Since you reached this post, we bet that you have also had a question – “When is the best time to visit Cambodia?” as many travelers around the world. Cambodia is a wonderful Southeast Asian nation worth seeing for its enigmatic beauty, majestic temples, vast plains studded with green rice farms, and unique history. Many Western visitors have made Cambodia a must-stop on their Indochina trip, not only to appreciate the country’s beauty but also to experience the people’s distinct cultural characteristics. So, in order to organize your Cambodia visit precisely, let’s learn about the weather and environment here!
Overview of Cambodia Weather
Cambodia’s climate is tropical, having three distinct seasons: cold, hot, and rainy. Cambodia’s dominant climate is hot and humid, with the highest temperatures occurring between mid-March and May, reaching 32*C. The temperature in Cambodia dips to a more comfortable 25°C to 30°C during the transition between the old and new years, between December and January. The weather in Cambodia in January is the most comfortable during the year which causes it to be a major travel time in Cambodia. The period from May to October contributed to the yearly rainfall total, causing humidity to climb by nearly 80%, combined with temperatures that stayed high, which can be inconvenient for tourists.
Seasons in Cambodia
The cold season in Cambodia
Cambodia’s temperature starts to drop in November and has been extremely nice from December to January. At this time of year, the temperature in Cambodia’s capital city of Phnom Penh ranges from 21°C to 32°C. The temperature in Cambodia during the cold season is mild, so you won’t need to put on too many layers to be warm. Because January is the coldest month of the year, it is also the month when most people choose to travel.
The temples of Angkor, visiting multi-colored marketplaces, and trekking in the jungle are popular destinations during this time period. This is also an excellent time to explore places such as Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and Battambang. The dry weather will make it simpler to explore temples, marketplaces, and museums. Because the cold season coincides with major holidays such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve, the cost of services will rise, as will crowds, which may negatively impact your travel experience.
The hot season in Cambodia
The hot season in Cambodia lasted from March through June, with temperatures reaching 40 degrees Celsius in April. This is also known as the dry season, but the humidity is kept at around 60%, causing the temperature to remain hotter than usual. At this time of year, there is virtually no breeze, the streets are devoid of shade, and the dusty air makes it extremely difficult for travelers to explore Cambodia. Fortunately, there is some rain during this time of year, which keeps the air clearer and fresher. If you visit Cambodia at this time, the beaches are the best option. Sihanoukville is Cambodia’s most gorgeous beach, and you may completely consider this time-lapse option to take advantage of promotions.
The rainy season in Cambodia
The rainy season in Cambodia is separated into two stages: the hot phase, which lasts from June to September, and the cold phase, which lasts from October to November. During the rainy season, the number of rainy days per month might reach 20. Rainstorms typically occur in short bursts and may be predicted. They frequently occur in the afternoon.
A bright feature during that wet season was that the rainfall significantly helped to the lowering of heat from June to September. The temperature began to drop at around 23°C during the cold period, which lasted from October through November. In some places, such as Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, flooding can occur on a small or major scale. As a result, if you want to visit Cambodia at this time, you must bring a raincoat and waterproof shoes. The rainy season in Cambodia is perfect for travelers on a tight budget.
You may have chosen an ideal time for your vacation to Cambodia based on the weather and climatic information presented above. Let’s see when the best time to visit Cambodia is based on visitor volume.
Seasons in Cambodia in terms of tourism volume
Peak season
The cold season, from December through February, is the peak season for Cambodian tourists. It’s also the time of year when many travelers believe the weather is at its best. Cool temperatures of around 25°C, along with dry weather, make tours of the temple or trekking in the woodlands more spectacular than ever. If you want to go to the beach, now is the time to do it. At this time of year, the southern islands of Kep and Kampot are popular tourist destinations. Kampot is a little town with a tranquil pace of life where you may participate in Kayaking activities or double-discover Kep nearby and Rabbit Island. The sky will be so blue at this time that a boat cruise will be fantastic.
However, if you decide to visit Cambodia during this time, you will need to bring extra money and be prepared to deal with crowds at every site.
Shoulder season
In Cambodia, the months of March through June were called the shoulder season. At this time of year, the weather might be considered quite hot and uncomfortable. And it’s because Cambodia’s roadways haven’t really developed, causing the air to be extremely dirty and dusty. The scorching temperature, along with a tropical country’s high humidity, will make outdoor activities like visiting temples or marketplaces difficult and uncomfortable. At this moment, going to the beach is the best option. This is a pretty acceptable time period for travelers with low budgets, especially if traveling in groups of people since you will receive a lot of deals.
Off-peak season
The off-peak in Cambodia lasts from June to November. With an average of 20 days of rain each month, it’s difficult to visit sites. Furthermore, floods are a hazard that you should be concerned about at this time. However, if you are an adventurer who enjoys tranquility, now is the moment for you. Because there are virtually no visitors visiting Cambodia at this time, you will almost certainly have a very affordable trip with a variety of interesting experiences.
Cambodia was considered to be an impossible destination to visit if you have the opportunity to reach Southeast Asia. Although the weather is generally severe, it is not a deterrent to visiting Cambodia. What exactly are you waiting for? Book your Cambodian trip today!
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