Month-by-Month Guide
Best Time to Visit Phnom Penh
Cambodia · Updated for 2026
Quick Answer
November - February (dry, cooler)
May - September (hot, heavy monsoon rain)
October and March sit at the seasonal edges with reasonable weather and fewer tourists.
25-35 degrees C (77-95 F) year-round; monsoon June-October
Phnom Penh Month by Month
Weather, crowds, prices, and events for every month of the year.
January
$$$Peak season in Phnom Penh. Dry and pleasantly warm with cooler evenings. Temples, markets, and heritage sites are at their most vibrant and accessible.
Events: New Year celebrations, dry season peak
February
$$$Excellent weather continues in Phnom Penh. Lunar New Year brings spectacular street celebrations. Warm days are ideal for cycling through the old town and countryside.
Events: Lunar New Year, lantern festivals
March
$$$Hot and increasingly humid in Phnom Penh. Early morning temple visits are essential before midday heat. Festival season continues with excellent cultural experiences.
Events: Spring festivals, local events
April
$$Khmer New Year and Songkran water festivals animate Phnom Penh and the region. Very hot; start sightseeing before 9am and retreat to your pool in the afternoon.
Events: Khmer / Lao New Year water festivals
May
$$Hot and wet in Phnom Penh as the monsoon arrives. Prices drop and crowds thin dramatically. Afternoon rains cool the air; mornings are often clear and explorable.
Events: Buddhist festivals, local events
June
$Monsoon season is underway in Phnom Penh. Heavy daily rains but the lush green landscape and flooded rice fields are actually beautiful. Lowest prices of the year.
Events: Monsoon season, local festivals
July
$Deep monsoon in Phnom Penh. Spectacular thunderstorms light up the sky over ancient temples. Off-season means you may have iconic sites almost to yourself.
Events: Buddhist festivals, local celebrations
August
$Still monsoon season in Phnom Penh but mornings are often stunning. The countryside is brilliantly green and flooded plains create surreal landscapes near ancient ruins.
Events: Local independence events, cultural
September
$Rains ease slightly in Phnom Penh toward month-end. Cooler breezes begin. The combination of budget prices and thinning crowds appeals to adventurous travellers.
Events: Harvest festivals, cultural events
October
$$The dry season edges back into Phnom Penh. Excellent shoulder season: warm but manageable, lush and green, with better prices than peak months. A real sweet spot.
Events: Water festivals, Kathin robe ceremonies
November
$$$One of the finest months to visit Phnom Penh. Dry, warm evenings are perfect for lantern-lit old town walks. The cultural scene thrives and crowds are manageable.
Events: Lantern Festival, local cultural events
December
$$$Peak season returns to Phnom Penh with ideal weather: warm, dry, and breezy. Christmas and New Year bring international visitors. Book ahead for the best accommodation.
Events: New Year, Christmas beach events
Insider Tips for Phnom Penh
- 1November to February is the ideal dry, cooler season for most of the region.
- 2Buy an e-SIM or local SIM card on arrival for cheap data and map navigation.
- 3Remove shoes before entering temples and carry a scarf to cover shoulders.
- 4Street food is both delicious and safe if stalls are busy and food is freshly cooked.
- 5Tuk-tuks and rickshaws are fun for short trips — agree on the price before getting in.
Where to Stay in Phnom Penh
Old-town boutique hotels offer the most atmospheric stays. Temple districts and heritage areas provide easy morning access before the heat builds.
Browse Phnom Penh hotel guides