When to Go to Cambodia
Your visual dashboard for choosing the perfect month. Compare weather, crowds, prices, and festivals at a glance — then dive into detailed monthly guides.
What is the best month to visit Cambodia?
November to February offers the best overall experience with cool, dry weather and comfortable temple exploration. The rainy season (May-October) is worth considering too — it brings 40-50% lower prices, virtually no crowds at Angkor Wat, and lush green landscapes. April is the hottest month, and June-September offers the cheapest prices.
- November-February: cool, dry weather, ideal for temples and beaches (peak season)
- May-October: 40-50% lower prices, fewer crowds, lush landscapes (rainy season)
- June-September: cheapest overall, $25-35/day vs $40-60/day in peak season
- April is the hottest month, often exceeding 38°C
Best Weather
November – February
Cool, dry, and sunny. Ideal for temples & beaches.
Best Value
May – September
40-50% off hotels, empty attractions, lush scenery.
Best Festivals
April & November
Khmer New Year water fights & Water Festival boat races.
Annual Overview
Find Your Perfect Month
Best Month For…
Month-by-Month Guide
February
☀️ Dry🎉 Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)
April
🔄 Transitional🎉 Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
May
🌧️ Wet🎉 Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Chrat Preah Nangkal)
September
🌧️ Wet🎉 Kan Ben / Pchum Ben Preparation
October
🔄 Transitional🎉 Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day)
Festival Timeline
International New Year's Day
January 1
Public holiday with celebrations in major cities, especially Phnom Penh.
Victory Day
January 7
Commemorates the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime in 1979. Government ceremonies and museum visits.
Chinese New Year (Lunar New Year)
Late January/Early February (varies)
Celebrated by Cambodian-Chinese community with dragon dances, fireworks, and special foods.
Meak Bochea Day
Full moon of February
Buddhist observance commemorating Buddha's teachings (not on the 2026 public holiday list). Temple ceremonies and candlelit processions.
International Women's Day
March 8
Public holiday in Cambodia with celebrations and events honoring women.
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
April 14-16
Cambodia's most important holiday. Three days of celebrations with water throwing, temple visits, traditional games, and family gatherings.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Chrat Preah Nangkal)
May 5, 2026 (public holiday)
Ancient Brahman ceremony marking the start of rice planting season. The royal oxen predict the year's harvest.
Visak Bochea Day
Full moon of Visak (May 1 in 2026, combined with Labour Day)
Most important Buddhist holiday celebrating Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Temple ceremonies nationwide.
Queen Mother's Birthday
June 18
National holiday honoring Queen Mother Norodom Monineath Sihanouk.
Kan Ben / Pchum Ben Preparation
15 days before Pchum Ben
Cambodians visit temples each morning to offer food to ancestors. Experience authentic local spirituality.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day)
October 10-12, 2026 (public holiday; 15-day period begins before)
Cambodia's most important spiritual festival. Three-day holiday when all Cambodians visit pagodas to honor deceased relatives.
Commemoration Day (King Father)
October 15
Honoring the late King Father Norodom Sihanouk.
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)
November 23-25, 2026 (3 days)
Cambodia's most spectacular festival. Boat races on the Tonle Sap, illuminated floats, fireworks, and the reversal of the river.
Independence Day
November 9
Celebrating independence from France in 1953. Parades and ceremonies at Independence Monument in Phnom Penh.
Christmas
December 25
Not an official holiday but celebrated in tourist areas with decorations, special dinners, and events.
New Year's Eve
December 31
Major celebrations in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap, and Sihanoukville. Parties, fireworks, and countdown events.
Frequently Asked Questions
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