Tourism Seasons by Country
Pick a country to see its tourist season month by month — high season, shoulder season and low season — along with any festivals that affect prices, crowds or closures that month.
Cambodia
| Month | Season Description |
|---|---|
| January | November through February is Cambodia's undisputed high season. Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap are at maximum visitor density — thousands of tourists compete for the same sunrise viewpoints, and tuk-tuk and guide prices surge. Guesthouses on Pub Street and around the temple complex need booking 3–6 weeks ahead in December and January. The south coast (Sihanoukville, Kep, Kampot) is equally busy with beach tourists. Christmas and New Year weeks command a 70–100% premium at most mid-range properties. Flights from Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on budget carriers sell out quickly. |
| February | November through February is Cambodia's undisputed high season. Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap are at maximum visitor density — thousands of tourists compete for the same sunrise viewpoints, and tuk-tuk and guide prices surge. Guesthouses on Pub Street and around the temple complex need booking 3–6 weeks ahead in December and January. The south coast (Sihanoukville, Kep, Kampot) is equally busy with beach tourists. Christmas and New Year weeks command a 70–100% premium at most mid-range properties. Flights from Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on budget carriers sell out quickly. |
| March | March, April, and October are shoulder periods. April is intense: daytime temperatures hit 38–41°C, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap feel like an oven, and the Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey, mid-April) fills all domestic transport with Cambodian families returning to their provinces — advance booking of buses and guesthouses is essential. October marks the transition out of monsoon season; prices begin to edge up as weather improves but tourist numbers are still manageable, making it an excellent value window. |
| April | March, April, and October are shoulder periods. April is intense: daytime temperatures hit 38–41°C, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap feel like an oven, and the Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey, mid-April) fills all domestic transport with Cambodian families returning to their provinces — advance booking of buses and guesthouses is essential. October marks the transition out of monsoon season; prices begin to edge up as weather improves but tourist numbers are still manageable, making it an excellent value window. |
| May | May through September is the low season. Discounts of 40–60% on guesthouses and hotels are readily available, including walk-in rates at properties that refuse to negotiate in December. Angkor Wat is atmospheric in the overcast light and moats fill with water, creating mirror reflections — photographers prefer this. The southern islands near Kep and many Sihanoukville boats suspend operations. Western backpackers are the dominant visitor group. Phnom Penh is quieter and more liveable. Budget travellers with flexibility find Cambodia most rewarding in this season. |
| June | May through September is the low season. Discounts of 40–60% on guesthouses and hotels are readily available, including walk-in rates at properties that refuse to negotiate in December. Angkor Wat is atmospheric in the overcast light and moats fill with water, creating mirror reflections — photographers prefer this. The southern islands near Kep and many Sihanoukville boats suspend operations. Western backpackers are the dominant visitor group. Phnom Penh is quieter and more liveable. Budget travellers with flexibility find Cambodia most rewarding in this season. |
| July | May through September is the low season. Discounts of 40–60% on guesthouses and hotels are readily available, including walk-in rates at properties that refuse to negotiate in December. Angkor Wat is atmospheric in the overcast light and moats fill with water, creating mirror reflections — photographers prefer this. The southern islands near Kep and many Sihanoukville boats suspend operations. Western backpackers are the dominant visitor group. Phnom Penh is quieter and more liveable. Budget travellers with flexibility find Cambodia most rewarding in this season. |
| August | May through September is the low season. Discounts of 40–60% on guesthouses and hotels are readily available, including walk-in rates at properties that refuse to negotiate in December. Angkor Wat is atmospheric in the overcast light and moats fill with water, creating mirror reflections — photographers prefer this. The southern islands near Kep and many Sihanoukville boats suspend operations. Western backpackers are the dominant visitor group. Phnom Penh is quieter and more liveable. Budget travellers with flexibility find Cambodia most rewarding in this season. |
| September | May through September is the low season. Discounts of 40–60% on guesthouses and hotels are readily available, including walk-in rates at properties that refuse to negotiate in December. Angkor Wat is atmospheric in the overcast light and moats fill with water, creating mirror reflections — photographers prefer this. The southern islands near Kep and many Sihanoukville boats suspend operations. Western backpackers are the dominant visitor group. Phnom Penh is quieter and more liveable. Budget travellers with flexibility find Cambodia most rewarding in this season. |
| October | March, April, and October are shoulder periods. April is intense: daytime temperatures hit 38–41°C, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap feel like an oven, and the Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey, mid-April) fills all domestic transport with Cambodian families returning to their provinces — advance booking of buses and guesthouses is essential. October marks the transition out of monsoon season; prices begin to edge up as weather improves but tourist numbers are still manageable, making it an excellent value window. |
| November | November through February is Cambodia's undisputed high season. Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap are at maximum visitor density — thousands of tourists compete for the same sunrise viewpoints, and tuk-tuk and guide prices surge. Guesthouses on Pub Street and around the temple complex need booking 3–6 weeks ahead in December and January. The south coast (Sihanoukville, Kep, Kampot) is equally busy with beach tourists. Christmas and New Year weeks command a 70–100% premium at most mid-range properties. Flights from Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on budget carriers sell out quickly. |
| December | November through February is Cambodia's undisputed high season. Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom in Siem Reap are at maximum visitor density — thousands of tourists compete for the same sunrise viewpoints, and tuk-tuk and guide prices surge. Guesthouses on Pub Street and around the temple complex need booking 3–6 weeks ahead in December and January. The south coast (Sihanoukville, Kep, Kampot) is equally busy with beach tourists. Christmas and New Year weeks command a 70–100% premium at most mid-range properties. Flights from Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City on budget carriers sell out quickly. |
Festivals & events
Khmer New Year
Closures
Apr
Three-day new year (mid-April). Cities empty as locals head home; many shops and services close.
Royal Ploughing Ceremony
Celebration
May · approximate dates
Ancient royal rite in Phnom Penh marking the start of the planting season. Usually May.
Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day)
Closures
Sep–Oct · approximate dates
Fifteen days honouring ancestors; Phnom Penh empties as people return to home provinces. Lunar dates, Sep–Oct.
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival)
Book ahead
Nov · approximate dates
Boat races on the Tonlé Sap draw huge crowds to Phnom Penh. Lunar dates, usually November.
