><\/p>\n

Hot and wet: June \u2013 August<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cool and wet: September \u2013 early November<\/strong><\/p>\n

Following the rainy season (September \u2013 early November) the temperatures rise slightly and the humidity levels are at their lowest, this also tends to be when the temples and other tourist spots are relatively quiet.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s always hard to tell what exactly suits you best and it\u2019s even harder predicting the weather. But take Rob\u2019s advice and do some research. Having quit his job alongside his partner Natalie, they decided to set up their brilliant blog, Love and Road<\/a>:<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have travelled Cambodia two times, one to visit Angkor Wat\u00a0<\/a>and another to enjoy the beaches around Sihanoukville<\/a>. Before traveling we did a lot of research and decided to keep our travels within the dry season and mild weather. We were in Angkor Wat and Siem Reap in early December, the weather was gorgeous, sunny days and temperatures around 30C. On our visit to Sihanoukville on late March we also got sunny days but the thermometer was hiding 35C easily. Even on the beach it was very hot. I would recommend to travel to Cambodia between November to January, so you can get sunny days and pleasant temperatures.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

But Cambodia is glorious in full-bloom. From June-August tends to be the country\u2019s green season, where there is an abundance of fresh fruit, vegetables and greenery.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re looking to enjoy the beaches and stunning coastline on holiday to Cambodia<\/a> then perhaps March to May is the best time for you. But others who may be looking to do a bit more exploring on a tour<\/a>, might lean towards the cooler weather from November through to February.<\/p>\n

Month by Month Guide<\/h4>\n

Visiting Cambodia in January<\/strong><\/p>\n

January is Cambodia\u2019s driest month with a comfortable average temperature of 26\u00b0C. This is a great time to visit the temples of Angkor and explore anywhere in the country. \u00a0Perfect for relaxing on the beautiful beaches too!.<\/p>\n

Visiting Cambodia in February<\/strong><\/p>\n

February is much like January with little rain and average temperatures in the high twenties, still comfortable for exploring. The water levels on the vast Tonle Sap lake are still high, making this a great time to visiting the stilted villages and for taking a river cruise down the Mekong.<\/p>\n

\"Tonle<\/p>\n

Visiting Cambodia in March<\/strong><\/p>\n

The most popular time for visitors to Cambodia so expect some company at all of the main sites and be sure to book a long way in advance! Average temperatures begin to rise into the low thirties and the water levels of Tonle Sap begin to fall.<\/p>\n

Visiting Cambodia in April<\/strong><\/p>\n

April is still a popular time to visit Cambodia and the dry weather continues, the rains are generally expected in early May. Average temperatures to rise above 33\u00b0C so whilst that\u2019s perfect for the beach, you\u2019ll want to restrict your sightseeing to early morning and in the late afternoon.<\/p>\n

Visiting Cambodia in May<\/strong><\/p>\n

With the wet season on the way, you take a chance on seeing some wet weather in May. You will see showers but can also expect plenty of sunshine to bless your days. Although the humidity begins to rise, this is still a good time to be out and about exploring.<\/p>\n

Visiting Cambodia in June & July<\/strong><\/p>\n

June and July are firmly in Cambodia\u2019s wet season with plenty of showers, heat and humidity. Mud roads can become boggy and travel disrupted from time to time.<\/p>\n

Visiting Cambodia in August<\/strong><\/p>\n

Temperatures begin to fall in August making touring more comfortable but the rains continue throughout Cambodia. Showers generally last a few hours at most. The positive side of this wet weather is the levels of Tonle Sap begin to rise again and the whole country looks incredibly lush and vibrant.<\/p>\n

Visiting Cambodia in September<\/strong><\/p>\n

The wettest month in Cambodia with heavy showers expected every day. Although torrential, they usually last an hour or two at most so exploring can still be pleasant. Some remoter areas with mud roads may experience some disruption to travel.<\/p>\n

Visiting Cambodia in October<\/strong><\/p>\n

A lovely month to visit. Temperatures continue to fall with averages in the high twenties and the rains beginning to abate. The peak season crowds are also yet to appear.<\/p>\n

Visiting Cambodia in November<\/strong><\/p>\n

One of the best and most popular times to visit Cambodia with average temperatures a lovely 26\u00b0C and dry days the norm. The wet season has left the country looking lush the high waters levels of Tonle Sap lake are perfect for exploring.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Visiting Cambodia in December<\/strong><\/p>\n

The weather is perfect in Cambodia during December. Temperatures average in the high twenties and this is one of the driest months of the year. Christmas is an exceedingly popular time to visit Cambodia so be sure to book up well in advance.<\/p>\n

What to wear<\/h3>\n

Packing can be a challenge when you have booked to go away on a holiday. You have to consider the beliefs and cultures of the local people, while ensuring that you are comfortable and protected from the weather.<\/p>\n

A few months ago we wrote a guide on what to pack for a holiday to Cambodia<\/a> in which we mentioned how you should be appropriately covered up when visiting particular sights. This is a point that JB from Will Fly for Food<\/a> echoed:<\/p>\n

\u201cRemember to dress appropriately when visiting the Angkor temples in Siem Reap. Wear pants or skirts that go below the knees and shirts that cover the shoulders. Skirts, small shorts, tank tops, and other items of revealing clothing are not allowed within temple grounds.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

JB, who has written a travel guide to Siem Reap<\/a>, emphasised the importance of respecting the local people and their customs:<\/p>\n

\u201cThis dress code was implemented in recent years to combat\u00a0the wave of nude pictures tourists would take at these sacred sites. They’d post them on social media, presumably for a laugh. These temples are sacred to Cambodians so please be mindful of their customs.\u00a0Respect their ways, don’t\u00a0be entitled, and keep your clothes on.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

You ultimately want to be comfortable, dressed practically and appropriately so if you are heading to a temple or religious site consider the following:<\/p>\n