The best time to visit Laos and Cambodia

Vivid with color, culture and adventure, Southeast Asia is one of the world’s most exciting destinations to explore. Ancient temples, emerald mountains, fun-filled festivals and highly hospitable locals make it a joy to discover. Here we look at the best time to visit Laos and Cambodia throughout the months, to help you plan a fulfilling journey across Southeast Asia.

Understanding the two seasons across both countries

To help you understand the best time to visit Laos and Cambodia in a nutshell, broadly speaking, there are two distinct seasons across the northern region of Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Myanmar). These are simply the dry season and the rainy season.

Dry season (November-April)

The dry season in Cambodia and Laos lasts from around November to April. The high season, and prime time for travel, is November to January, when temperatures are pleasantly warm, hovering in the 70s Fahrenheit (approximately 20-25 Celsius). In November and early December, the rainy season has just come to an end, so these are some of the best months to visit Laos and Cambodia with springlike greenery and rivers in full flow.

In late February, temperatures can climb into the 90s Fahrenheit (30-40 Celsius), which some travelers may find uncomfortable. Landscapes can become quite parched and potentially dusty as the dry season progresses.

Wet season (May-October)

The monsoon rains begin around May, reviving and freshening the landscape. Depending on your priorities, this can still be a good time to visit both countries. Downpours are short and sharp, falling mostly in the afternoons, making mornings especially good for sightseeing in cities and at the Angkor Wat Temple Complex in Cambodia. Temperatures at this time of year are well into the 90s Fahrenheit (30s Celsius).

Best time to visit Laos and Cambodia: popular regions and weather variations

Northern Laos climate patterns

Northern Laos is largely mountainous with steep roads and dense jungle. It is a spectacular region to visit, but traveling here is best during the dry season or very early in the rainy season. As the rainy season progresses into July, August and September, travel in this remote area can become challenging. In general, the climate here is cooler than in the south, and can even become chilly at times.

Southern Laos and 4000 Islands

Depending on the season, southern Laos (including the 4000 islands) is either tropical and warm or tropical and hot. This region is best visited from around November to January. At this time of year, the weather is dry and warm, waterfalls are in full flow, and lush greenery is all around.

Angkor Wat and Siem Reap area

The centrally-located Angkor Wat temples experience the classic Cambodia climate. The best time to visit is during the early dry season from November to February, when temperatures are less intensely hot. Peak season is December and January, so for fewer crowds, aim for the months either side. Come March and April, the temples are quieter, but temperatures soar. The rainy season is also quieter, so if you don’t mind frequent soakings, this can be a good time to visit too.

Cambodia’s coast and islands

Cambodia’s tropical coastline and islands are within the Gulf of Thailand, but the beaches are less developed than in neighboring Thailand. By far the best months to travel to Cambodia for a beach break are during the dry season from November to April. Similar to Angkor Wat, the busiest months are December and January, and the hottest are generally March and April. During the rainy season, frequent downpours, strong winds and choppy waters do not combine well with sunbathing, sea swims and snorkeling.

Cambodia weather by month, events and top activities

• January: This is dry season in Cambodia, with comfortable, warm weather throughout. It’s the ideal time to spend time on the beaches or exploring Angkor Wat. However, it is a popular time to visit, so expect crowds.
• February: Dry season continues with pleasant temperatures and sunshine, along with plenty of other visitors.
• March: The temperature begins to climb this month, so sightseeing can be tiring, and water levels drop in the Mekong and wetlands. It is still a popular time to visit Cambodia, and prices remain at peak season rates.
• April: This month sees the Khmer New Year celebrations mid-month, so it is a busy time for travel. Temperatures keep climbing, making early mornings and late afternoons the best times for sightseeing.
• May: This is the shoulder season in Cambodia with changeable weather and fewer visitors. May is an excellent month for a budget visit, and it is quieter at the temples and beaches. Although there may be some showers, they are few and far between. Temperatures remain high and water levels low.
• June: The rainy season ramps up, bringing with it respite for parched rivers and farmland. The countryside gets a green up, and prices remain low with fewer travelers. The rains are still short and sharp, so it’s a pleasant time to visit Cambodia, although not so suitable for a beach break.

