Some Cambodians humorously say there are three seasons: hot, hotter, and hottest. In reality, the country has a dry season and a wet season that shape its landscape and agricultural cycles.

The dry season runs from November to May, with the cooler months from November to February being the best time to visit due to mild temperatures. From February to May, it can get very hot, often exceeding 40°C (104°F), making the countryside look parched.

The wet season lasts from June to October and coincides with the southwest monsoon. While it rains heavily once a day, this season offers lush greenery and great hotel discounts, making it a good time to travel.

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Best Times to Visit Cambodia:

  • High Season (November–March): Ideal weather for exploring temples, but crowded, especially during Christmas, New Year, and Chinese New Year.
  • Shoulder Season (July–August): Although part of the wet season, it’s great for families due to fewer tourists, lush scenery, and lower hotel prices, despite possible heavy rains on the coast.
  • Low Season (April–June & September–October): Not the best weather, with high temperatures or rain. However, this season offers the best discounts on accommodations, especially luxury hotels.

Overall, the cool months are perfect for visiting Angkor, while the wet season presents a unique, vibrant side of Cambodia.

The Ultimate Month-by-Month Cambodia Travel Planning Guide

Traveling to Cambodia in January

January is a great time to visit Cambodia, sitting in the cool, dry season. It’s popular with tourists, especially at Angkor Wat, so expect crowds. Here’s what you need to know:

Weather:
Temperatures are around 79°F (26°C) in Phnom Penh, making it comfortable for outdoor activities. January is the driest month, with only light rain.

Crowds & Costs:
This is peak tourist season, so book your accommodations early, especially in Siem Reap. Prices are higher, but many local guesthouses still offer good deals.

Where to Go:
Angkor Wat is a must-visit, and the beaches near Sihanoukville, like Koh Rong, are lovely this time of year with clear skies.

What to Do:
Cycling around Siem Reap is popular, allowing you to explore temples comfortably. You can also join guided bike tours through the countryside.

Events:

Liberation Day (January 7): A public holiday marking the fall of the Khmer Rouge regime, with some places closed.
Lunar New Year: Celebrated by many Cambodians in late January or early February with family gatherings.

Visiting Cambodia in January offers beautiful weather, rich culture, and memorable experiences!

Best places to visit in January

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17 January 2024 ★★★★★

Absolute Asia tours gave us a wonderful tour of Southeast Asia (working with sister-agency My Way Travel based in Vietnam). For our Siem Reap/Angkor Wat journey, our party of two had a private driver and guide named Jak, who was a cheerful and knowledgeable companion, explaining the history, culture, architecture and religious significance of the sites while keeping it always fun. We moved efficiently from site to site, and finished with a boat tour of the fishing village on stilts at Kampong Pluk on the Tonle Sap Lake. During most of our trip we stayed at top-notch locally-owned hotels, but in Siem Reap we were at the excellent local Hyatt hotel. Absolute Asia and My Way Travel our outstanding local providers, less expensive than name-brand group tours, and customized to our interests and schedule.

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2 January 2024 ★★★★★

We had an awesome time on cycling tour with AAT! It was incredible, filled with good vibes, laughs & a fantastic way to explore Vietnam & Cambodia. Tony our guide made it special by introducing us to locals and showing us the real charm of these countries. The whole tour was well-organized & the way they took care of us awesome. It's an unforgettable trip and I'll definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to experience the beauty of Southeast Asia.

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1 January 2024 ★★★★★

My group of six completed a 30 day cycling tour in Asia with AAT. We traveled form Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket & Saigon to Siem Reap. Every day we pedaled through stunning countryside views, passing villages, fields & limestone karsts. Our guide Tony was fantastic-interesting, friendly & personable. This experience stood out as the highlight of our Asia trip.

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