Good Time to Visit

Weather

Cambodia has a tropical monsoon climate, with a wet season in May to November; the average monthly rainfall at Phnom Penh is 25 cm in October and 0.7 cm in January. There are high temperatures in the lowland region throughout the year; in the north, winters can be colder. The best months to visit Cambodia are during the dry season (November to April), and especially during November to January when temperatures and humidity are lower than usual. There is often seasonal flooding in late July and early August, when travel may be disrupted.

Visitors are advised to bring lightweight clothing all year; waterproofs are essential during the rainy season.

For more information on the Cambodian weather, see Climate in Cambodia.

Festivals

Chaul Chnam Chen, the Lunar New Year, is celebrated by ethnic Chinese and Vietnamese in late January or early February. The Chaul Chnam, or Khmer New Year, celebrations bring the country to a standstill for three days in April.

The Khmer calendar's most important festival is Bon Om Tuk (Festival of Boat Racing), celebrating the end of the wet season in late October or early November. This annual boat rowing contestis held when the Mekong river begins to sink back to its normal levels allowing the Tonle Sap River to reverse flow. Approximately 10% of Cambodia's population attends this event each year to play games, give thanks to the moon, watch fireworks, and attend the boat race in a carnival-type atmosphere.

Public Holidays

The following table shows the public holidays celebrated in Brunei. Holidays falling on a Saturday or a Sunday are taken on the following Monday.