Cambodia Weather & Climate Guide 2025
Plan your trip with detailed weather information and seasonal tips for Cambodia.
Cambodia captivates visitors with the magnificent Angkor Wat temple complex, French colonial architecture, and pristine tropical beaches. From the bustling capital of Phnom Penh to the serene countryside, Cambodia offers an unforgettable blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality.
Best Time to Visit
Best Months
November to February (cool and dry season)
Months to Avoid
June to October (monsoon season with lower prices)
Climate Overview
Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons: a dry season from November to April and a wet season from May to October. Temperatures are warm year-round, ranging from 22°C (72°F) in cooler dry-season nights to 38°C (100°F) during April's hot season. The wet season brings heavy afternoon rains that flood the Tonlé Sap Lake to six times its dry-season size and turn the Angkor jungle vivid green.
Month-by-Month Guide
What to expect each month of the year.
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Seasonal Planning Guide
Complete weather data, packing lists by season, and event calendars.
Seasonal Breakdown
Detailed information for each season.
🌸 Spring
Mar-May
The hot dry season — temperatures peak at 36-40°C in April, the hottest month. Lowest rainfall, very dusty. Khmer New Year celebrations in mid-April are spectacular but cause transport disruption.
☀️ Summer
Jun-Aug
Early wet season with daily afternoon thunderstorms that cool the air. Lush green scenery, fewer crowds, and 30-50% lower prices. Rains usually last 1-2 hours then clear. Tonlé Sap begins rising.
🍂 Fall
Sep-Nov
Peak wet season September-October with heaviest rains and possible flooding. November sees rain tapering off rapidly — by late November it's nearly dry. Water Festival in November is Cambodia's most spectacular event.
❄️ Winter
Dec-Feb
The peak tourist season with cool, dry, comfortable weather. December temperatures hover around 24-28°C — ideal for temple exploration. January is the coolest month and most popular for tourism.
What to Pack
Seasonal packing recommendations.
Year-Round Essentials
- Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Light scarf or shawl (for religious sites)
- Reusable water bottle
- Power adapter
- Basic first aid kit
Hot Weather Additions
- Lightweight, breathable fabrics
- Extra sun protection
- Cooling towel
- Light colors to reflect heat
- Sandals with back straps
Cool Weather Additions
- Warm layers (fleece, sweater)
- Light jacket or coat
- Rain gear (umbrella, waterproof jacket)
- Closed-toe shoes
- Warm accessories (if winter)
Events & Crowd Levels
Plan around busy periods and special events.
🔴 High Season
December to February
Higher prices, advance booking essential, crowded attractions.
🟡 Shoulder Season
March and November
Good balance of weather and crowds. Reasonable prices.
🟢 Low Season
April to October
Best deals, fewer tourists. Some services may be limited.
Major Events & Holidays
The biggest celebration in Cambodia with temple visits, traditional games, water throwing, and family gatherings. Cities empty as locals return to home villages. Temples crowded, festive atmosphere everywhere. Businesses close for 3-5 days.
Spectacular dragon boat races on the Tonle Sap River in Phnom Penh celebrating the reversal of water flow. Three days of festivities with illuminated floats, fireworks, concerts, and street parties. Over a million visitors to Phnom Penh.
The second most important Khmer festival honoring deceased ancestors. Cambodians visit up to seven pagodas over 15 days making offerings of food to monks. Beautiful ceremonies, but businesses may have irregular hours.
Ancient Brahmin ceremony performed by the King to mark the beginning of rice planting season. Sacred oxen predict the year's harvest. Held at Veal Mein park near Royal Palace with thousands attending.
Three-day public holiday celebrating the current King's birthday. Royal Palace illuminated, fireworks, public celebrations in Phnom Penh. Government offices and many businesses closed.
Special New Year celebrations at Angkor Wat with traditional ceremonies, apsara dance performances, and cultural events. Great time to experience Khmer culture but extremely crowded temples.
Annual beach festival in Sihanoukville celebrating Cambodia's coastline with beach games, seafood festivals, live music, and water sports competitions. Growing in popularity each year.
International photography festival in Siem Reap featuring exhibitions, workshops, and talks by renowned photographers. Free exhibitions around town. Great for photography enthusiasts.
Week-long film festival showcasing local and international films with outdoor screenings, workshops, and filmmaker Q&As. Growing cultural event highlighting Cambodian cinema revival.
Unique parade of giant puppets created by Phare Ponleu Selpak arts school through Battambang streets. Colorful, creative celebration with street performances and music.
Plan Your Perfect Cambodia Trip
Get our complete seasonal guide with detailed packing lists, event calendars, and month-by-month planning tips.
Download Weather Guide