• July: The rains pick up, and so does the wind along the southern coast, taking beach breaks off the agenda. However, it is still a good time for cultural exploration and temple visits, with cooler temperatures and beautifully green surroundings.
• August: Rainy season continues, with flora and fauna at their best. Those who enjoy wildlife will be in their element, with the rivers and wetlands full, and nature busy all around.
• September: Peak rainy season and a tricky month for travel, with heavy downpours and potential flooding.
• October: This is a fantastic month to spend time in Cambodia, with the rainy season winding down and plenty of sunny days and lush vegetation. Pchum Ben, a two-week Buddhist festival, takes place, making it culturally fascinating too (first half of the month).
• November: High season kicks in with temples and beaches busy with visitors. Temperatures are balmy, and the popular Cambodia Water Festival takes place with plenty of high spirits and dousing in the streets. This is the beginning of the dry season in Cambodia.
• December: Peak season continues with great weather for beach breaks and temple exploration. It’s a busy and popular time to travel in Cambodia.

Read more: Interview with one of our local partners in Cambodia

Laos weather by month, events and what to do

• January: Warm and dry throughout the country, though cooler in the highlands. It’s a great time to explore by boat and land, and it is a busy season in Laos.
• February: Warm and dry throughout Laos, though cooler in the highlands. The Buddhist Full Moon Festival is held. Fewer travelers than in January.
• March: Dry season continues with temperatures ramping up (though it’s still cool in the highlands). Water levels are lower now, meaning river travel isn’t as likely. Boun Koun Khao harvest festival is held.
• April: This is the last month of the dry season, and the hottest. River travel is less possible. The Lao New Year festival is held with water dousing of passersby for good luck!
• May: The rainy season in Laos begins, but there will be a mix of dry and wet weather across the country. Everywhere will be hot and humid, particularly so in the south. The Boun Visakhaboucha Buddhist festival is held, along with a rain-summoning Rocket Festival (in May or June).
• June: The rainy season gets going, but rains are short and sharp with sunny weather between deluges. Temperatures remain high. The annual Rocket Festival may fall in June, depending on the year.

• July: Mid-rainy season brings rains across the country, and temperatures start to dip. Landscapes become greener, and rivers swell.
• August: This is the peak of the rainy season in Laos, with lower temperatures and frequent rain. Travel to remote places becomes tricky because of potential flooding, but the gorgeous greenery of the Laotian landscapes is at full power.
• September: Rains continue, waterfalls thunder, and the rivers are in full flow. The Rice and Boat Racing Festival is held in Luang Prabang.
• October: This month sees the start of the dry season in Laos, and it’s a great time to visit. There will still be a few showers, but the countryside is refreshed and beautiful, and there are fewer crowds than in the later months of the dry season. A boat racing festival is held on the Mekong River.
• November: This is the best time of year to visit Laos, with comfortable temperatures throughout and full rivers for boat travel.
• December: Another month of perfect weather conditions makes this a popular and busy time to visit.

Read more: A heritage guide to Laos

Practical tips and advice for your multi-country trip in Southeast Asia

• If you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind skipping the beach, then early or late in the rainy season could be the best time to visit Laos and Cambodia.
• Festivals offer a fantastic cultural window into a country, so planning your trip around major festivals and events could work well.
• If temple exploration and photography are high on your agenda, consider visiting during a quieter period to allow for crowd-free images.
• For boat journeys and Mekong River activities, consider the impact of seasonal water levels.
• Thailand, Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia are all relatively close together, so you could combine two or more countries into your trip, but only if you have enough time to do them all justice.

Make it happen

Seek out the wonders of Southeast Asia for yourself on the multi-country tour of your dreams: reach out to our locally-based travel experts in Laos and Cambodia today to start planning your trip. They’re full of knowledge on the best time to visit Laos and Cambodia, as well as the most unique and immersive experiences to add to your itinerary for a truly unforgettable vacation.