Rainy Season In Cambodia: Is It Worth Going? (2024)
Are you wondering how bad is the rainy season in Cambodia?
There is so much excessive negativity about the rainy season in Southeast Asia that you’re probably confused is it worth visiting Cambodia during the wet season at all.
I traveled around Cambodia during the rainy season for several weeks and had a fantastic time despite occasional showers.
Cambodia’s rainy season can be a fantastic time to visit Cambodia, with fewer crowds and lower prices.
However, monsoons can be unpredictable, and it might not be the best time to come if you’re short on time or planning sunny beach days.
Let’s find out if it’s a good time to travel for you!
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. I hope you find the information here helpful!
When Is The Rainy Season In Cambodia?
The rainy season in Cambodia usually starts in mid-May and lasts until mid-October.
September is the month with the most rainfall, but recently, October has had a lot of rain too.
Of course, there are no exact dates, and you can experience rainy days outside this period.
When I was backpacking in Thailand, I was stuck in my hostel for several days because of the most powerful showers I’ve ever seen. And that was in February, which is the dry season!
What Is Cambodia Rainy Season Like?
The first thing you should know about the rainy season is that it is not THAT bad.
Before coming to Cambodia, I thought it would rain for days on end, something like European autumn.
However, tropical rain is not the same as the persistent, day-long rain we have in Europe.
As I was backpacking Cambodia during the rainy season, I found it quite interesting how punctual the rain was. It would rain most days at the same time!
I spent 3 days in Phnom Penh, and it rained every night at exactly 11 PM! The rest of the day was perfect – dry and sunny.
While I was backpacking in Siem Reap, it rained around 4 PM for half an hour to 45 minutes, the same as in Kampot!
You’ll quickly notice the rain in Cambodia comes in powerful but brief showers.
Umbrella won’t be much use here, so you don’t need to bother bringing it when packing for Cambodia.
When it rains, the best thing to do is to simply go inside until it stops. If you need to be outside, those massive plastic ponchos you can get for 1 dollar or riels will be your best bet.
Another thing to know is that even if it only rains for 45 minutes, it is quite common for streets to flood.
I had to walk to take a bus in Kampot after a strong shower, and all the streets were flooded up to my ankles!
I changed into my flip-flops and hoped I wouldn’t get a foot infection because any other footwear was useless.
Pros And Cons Of Visiting Cambodia During Rainy Season
Traveling to any Southeast Asian country during the monsoon season has pros and cons you should consider before booking your ticket.
Cons Of Visiting Cambodia In Rainy Season
The obvious con of visiting Cambodia in the rainy season is the weather.
If you’re hoping for a tropical vacation, you’re probably thinking of soaking in the sun on a tropical beach, not fighting a tropical monsoon.
For those hoping for beach days, the rainy season is likely the worst time to visit Cambodia.
If you’re visiting Cambodia for 2 weeks during your annual PTO, you don’t want to lose days waiting for the rain to stop or be cold on the beach because it is too cloudy for the sun to shine through.
It’s not just the beaches that can be enjoyable. Another serious con is flooding.
Most tourist areas don’t experience flooding in Cambodia, but if you’re planning to get off the beaten track, you might face problems with the rain affecting underdeveloped Cambodia’s infrastructure.
Finally, the wet season is the low season. That means that some places might be closed, and some tours might not be running.
The low season is the most noticeable on the islands, and for solo female travelers in Cambodia, it might be lonely.
Pros Of Traveling To Cambodia In Rainy Season
First, the weather is not bad all the time!
Sure, it will rain for at least half an hour every day. But you’ll still get plenty of sunshine and dry days. If you’re lucky, you might not see any rain for a few days!
Low season also means fewer crowds.
If you don’t want to fight a hoard of group tours trying to see the same stone in a temple, this is the time to go!
For everybody traveling to Cambodia on a budget, prices are lower in the rainy season!
You’ll notice many Cambodia hostels and hotels offering promo prices, up to 50% lower than usual.
Also, tour companies will offer discounts to attract tourists, as there are fewer tourists than during winter in Cambodia.
There are many Angkor Wat tours, so everyone is trying to offer the most competitive price. You can expect the same with trekking and other tours.
Finally, the nature is absolutely beautiful! Everything is lush and green, the rice fields are mesmerizing, and the waterfalls are stunning.
It is not for nothing that they say that rain brings life!
