Does It Snow In Cambodia? Winter In Cambodia
If you’re planning a trip to Cambodia in winter, you might be wondering does it snow in Cambodia.
I spent several weeks in Cambodia and backpacked around Southeast Asia in winter, so I was curious too!
Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country with a tropical climate, but it does have several mountain ranges where the temperature drops in the winter.
But, does it get cold enough to snow?
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Does It Snow In Cambodia?
The short answer is: no, it does not snow in Cambodia.
Cambodia is a country with a tropical climate, so it is extremely unlikely it would ever get cold enough to snow.
In fact, the temperatures in Cambodia rarely ever drop under 15℃, which is far from the temperature necessary to see Angkor Wat covered in snow.
Some locals say that it is possible to see snow in the mountainous regions of Mondulkiri and Rattanakiri.
However, it is more of an early morning frost that melts during the day than actual snowfall.
Is There Winter In Cambodia?
Now that you know that it does not snow in Cambodia, is there actually winter in Cambodia?
If you’re dreaming of a white Christmas, Cambodia is not a place for that. It is more likely you’ll spend Christmas in a bikini than bundled up watching the snowflakes in Cambodia.
That being said, Cambodia does not experience 4 seasons in the European sense of season.
Instead, Cambodia has only two distinct seasons: wet and dry.
You could think of the weather in Cambodia as a hot summer and a slightly less hot summer.
When Is Winter In Cambodia?
Technically, the winter months in Cambodia fall under the dry season.
- November
- December
- January
- February
The temperature is slightly lower during these months, but nothing dramatic like the difference between summer and winter in Europe.
What Is Winter In Cambodia Like?
Winter in Cambodia is dry and hot.
That is compared to summer in Cambodia, which is wet and hot.
Cambodia is a tropical country and a winter sun destination. It is the place to be to escape cold and snowy winters in Europe and North America.
Winter is considered the best time to visit Cambodia, while the rainy season during the European summer is the worst time to visit Cambodia.
As it is the best time to travel, it is also a high season in Cambodia.
Cambodia is especially popular for Christmas and New Year, when the conditions are perfect for swimming and enjoying the sun onthe Cambodian islands.
The high season also means that Cambodia’s prices increase during winter, so you’ll want to book your accommodation in advance.
How Cold Does It Get In Cambodia?
During my time solo traveling in Cambodia, I talked to locals who were very excited about winter.
For context, I visited Cambodia in October, which was at the end of the rainy season in Cambodia – it was hot and humid.
When asked what is Cambodia like in winter, I was told that is a bit cooler, with an average temperature of 26 °C.
I don’t know about you, but 26 °C is summer in Europe.
However, don’t be surprised to see locals bundled up in winter coats as the temperature drops to 17°C.
January is the coolest month of the year in Cambodia. By the coolest, I mean the temperatures range from 21 to 32 °C.
In fact, the coldest winter ever recorded in Cambodia was in 1962, with an average temperature of 24.5°C.
Winter Temperatures In Cambodia
| Month | Low | High |
| November | 24°C | 31°C |
| December | 22°C | 30°C |
| January | 22°C | 31°C |
| Febuary | 24°C | 33°C |
Best Things To Do In Cambodia In Winter
Winter is the high season in Cambodia, so it is time to do everything Cambodia is famous for!
Whether you’re backpacking through Cambodia or visiting on a short holiday, here are the best things to add to your itinerary:
Relax on Cambodian Islands
Also, winter is the best time to enjoy Cambodia’s beautiful islands. It rarely rains during winter, so you get to enjoy sunny days on stunning white-sand beaches.
From Koh Rong to Koh Rong Samloem, these islands offer stunning beaches and clear waters for swimming and snorkeling.
Explore Angkor Wat
Most people go to Cambodia to see Angkor Wat. This impressive temple complex is the world’s largest religious monument and a UNESCO Heritage site.
As winter is the most popular time to visit Cambodia, you should buy your Angkor Wat ticket online to avoid long lines at the ticket office.
Attend a Local Festival
Cambodia is known for its vibrant culture and festivals, and winter is no exception.
The Water Festival or Bon Om Tou in November, Meak Bochea Day in January, and the Chinese New Year in February are some of the most popular winter festivals to attend.
Check the exact dates for the year you’re traveling so you can add a celebration to your Cambodia itinerary!
Learn About Cambodian History
You need to learn about Cambodian history to truly understand the past and present of this country.
Visit Phnom Penh to discover the painful history behind the Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum.
Join A Yoga Retreat
Yoga retreats in Cambodia are some of the most affordable yoga retreats in Asia.
As the temperatures are lower in the winter, it is more comfortable to commit to doing yoga classes two times a day.
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and find inner peace in serene locations such as Siem Reap or Kampot.
Learn To Cook Cambodian Food
A fun activity to add to your itinerary is joining a cooking class! Cambodian cuisine is vegan-friendly, so you can enjoy it even as a vegan.
You can learn to cook Cambodian specialties with a local chef in most tourist places.
I joined this cooking class in Siem Reap and got to make 4 vegan Cambodian dishes!!
Visit Pepper Farms In Kampot
Kampot is known for its delicious pepper, and winter is the perfect time to visit the pepper farms.
Take a tour, learn about how pepper is grown and processed, and even purchase some to take home.
Go Cycling Through The Countryside
With cooler temperatures and dry weather during winter, cycling through the Cambodian countryside is a delightful experience.
A friend of mine went on a cycling tour during the rainy season in Cambodia and got soaking wet.
So, take advantage of the beautiful weather in winter, rent a bike, and explore the rice fields, villages, and temples at your own pace.
What To Wear In Cambodia In Winter?
Given that winter in Cambodia is basically summer in Europe, you should wear the clothes you usually wear in the summer.
When packing for Cambodia bring light and breathable clothing that you feel comfortable in.
Don’t forget to pack temple outfits, so clothes that cover your knees and shoulders. Angkor Wat temples are a religious site, and you’re required to dress respectfully.
You’ll need a swimming outfit even if you don’t go the the islands, as you’ll want to the advantage of the pool at your accommodation.
While it is generally hot during the day, you’ll want to pack a light sweater or a hoodie for nighttime, especially if you’re visiting the mountainous regions in the northeast.
Summary: Does It Snow In Cambodia?
As you can see, it does not snow in Cambodia.
This tropical country rarely experiences temperatures under 15°C, which means that it is highly unlikely that it will ever snow in Cambodia.
If you want to escape the cold and grey winter in Europe, Cambodia is the perfect winter destination for you!
Winter in Cambodia is dry and hot, which makes it the most popular time to visit Cambodia. The weather is perfect for island hopping, sightseeing, and exploring this beautiful country.
With so many things to do in Cambodia, I’m sure you won’t even think about the snow!
