When to Go to Cambodia
To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.
Climate
Cambodia is a tropical country and like most of SE Asia is either warm or hot year round. The climate is dominated by the annual monsoon winds and there are 3 mains seasons.
The cool dry season is November to February with average mid-day temperatures in the mid to high 20s°C, dipping below 20°C at night. These months are generally considered to be the best time of year to visit, with December and January offering the very best weather across the country as a whole.
The hot, dry season starts in March and lasts through till the end of May. The dry weather (comparatively speaking – there are often heavy showers and all tropical countries at this latitude have some rain) but temperatures soar to the mid to high 30s°C and sometimes higher; inland get especially hot.
The monsoon comes in June and heralds the rainy season. Temperatures remain high with the mercury falling as the season progresses, falling back to the low 30s°C by October. Most rain falls in the afternoon or at night and usually lasts no more than a couple of hours each time. Rivers are full as are lakes but roads become difficult and often impassable. The pattern of rains tends to be different along the coast and the beach towns, where rainfall is more frequent and long lasting, sometimes for several days.
Seasonality
For sheer comfort the best time to visit Cambodia is November to February, but the rainy season has its benefits. The lakes and rivers are full, as are the moats at Angkor. It’s quieter, prices are lower and the whole country is green.
National Holidays
| Date |
Description |
| 01 Jan 08 |
New Year's Day |
| 07 Jan 08 |
Victory Day |
| 01 Feb 08 |
Meak Bochea Day. The date of this holiday varies and is yet to be set |
| 08 Mar 08 |
Women's Day |
| 01 Apr 08 |
Cambodian New Year. The date of this holiday varies and is yet to be set |
| 01 May 08 |
Labour Day |
| 01 May 08 |
Visaka Buja Day (Birth of Buddha). The date of this holiday varies and is yet to be set |
| 01 May 08 |
Royal Ploughing Day Ceremony. The date of this holiday varies and is yet to be set |
| 13 May 08 |
King Sihamoni's Birthday |
| 01 Jun 08 |
International Children's Day |
| 18 Jun 08 |
Former Queen's Birthday |
| 01 Sep 08 |
Pchum Ben Day. The date of this holiday varies and is yet to be set |
| 24 Sep 08 |
Constitution and Coronation Day |
| 23 Oct 08 |
Paris Peace Agreement |
| 31 Oct 08 |
Former King Sihanouk's Birthday |
| 01 Nov 08 |
Water Festival. The date of this holiday varies and is yet to be set |
| 09 Nov 08 |
Independence Day |
| 10 Dec 08 |
Human Rights Day |