Cambodia Weather In Rainy Season
Southwest monsoon comes to Cambodia in late May, bringing humidity and rainy days.
The humidity might be even more frustrating than the rain. It is constantly humid, while it only rains for a couple of hours a day.
Temperatures are still quite high, and it gradually gets cooler as it heads towards October.
However, don’t expect snow in Cambodia. It is still a tropical country where cool means 25℃.
Temperatures throughout the country are relatively similar.
May and June are the hottest months, but the average temperatures are 26-33℃ during the season.
Things To Do During Rainy Season In Cambodia
1. Admire Angkor Temples Without Crowds
Seeing Angkor temples is probably the number 1 item on everybody’s bucket list for Cambodia.
Visiting in the low season ensures you get to admire the temples with fewer crowds.
Sure, watching the sunset in front of Angkor Wat is always going to be more or less crowded.
However, the Angkor UNESCO site stretches over 400 km2, so you might be completely alone exploring other temples!
I joined the Angkor Wat tour where we visited some of the most popular temples, and we were the only group there at the time.
If you hire a tuk-tuk driver or get a private Angkor Wat tour, you can easily find many temples where you’ll be the only visitor!
2. See The Floating Villages
Floating villages are one of the unique settlement types in rural Cambodia.
These wooden houses perched on the stills are a sight to admire during the rainy season. As the water fills Tonlé Sap Lake, the houses appear to float on the water.
3. Take A Boat From Siem Reap To Phnom Penh
Another activity on Tonlé Sap Lake is taking a slow boat from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh.
This boat trip is only possible during the rainy season because there’s not enough water in the lake otherwise.
A friend of mine took the boat and said it was an incredible experience observing the communities that live in houses along the lake.
4. Kayak In Kampot
Kayaking in the mangroves is one of the best activities to add to your Kampot itinerary.
The Green Cathedral, or the Green Loop, is the best part of the river for kayaking. It is easy to access, and as it is a loop route, you get back to where you started!
5. See The Waterfalls
Cambodia is home to several impressive waterfalls, which are most powerful and beautiful to see during the rainy season.
The most popular waterfall in Cambodia is the Kulen waterfall, and you can visit it on a trekking day trip from Siem Reap.
However, there are waterfalls throughout the country, including Koh Rong islands.
6. Admire The Rice Paddies
Another typical Southeast Asian landscape is the lush green rice paddies.
Rice farming is one of the main agricultural activities in Cambodia.
Plan your trip towards the end of the rainy season in September and October to see the rice fields in the best condition.
7. Try A Cooking Class
A fun activity to add to your itinerary on a rainy day in Cambodia is a Khmer cooking class!
Cooking classes are always held inside, so the weather doesn’t affect the activity.
I joined a cooking class in Siem Reap, and it was a great way to spend an afternoon and learn a new skill.
The best thing about cooking classes is that you can adapt the recipes to every diet.
If you want to try vegan Cambodian food, you simply pick vegan options on the cooking menu.
8. Join A Yoga Retreat
Joining a yoga retreat in Cambodia is a fantastic idea year-round.
However, it is even better if you’re visiting during the wet season and want to enjoy activities that are not dependent on the weather.
I spent 3 days on a yoga retreat in Kampot in late October. It was supposed to be the end of the monsoon season, but it still rained every day.
It was so relaxing to do yoga while listening to the rain outside.
9. Explore The Country Side
Finally, if you want to enjoy the lush green nature of Cambodia, head to the countryside. That won’t be that hard, as most of Cambodia is still rural.
If you’re not afraid of the rain and mud, a fun way to explore the Cambodian countryside is on a bike tour!
My friend went on a 5-day bike tour around Siem Reap and said it was an incredible experience despite the rain. I prefer to stay dry when cycling, so I’d pick a sunny day for this activity.
Summary: Rainy Season Cambodia
Most people will say monsoon season is the worst time to visit Cambodia. However, it is not as bad as it sounds!
Cambodia is a tropical country and a year-round tourist destination. There are things to do in Cambodia at any time of the year.
Sure, the rainy season might not be the best time to enjoy the beaches, but it is the best time to enjoy the lush greenery, waterfalls, and tourist attractions with fewer crowds.
You’ll love the rainy season In Cambodia if you’re backpacking SE Asia for several months and can afford several slow travel days.
However, if you only have a short time to explore the country and want guaranteed sunny days, it is not the safest option.
