The Best Time to Visit Cambodia

If you’re anything like I was before we moved here, you’ve probably Googled “best time to visit Cambodia” about ten times… and ended up more confused than reassured.

So let me say this upfront, parent to parent: there genuinely isn’t a bad time to visit Cambodia. There are different seasons, different vibes, and different pros and cons — but we’ve lived here with young children year-round, and we’ve never had the weather fully ruin our plans.

Yes, it’s hot. Yes, the rain can be dramatic. But it’s also manageable, and surprisingly family-friendly once you know what to expect.

Below is our honest, lived-in guide to Cambodia weather by month, written from the perspective of a family doing normal life here — school runs, day trips, temple visits, cafés, pools, toddlers in tow and all.

January

January is one of the easiest months to visit Cambodia, especially if it’s your first time. The weather is dry, warm and genuinely comfortable — days feel pleasant rather than overwhelming, and evenings are lovely for wandering or an early night with tired kids. It is peak season, so things are busier, but it rarely feels chaotic.

This month is brilliant for temple exploring and relaxed pool time without the constant overheating that comes later in the year. With children, early mornings are absolute gold — everyone is fresher, temples are quieter, and the whole day feels calmer. Siem Reap and Battambang work particularly well in January, with late-afternoon sunsets around Angkor and riverside areas being a real highlight.

February

February feels very similar to January, just with a little more warmth creeping in. It’s still dry, skies are clear, and the days feel consistent and predictable — which families often really appreciate. Crowds are still there, but manageable if you plan well.

This is a lovely month if you like structure. Planning one main activity per day and leaving space to rest works beautifully, especially as the heat can sneak up on you without much warning.

March

March is when Cambodia starts turning the volume up on the heat. It’s hotter and drier, but still very doable with kids if you adjust your pace. The upside is that crowds begin to thin slightly, and the days are bright and full of sunshine.

This is a great time for slower travel — short outings in the morning, swimming or rest in the middle of the day, and gentle evenings. Water bottles, hats and mid-day pool breaks become your best friends. Kampot and Kep shine in March, especially if you enjoy beachy sunsets and a more relaxed rhythm.

April

April is hot. Properly hot. But it’s also one of the most joyful months in Cambodia thanks to Khmer New Year. Expect water fights, laughter, colour and a real sense of celebration everywhere you go. Crowds increase around the holidays, but the atmosphere is warm in every sense of the word.

With kids, the key is leaning into water play, shade and slower schedules. This is not the month to over-schedule — no one wins when everyone is overheated. Anywhere with a pool works well, and water-based activities make days feel fun rather than exhausting.

May

May is where the rainy season questions usually start — but honestly, it’s a really lovely transition month. It’s still hot, but the first rains arrive, often in short bursts that cool everything down and bring a sense of relief. Crowds thin out, and everything starts to feel a little calmer.

The landscape begins to turn greener, and sunsets after rainstorms can be absolutely stunning. Rain usually comes later in the afternoon, which works surprisingly well with kids — it’s a perfect excuse for café stops, early dinners, or heading back before bedtime.

June

June feels slower and calmer. Rain becomes more regular, but it rarely rains all day, and the country looks lush and refreshed. Tourist numbers are low, which gives everything a more local, relaxed feel.

This is a good month for flexible plans. Packing light raincoats and sandals helps, but honestly, kids tend to care far less about getting wet than we do. Battambang and Kampot are lovely choices in June, especially if you enjoy quieter travel and dramatic, cloudy sunsets.

July

By July, rainy season is properly underway — but real life rain in Cambodia usually means short, heavy bursts rather than constant drizzle. Crowds are low, greenery is everywhere, and things feel unrushed.

This month suits slower mornings and gentle afternoons. Planning indoor options later in the day works well — cafés, craft time, or soft play — and if the rain clears, you can head back out. Phnom Penh and Siem Reap both work nicely, with plenty of flexibility built in.

August

August is very similar to July but even quieter. If you don’t mind the rain, it can feel incredibly peaceful and relaxed. Accommodation prices are often lower, and there’s a sense that everything has slowed down a notch.

This is a great month to build in proper “nothing days,” which kids often thrive on. Gentle pacing is key, and places like Kampot or countryside areas really come into their own when you’re not rushing from one thing to the next.

September

September often surprises people. The rain starts easing slightly, landscapes are at their greenest, and crowds are still very low. Temples feel quiet, and the countryside looks beautiful after months of rain.

This is a lovely time for nature-based exploring, gentle walks, and early evenings out. Bug spray becomes more important than umbrellas now, especially with kids.

October

October is one of our favourite months. The rain tapers off, evenings cool down, and everything feels fresh and comfortable again. Crowds start to return, but early October still feels calm and balanced.

This month really is the best of both worlds — green scenery, softer weather, and easier travel with children.

November

November feels like a reset. The weather dries out, skies clear, and days are comfortable for exploring again. Festivals and celebrations bring energy back into the country, and travel feels easy.

Crowds do start picking up, so early mornings are helpful, especially at popular spots. Longer days out with kids feel more realistic now, particularly in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, where there’s plenty to balance sightseeing and downtime.

December

December is popular for a reason. The weather is dry and pleasant, there’s a festive atmosphere, and everything feels straightforward. It is busy, but Cambodia still rewards slower travel more than packed itineraries.

Mornings are ideal for exploring, with chilled afternoons built in for rest or pool time.

So… what is the rainy season actually like?

Let’s talk honestly, because rainy season in Cambodia is often misunderstood.

Rain is usually short, heavy, and fairly predictable — often arriving in the late afternoon or evening. In real life, it very rarely ruins plans completely. We’ve waited it out, swapped activities, or slowed the day down, and life just carries on.

With kids, rainy season can actually be lovely. Keeping plans flexible, carrying snacks and spare clothes, and using rain as downtime — cafés, colouring, early nights — makes everything feel manageable. And honestly, don’t fear puddles. Cambodian kids certainly don’t.

Final thoughts

If there’s one thing I hope you take away, it’s this: you don’t need to overthink the best time to visit Cambodia.

Cambodia works year-round.
Different months just bring different rhythms.

Travelling with kids here is slower, softer, and far more forgiving than you might expect. The country has a way of helping you relax into it — rain, heat, toddlers and all.

Pick the time that works for your family, and trust that Cambodia will meet you where you are!

And if you’re travelling with little ones and want more family-friendly tips, cafés, activities and honest recommendations, that’s exactly why Little Locals Cambodia exists — and we’re so glad you’re here.