The Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia: Ultimate Guide for Travelers

Both Vietnam and Cambodia have tropical climates year-round; only northern Vietnam is different, with a subtropical climate. To make it smoother to visit both countries on one trip, it’s a good idea to consider the weather when making plans.

The best time to explore Vietnam and Cambodia is from November to April. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, and you’ll also have festival surprises like Christmas, New Year, and Lunar New Year. If you prefer fewer crowds and more budget-friendly travel, the rainy season from May to October can be a suitable option.

In this guide, we will show you the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia according to weather, crowds and budget. Let’s start planning your adventure!

The Best Time to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia Together: November to April

November to April is the best time to visit both Vietnam and Cambodia. The climate in both countries is pleasant during this time, perfect for hiking without having to worry about heat or heavy rain.

During this time, northern Vietnam is cool and dry, perfect for exploring Hanoi and Halong Bay; central and southern Vietnam are sunny with minimal rainfall, making it a great time to visit Hoi An, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Cambodia is in its dry season from November to April, with the lowest rainfall during this time, perfect for visiting temples or exploring the outdoor complex of Angkor Wat, and a great time for hiking, exploring city streets, or taking beautiful photos.

Country	November	December	January	February	March	April
Vietnam	temp: 18-24°C rainfall: 86mm humidity: 79%	temp: 15-21°C rainfall: 43mm humidity: 77%	temp: 14-20°C rainfall: 26mm humidity: 75%	temp: 15-21°C rainfall: 30mm humidity: 76%	temp: 18-24°C rainfall: 40mm humidity: 78%	temp: 21-28°C rainfall: 90mm humidity: 81%
Cambodia	temp: 23-30°C rainfall: 56mm humidity: 70%	temp: 22-30°C rainfall: 16mm humidity: 66%	temp: 22-31°C rainfall: 7mm humidity: 63%	temp: 24-33°C rainfall: 20mm humidity: 66%	temp: 26-35°C rainfall: 50mm humidity: 69%	temp: 27-36°C rainfall: 77mm humidity: 71%

The Super Peak Season for Visiting Vietnam and Cambodia: Christmas, Summer Vacation & Spring Festival

During Christmas, summer vacation and Lunar New Year, both Vietnam and Cambodia are in peak tourist season, with dense crowds and high prices.

The Christmas and New Year holidays last from late December to early January, and Vietnam and Cambodia usually hold special events and decorate everywhere. Tourists fleeing cold climates flock to these countries, and local tourists also vacation during this time, and hotel rooms are usually fully booked before November.

Spring festival is another peak tourist season. The Vietnamese Lunar New Year (Tết) is usually between late January and mid-February, with fireworks, cultural performances and celebrations everywhere, but most stores are closed for 3-5 days, and local tourists surge. Cambodia's Khmer New Year is generally in mid-April, with a three-day temple fair and bustling streets.

Schools in Vietnam and Cambodia are on summer vacation from about June to August, which is also the summer vacation time for many international tourists. Families and students travel together, and popular tourist attractions have a surge in tourists during this period. The beaches in Da Nang, Nha Trang and Phu Quoc in Vietnam are sunny but crowded; in Cambodia, it is hot at this time, but you can expect sunrise at Angkor Wat or visit temples in the early morning.

If you must travel during the peak season, book at least three months in advance. During this period, the increase in demand for tourism services makes it more difficult to book accommodation, transportation and tour services, and airfare and hotel prices may double.

Hanoi Old Street in Vietnam is celebrating Christmas.

Can l Visit Vietnam and Cambodia during the Rainy Season: May to October

Of course you can! Don’t let the name of the rainy season scare you off, it’s still possible to visit Vietnam and Cambodia from May to October, even though it’s rainy.

The rainy season in Vietnam and Cambodia is usually characterized by short, heavy downpours in the afternoon that last an hour or two – and then the sun comes out! While the rain can be heavy, in a tropical climate, storms come and go quickly without causing much disruption, and even after the rain, everything becomes lush and green, making it perfect for taking photos.

