Weather in Cambodia in September, October and November

Travelling to Cambodia for the holidays? The weather in Cambodia in September is the transitional period from the wet season, to the winter season. The months of September, October, and November in Cambodia mark both the peak point and the end of the rainy season.

The gentle culmination of the rainy season marks the start of winter. The weather in Cambodia in November is when temperatures begin to drop gradually with the winters settling in. Don’t mind packing a sweater though as the temperature regularly hits 30° C (86°F) even in December. During this period, you can also experience several cultural festivals in Cambodia. 

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Angkor Wat is a popular destination for travellers in this region in the months of September, October and November.

Weather in Cambodia – September, October and November

If you are planning a trip to Cambodia during this period then you need to be a little cautious during the month of September. This month marks the peak of the wet season. There is a possibility of flooding in the cities as well as low lying roadways that connect the major cities. However, you can still visit during this month as there are a lot of things to see and do. You can witness the people celebrating the National Constitution Day as well as the Pchum Ben Day which is an important religious festival for the people. Just keep in mind that rain may play spoilsport on your trip.

Given the drop in temperatures in the weather in Cambodia in November, October and November are much more pleasant months for travelling to Cambodia. The temperature is much cooler than it is during April and May. Many festivals in Cambodia are celebrated during these months. The pleasant days, cool nights and festivities all around make this an ideal time to pack your bags and set off for this beautiful tropical nation.

Cambodia receives a good amount of rainfall in the month of September with rainfall being at its peak, whereas October and November receive relatively lesser rainfall.

Seasonal Festivities

All over the world, festivals celebrate the passing of seasons. In Cambodia, the end of the rainy season marks the period when the rice crop ripens. The start of winter marks an eventful period when the flow of the Tonle Sap reverses. The people celebrate to show their gratitude to the Mekong river for blessing their land with fertility and also bringing an abundance of fish during the rainy season. 

The transition of seasons is when the native culture and traditions of Cambodia are most evident. The simple folk of Cambodia express their gratitude to the heavens for providing rain, the land for nurturing their rice, and the rivers for their sustenance. Celebrating the festivals in Cambodia is a fascinating cultural experience. Also, given that the festivals are a result of the weather in Cambodia, it is a lovely time to be in the country during these months!

Getting around Cambodia is very easy!

The entire country celebrates the end of the wet season and expresses gratitude towards nature for the abundant rainfall and fresh fish.

What to Pack for the weather in Cambodia in september, october and november?

In case you’re travelling to Cambodia in September, remember to pack a light rain jacket and appropriate footwear. The weather in Cambodia in November also marks the beginning of the winter season. For this period, pack light cotton outfits for the day and light winter wear for the nights. We lay emphasis on ‘light’ as Cambodia can be quite warm even during the winter. It is a tropical country after all. Don’t forget to pack a hat, sunglasses and some sunscreen to ward off the tropical sun.

Cambodia is an extremely affordable holiday destination!

Cambodia being a tropical country, make sure you pack your sunglasses, hats, and all those essentials to protect yourself from the tropical sun.

Places to Visit

Cambodia starts to get crowded with the onset of the winter months. The weather in Cambodia in September marks the end of the rainy season. The hotel prices also start to increase during this time. One of the most iconic events that happen in the country during this period is the Tonle Sap changing its direction of flow. If you visit during the right time you can witness this happen.

This period also marks several national holidays which include the Constitutional day and Independence Day. This is a nice time to be in the capital city of Phnom Penh. The cooler temperature due to the weather in Cambodia in November, also makes this a good time to visit the Angkor Temples and other outdoor locations in the country. 

You can also visit the Koh Rong islands and have a beach day on some of the best beaches in the world. For an off the beaten path adventure, you could also visit the more reclusive Koh Rong Samloem island. 

You can read our extended list of places to visit in Cambodia here!

After the wet season ends at the end of October, you can visit the islands on the Cambodian coast again.

Festivals in cambodia

Travelling to Cambodia toward the end of the wet season allows you to gain insight into the local culture and witness grand festive celebrations. The weather in Cambodia in September is the peak monsoon season. It is a great time to witness celebrations that take place to show gratitude to mother nature. Towards the end of the season, with the weather in Cambodia in November marking the end of the monsoon season, a number of other festivals are celebrated. The most special one being the festivities that mark the change in flow of the Tonle Sap River.

Constitutional Day – 24th September

This day celebrates the formal adoption of the Cambodian Constitution in 1993. This day is a national holiday and you will find celebrations in Phnom Penh.

Pchum Ben Day – 16th to 18th September, 2020 | 5th to 7th October, 2021

Pchum Ben Day is a festival akin to All Souls Day in the west. It is a festival when the people of Cambodia honor their deceased and present them with offerings of food. Deceased up to ten generations are honored by the people during the Pchum Ben Day.

This festival is celebrated during the fifteenth day of the tenth month of the Khmer calendar. As such, the date may vary from year to year so check when the festival falls the year you visit.

Commemoration of the King’s father, Norodom Sihanouk – 15th October

This celebration is triumphantly held inside the Royal Palace and at royal governmental institutions on 15th October every year to honor His Majesty, the King’s father Norodom Sihanouk.

Paris Peace Agreements Day – 23rd October

This national holiday celebrates the signing of the Paris Peace Agreements in 1991.

King’s Coronation Day, Norodom Sihamony – 29th October

The coronation of King Norodom Sihamony is celebrated on 29th October in Cambodia. You can find celebrations taking place in the capital city of Phnom Penh.

Cambodian Independence Day – 9th November 

The 9th of November is celebrated as Cambodian Independence Day when Cambodia received its independence from France in 1953.

Bon Om Touk – 30th October to 1st November, 2020 | 18th to 20th November, 2021

Bon Om Touk is by far the most important festival in Cambodia. It marks the end of the rainy season and the start of the short winter. This festival marks the change in course of the Tonle Sap river, as it starts flowing back towards the sea.

Locals celebrate it with great zest as they thank the Mekong river for providing them with sustenance and bringing fertility to their lands. They celebrate it on the full moon of the Buddhist month of Kedauk. Dates may vary from year to year so it would be best to check the festival dates for the year you are travelling to Cambodia in.

The Tonle Sap Phenomena

In the year 1177 A.D, the Khmer King Jayavarman VII defeated the invading Champa soldiers by chasing them down the river away from the then capital city of Angkor. Locals celebrate this event with a boat race on the Tonle Sap river that involves more than 400 boats every during the festival. Illuminated boats on the river after sunset, fireworks, concerts, market stalls and lots of amazing street food all make this a festival that you just cannot miss. So, make sure that you partake in the Bon Om Touk festivities when you are in Cambodia during late October-early November.

Boat races are an old tradition during the water festival in Cambodia at the beginning of November.

The weather in Cambodia in September, October and November will give you the best experience of the country’s rich culture. Besides this, travelling to Cambodia during this period is a great time to experience the various festivals of Cambodia. It is also the best way to witness the simplicity of the warm, kind hearted locals. There is a lot to love about the culture and heritage of Cambodia. The people’s perseverance to keep their age-old traditions alive in a modernising world is remarkable. Looking for the best time to visit Cambodia or how long to spend? Go through our list of essential Travel tips. If you need any assistance in planning your trip, get in touch with us or simply hit the Plan Your Trip button. We will help you plan the ideal holiday while keeping in mind your travel style and available dates. A holiday customized to suit all your needs and interests.