When Is The Best Month To Visit Vietnam And Cambodia?

As Cambodia shares a border with Vietnam, a trip to Vietnam is often combined with an extension to Cambodia. Combining a trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, you can discover remarkable myths and legends and admire natural splendors ranging from paradisiacal beaches to rice terraces stretching as far as the eye can see.

Vietnam – Cambodia, when to go? When is the best month to visit Vietnam and Cambodia? These are common questions you might ask before planning a trip to these countries. Follow our information and recommendations to help you choose the best travel dates.
 

Written by Adam LE (Local Expert) Updated on 29-07-2024

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1. Weather Insights for Vietnam and Cambodia

We take this opportunity to provide you with general information about the weather in Vietnam and Cambodia. This will give you an initial understanding of the climate in these two countries, helping to answer the questions, "Vietnam – Cambodia: when to go?" or "When is the best month to visit Vietnam and Cambodia?"

1.1 Weather and climate of VietNam

The climate in Vietnam is typically tropical: the average temperature being rather high (> 21 degrees), a large amount of rainfall 1800-2000 mm/year, even exceeding 3,200 mm in the mountainous central part, and high humidity being greater than 80%. It is characterized by heat, humidity, and monsoons.

However, as the country extends over more than 2000 km from north to south, the type of weather differs according to the regions of the country (north, center, south). When one region has sunny weather, the other might be cloudy or wet. 

• The Northern Region: A year is divided into 4 seasons such as spring (Feb, Mar, Apr), summer (May, Jun, Jul), autumn (Aug, Sep, Oct) and winter (Nov, Dec, Jan). 
• The Centre region: 4 seasons as in the North. 
• The Southern Region: It is hot all year round. The south has 2 seasons during a year; the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season lasts from Nov to Apr. May marks the beginning of the rainy season, which extends up to the end of Oct.

>>>Explore more in the article: Best time to visit Vietnam 🌅🎒🛫

1.2 Cambodia Weather

Similar to Vietnam, Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country overlooking the Gulf of Thailand, located in the heart of the Indochinese peninsula and subject to a tropical climate. Cambodia's weather is similar to that of southern Vietnam, with two distinct seasons marked by the southwest and northeast monsoons. The rainy season lasts from May to Oct with intense but short rains, while the dry season from Nov to Apr brings little rain and pleasant weather.

Regardless of the weather, Vietnam and Cambodia, each adorned in their own charming way, continuously captivate travelers with their dazzling and distinctive landscapes, as well as their unique and vibrant cultures.

>>>Read more: Best time to visit Cambodia

2. Best Months To Visit Vietnam And Cambodia: When To Go? What To Visit?

The following graph displays the weather details for two countries by month, which will help you determine the best season to visit Vietnam and Cambodia. From it, you'll see that the optimal times for a combined trip to Vietnam and Cambodia are from October to December and from February to April.

Weather and best places to visit in Vietnam from February to April

• The North: This is spring when it is cool, neither hot nor cold. On the other hand, it is humid with drizzle in February but without risk of rain. However, in the high mountains, the weather is sometimes cloudy.
• The Centre: The weather is often sunny but not hot, with an average temperature of 21 to 33 degrees. It sometimes rains but it does not hinder the discoveries at the Centre.
• The South: These months are in the dry season when it is always sunny and without the risk of rain. During this period, you benefit from favourable conditions for the discovery of the South.

You can now visit the North to experience all of its charms: the capital city of Hanoi, Halong Bay,  Ninh Binh (Halong Bay on land), and the high mountains where the rice terraces are lush in March and April. However, consider exploring the high mountains in February and early March due to the cloud cover. Even then, a short circuit including hikes to discover breathtaking landscapes and ethnic villages is highly rewarding.

In the Central region, where the weather is accommodating, you can freely explore all its attractions like hiking in Phong Nha Ke Bang Park, visiting the cultural and historical monuments of the ancient capital of Hue, cycling around Hue, and wandering through Hoi An Old Town. The beaches of Hoi An are ideal for swimming by mid-April.

The three months from February to April are very favorable for travel to the South. An immersion in the Mekong Delta, a visit to Ho Chi Minh City, and a seaside stay on the paradisiacal beach of Phu Quoc are unmissable activities during your trip to this extraordinary region of the country.

>>> 🗺️Discover the 2 countries in one trip🗺️: Travel Viet Nam Cambodia in 10 days!