If you don’t mind the wet afternoons, visiting Vietnam and Cambodia’s popular attractions from May to October is less crowded, allowing you to explore more easily and enjoy a more comfortable experience, which is an important reason why some people choose to visit during the rainy season.

Country	May	June	July	August	September	October
Vietnam	temp: 24-32°C rainfall: 188mm humidity: 79%	temp: 26-33°C rainfall: 239mm humidity: 82%	temp: 26-33°C rainfall: 288mm humidity: 86%	temp: 26-33°C rainfall: 318mm humidity: 86%	temp: 25-32° rainfall: 265mm humidity: 83%	temp: 25-31°C rainfall: 182mm humidity: 80%
Cambodia	temp: 26-35°C rainfall: 158mm humidity: 71%	temp: 26-34°C rainfall: 157mm humidity: 73%	temp: 26-33°C rainfall: 171mm humidity: 76%	temp: 26-33°C rainfall: 197mm humidity: 79%	temp: 25-32°C rainfall: 258mm humidity: 82%	temp: 24-31°C rainfall: 266mm humidity: 81%

The ancient town of Hoi An in Vietnam is very beautiful during the rainy season.

The Most Money-Saving Season to Visit Vietnam and Cambodia: May, September and October

If you are on a budget or looking to save money, the best time to visit Vietnam and Cambodia is during the rainy season in May, September and October.

During this period, tourism in both countries is in the off-season, so hotels and transportation in Vietnam and Cambodia will attract tourists by reducing prices and offering promotions, free room upgrades, and less crowded exploration of popular attractions.

October is the end of the rainy season, and May to June is just the beginning of the rainy season and hot weather. These months are relatively pleasant, with moderate humidity, fewer crowds, and lower prices, both of which are the best. Click to know which is cheaper to travel to, Cambodia or Vietnam?

Angkor Wat in the rainy season has its own special characteristics.

The Monthly Climate Features of Vietnam and Cambodia

January

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 17°C in the north to 27°C in the south. Overall weather is pleasant and dry.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 26°C. Overall weather is cool and dry.

February

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 17°C in the north to 28°C in the south. Overall weather is pleasant and dry. Weather is pleasant and dry.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 27°C. The weather is dry and warm.

March

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 19°C in the north to 29°C in the south. Overall weather is pleasant and warm. Weather is warm and dry.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 28°C. The weather remains dry, warm and sunny.

April

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 23°C in the north to 30°C in the south. Spring continues with weather being dry overall, pleasant in the north, and hot in the south.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 29°C. The weather is dry and starting to get hot.

May

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 28°C in the north to 29°C in the south. Weather is hot with occasional rain.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 29°C. Occasional rain starts and temperature stays hot.

June

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 30°C in the north to 28°C in the south. Humidity is high and rain is more frequent.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 29°C. Start of the rainy season, humidity is high.

July

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 30°C in the north to 28°C in the south. Frequent downpours and high humidity.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 28°C. Frequent showers and high humidity.

August

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 29°C in the north to 28°C in the south. Frequent downpours and high humidity.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 28°C. Frequent downpours and high humidity.

September

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 28°C in the north to 27°C in the south. Frequent downpours and high humidity.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 28°C. Frequent downpours and high humidity.

October

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 25°C in the north to 27°C in the south. Temperatures begin to cool and weather is drier.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 28°C. The weather is cooler and drier.

November

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 22°C in the north to 27°C in the south. Weather is cool and dry with occasional fog. In the south it is pleasant and dry.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 27°C. The weather is pleasant and dry.

December

Vietnam: Average temperature range from 28°C in the north to 26°C in the south. The weather is cool and dry with occasional drizzles. In the south it is pleasant and dry.

Cambodia: Average temperature around Phnom Penh is 26°C. The weather is pleasant and dry.

Read more to know how to visit Vietnam and Cambodia easily.

Conclusion

Visiting Vietnam and Cambodia together is a chance to have an unforgettable experience of the culture and sites of these Southeast Asian countries. Knowing when to go is an important step in planning the right vacation.

Whether it is peak season travel with its ideal weather, or the more adventurous trip during the rainy season to find the best deals, we all hope you can find the best time to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia and create a perfect trip!