Cambodia sits just above the equator so the simplest way to explain the weather throughout the year is easy: hot. The warm climate makes for ideal holiday conditions - especially when the winter chill starts to set in at home.
This also makes Cambodia one of the more underrated backpacking options with inviting warm weather all year-round!
Basic Weather Breakdown
There are two distinct seasons, dry and rainy season. Simple! Within those seasons, there are also cooler and hot periods we cover below.
Dry Season: October to March
These is the time to visit if you want the best chance of beach weather. Places such as the islands like Koh Rong will offer beach-worthy weather. Sightseeing weather will also be ideal this time of year for Angkor Wat Temple.
Here are some quick facts for these months:
- From the end of October to February the temperature ranges from 17 to 27°C (80-95°F)
- March to May it gets hotter with temperatures ranging from 29 to 38°C (84-100°F) throughout the country.
- January is the coolest month of the year at 26°C (79°F).
A note on crowds: Because it has the best weather of the year, dry season is also when there will be the highest traffic of tourists. This can add some congestion when travelling around the country and especially to visit Angkor Wat (if large crowds put you off). We do head to the temple at sunrise on tour to avoid the heaviest foot traffic as much as possible!
Wet Season: April to September
The rainy season means emerald-green landscapes, milder temperatures, and epic sunsets. The protective cloud cover also makes this a great time to visit the temples for those who prefer to stay out of direct sun. The average temperatures these months range from 26-29°C.
The rain falls in heavy spurts that usually don’t last more than an hour. The rain is somewhat predictable, usually happening in the afternoons. Clouds can linger but usually there will be sunshine on and off in any case.
Here are some quick facts for these months:
- April and May are usually the hottest months of the year, when temperatures can climb to 40°C.
- The humidity makes it feel hotter than what the weather report say most days! August and September are usually the wettest months of the year.
- The upside of wet season is that the rains usually bring some relief from the high temperatures that come July through September.
A note on crowds: Because it has the best weather of the year, dry season is also when there will be the highest traffic of tourists. This can add some congestion when travelling around the country and especially to visit Angkor Wat (if large crowds put you off). We do head to the temple at sunrise on tour to avoid the heaviest foot traffic as much as possible!
The Best Time To Visit Cambodia
From November to February would be the top choice! Temperatures starts to cool down with little chance of rain. But as mentioned, sometimes high temperature, too much humidity, or lots of crowds weigh into travel decisions. This does make wet season more appealing for those in that mindset (and Cambodia explodes in green, lush vegetation making it less dusty than dry season).
On our 11-day backpacking group tour, you will travel to Siem Reap, city of Phnom Penh, the island of Koh Rong, the riverside town of Kampot, and more. The conditions are almost always suitable if you want warm-weather, tropical vibes, and unforgettable adventure.
Have questions about what to expect backpacking in Cambodia or about our tour? Drop our team a message with any questions and let’s make that dream trip to Cambodia a reality!