Weather and best places to visit in Cambodia from February to April

The weather in Cambodia during these three months is very dry, similar to southern Vietnam. The region is bathed in pleasant sunshine, without any risk of rain and without being too hot. 

Don’t miss the must-sees when you visit during these months—Phnom Penh, Siem Reap with its magnificent Angkor temples, and Tonle Sap Lake. If you are looking to escape the noise and bustle, a beach stay in Battambang or Sihanoukville would be a great choice. 

*Careful: This period falls in the middle of the high tourist season, attracting many foreign travelers. Try to make reservations in advance to ensure quality services.

>>> Read more: 2-Week Vietnam and Cambodia Tour Itinerary

2.2 What to visit in Vietnam and Cambodia from October to December?

Weather and best places to visit in Viet Nam from October to December

• The North: This period corresponds to winter with dry weather and light sunshine without the risk of rain.
• The Centre: The risk of rain and flooding remains minimal with mild temperatures.
• The South: It is sunny without the risk of rain.

It is the best time to explore the North, delve into the magical Halong Bay, and hike the majestic mountains of Sapa and Ha Giang. Even with minimal fog, the landscapes of the North at this time are quite admirable. 

These three months are also perfect for visiting the Central region. Organize walking tours in Hue or Hoi An, take a boat trip on the Perfume River in Hue, and wander through the countryside of Hoi An for a variety of interesting experiences. 

Meanwhile, the South invites you with a tour of the colonial city of Saigon and boat rides through the arroyos, offering a deep dive into the lives of the Mekong Delta’s residents. Ideal for a beach holiday, the South's beaches, like Mui Ne and Phu Quoc, will surely provide unforgettable relaxation if the beaches in the North and Central regions are less appealing during these months.

Weather and best places to visit in Cambodia from October to December

If the weather of Vietnam is very favorable, that of Cambodia is also conducive to discovering the country with an average temperature of 26 degrees and little rain. 

*Careful: It is the high season in Cambodia with a large number of tourists going there, and the price is a bit more expensive. 

Cambodia in these three months is adorned with an irresistible charm. So, if you manage to arrive at that time, do not miss the exploration of the Cambodian capital, Phnom Penh; the mysterious temples in Siem Reap; or the Tonle Sap Lake and traditional festivals like the Bon Om Touk Water Festival at the Tonle Sap Lake.

2.3 What to visit in Viet Nam and Cambodia from July to August?

Weather and best places to visit in Viet Nam from July to August

According to the table mentioned above, it's summertime in Vietnam and Cambodia, characterized by hot conditions with strong sunshine and occasional rain risks. Indeed, July's weather is very hot. August marks the end of summer in northern Vietnam; it is cooler, with temperatures ranging between 28 and 35 degrees Celsius, but monsoons bring intense, albeit brief, rains that cool the atmosphere. Visiting North Vietnam during these months, you'll be captivated by the endless green rice terraces cascading down the mountainsides. 

In central Vietnam, summer is in full swing with very sunny weather; it is ideal for families with children to relax by the sea during their summer holidays. You should consider visiting Cat Ba Island, as well as the central beaches in Danang, Nha Trang, and Mui Ne. These are sublime places to enjoy the sound of the waves, the sun, and the white sand.

In the South, although it is already the rainy season, the bad weather does not last all day; typically, it rains for just one or two hours a day, allowing the remainder of the day to be sunny and perfect for excursions.

Weather and best places to visit in Cambodia from July to August

Well, this is also the best month to come to Cambodia, especially on the south coast, if you want a seaside holiday. It is tempting to just chill out with your family on the white sandy beach and have yourself in a big peaceful space. 

>>> Get detailed information about Cambodia in August

Most of these heavenly beaches are situated in the Sihanoukville region and on offshore islands like Koh Tonsay, Koh Rong Samloem, or Koh Rong. No matter if you like beach parties with your feet in the sand, sunbathing with your partner or just lying for a quiet swimming session, there will always be a beach to satisfy your every whim.

Conclusion

The weather plays an important role in the success of a trip. We hope this article provides you with valuable information to answer your questions: "Vietnam – Cambodia: when to go?" or "What is the best month to travel to Vietnam and Cambodia?"
>>>Discover more about Vietnam and Cambodia's attractions:

• Mai Chau, Vietnam
• Da Nang, Vietnam
• Hoi An, Vietnam
• Kampot, Cambodia
• Ratanariki, Cambodia