Discover Cambodia in August: Weather, Attractions, and Travel Tips

If you are seeking a peaceful, affordable, and incredibly attractive travel destination in August, Cambodia might meet your expectations. With its majestic relics and mythical Khmer tales, diverse tropical landscapes, and smiling locals, this peaceful Southeast Asian country will surely satisfy you.

In this article, you will find authentic and varied information about Cambodia in August, and we will explore together whether this period is suitable for exploring this fascinating country. Ready to discover Cambodia?

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 26-07-2024

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Table of contents

1. How is the Weather of Cambodia in August?
2. Is Traveling to Cambodia in August Possible?
3. Best Places to Visit
4. Combine Your Adventure with Other Southeast Asian Countries
5. Practical Tips

1. How is the Weather of Cambodia in August?

Cambodia is a must-visit destination in ancient Indochina, offering captivating and mystical beauty yet to be discovered. The country experiences two distinct seasons: the rainy season from May to October and the dry season from November to April. Being in a tropical zone, Cambodia enjoys a hot and humid climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of 30°C, which can reach 35-37°C in summer.

cambodia weather in august — *Cambodia is a must-visit destination in ancient Indochina, offering captivating and mystical beauty yet to be discovered.*

However, if you plan to travel to Cambodia in August, note that it is the heart of the rainy season, also known as the monsoon season. The heaviest rainfall occurs between July and September, accompanied by strong winds. You can expect occasional downpours during this period.

August is one of the least crowded months for tourism in Cambodia, offering you the chance to explore popular sites without the usual tourist crowds. This can work to your advantage if you prefer a more serene and intimate experience. Imagine having iconic landmarks like Angkor Wat almost to yourself, with the added bonus of dramatic skies and vibrant greenery enhancing your photos.

>>> Explore Best Time to Visit Cambodia: Plan Your Perfect Trip

cambodia rainy season — *However, if you plan to travel to Cambodia in August, note that it is the heart of the rainy season, also known as the monsoon season.*

2. Is Traveling to Cambodia in August Possible?

The best time to travel to Cambodia is undoubtedly during the dry season, which extends from November to April. However, this also means that temperatures can be higher, and tourist crowds can be larger at certain times. If you are a nature lover, traveling to Cambodia in August can also offer benefits, with lush vegetation and beautiful floating regions.

cambodia lush vegetation in august — *If you are a nature lover, traveling to Cambodia in August can also offer benefits, with lush vegetation and beautiful floating regions.*

Despite the rainy season, the rains are often brief and tend to occur late in the afternoon. The rest of the time, the weather is pleasant and sunny. It is therefore recommended to plan outdoor activities in the morning and early afternoon to avoid the rain.

The heavy rains bring down the temperature to about 25-32 degrees Celsius, making the temperature more pleasant and the vegetation lusher. The natural landscapes become more contrasted and picturesque after the rain, offering breathtaking moments. This is why this season is often called the "green season." The waterfalls and rivers are more abundant, and tourist sites are less crowded.

>>> Discover Cambodia in 7 Days! 🏰🌿 From ancient ruins to vibrant streets. 🍲🎨

cambodia touristy season — *More than 1 million tourists travel in Cambodia during Chinese New Year*

On the other hand, it is also a favorable period to enjoy cheaper excursions and fewer crowds, as most visitors prefer to avoid the August rains. Flight, accommodation, and activity prices are generally lower. In short, if you are looking for an authentic and peaceful experience in Cambodia, the rainy season can be an interesting option to consider.

green lush in mondulkiri — *“Green Season” in Mondulkiri – a province in the northeastern plateau of Cambodia*

3. Best Places to Visit

3.1 The Floating Village of Tonlé Sap - The Best Place to Travel in Cambodia in August

The floating village of Tonlé Sap, located along the Mekong River, is a perfect choice for a trip to Cambodia in August due to the rising waters during the rainy season. This period offers an ideal opportunity to explore the abundant aquatic flora and fauna of the region. Tonlé Sap is the largest freshwater lake in Southeast Asia, serving as a vital source of water and fish for the local inhabitants. Khmers, Vietnamese, and Muslims are the main people living there.

tonle sap lake — *Multi-colored tourist picture of tourism in Tonle Sap*

During the rainy season, the lake's surface extends to about 30,000 km², allowing for boat excursions with locals to discover the lush nature. This biosphere reserve is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its rich aquatic flora and fauna, including flooded forests, rare birds, aquatic animals, and more.

>>> Journey through Cambodia & Thailand! 🏝️🕌 Epic adventures and rich heritage. 🌟🎒

3.2 The Angkor Complex and Angkor Wat Temple

The Angkor complex is a must-visit during a trip to Cambodia. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a sacred religious symbol of the country, comprising a monumental complex of over 1,000 majestic temples spread over more than 1,000 km². To enjoy the impressive view of this panorama, you can opt for a hot air balloon flight.

However, being one of Cambodia's main tourist attractions, the Angkor complex is often very crowded with numerous visitors. To avoid the crowd and fully enjoy this wonder, visiting Angkor Wat during less touristy seasons, such as August, is not a bad idea. This way, you can admire the beauty and grandeur of this site without being disturbed by the mass of tourists.

Additionally, during the rainy season, the lush vegetation makes this historic site even more mythical and photogenic. The trees rooted in the ruined temples and the moss-covered stones create a magical atmosphere, adding to the experience of your visit. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture these unforgettable moments!

>>>> Are you thinking of Best Places to Visit in Cambodia?

3.3 Phnom Penh, the Capital of Cambodia

Despite the heavy rains, Phnom Penh in August can offer a pleasant tourist destination for travelers who wish to explore the city in a more tranquil setting while discovering the rich history and culture of this fascinating city.

royal palace in phnom penh — *August can offer a pleasant tourist destination for travelers who wish to explore the city in a more tranquil setting*

The city of Phnom Penh is a harmonious blend of Khmer and French styles with historical monuments. You can organize your visit to indoor places such as the Royal Palace, the National Museum, or the Central Market to discover local craftsmanship and culture.

The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, also known as S21, is an indoor place recommended for your trip to Cambodia in August. This museum was created to commemorate the victims of the Pol Pot regime in Cambodia in the 1970s. It is a very moving and heartbreaking museum, but also very informative, where you can learn more about the dark history of Cambodia.

>>> Explore Vietnam, Cambodia & Thailand! 🗺️🍜 Culture, beaches, and temples in one amazing trip. 🌴✨

3.4 Battambang, an Off-the-Beaten-Path Cambodian City

Battambang has neither beautiful beaches nor grand mysterious temples, but it is the second-largest city in Cambodia and a significant contributor to the country's economy. Visitors can learn more about the city's history by visiting Phnom Sampeu and Wat Bann Temple. Additionally, a unique experience not to be missed is traveling by "bamboo train," invented after the city's railway station was closed.

>>> For more information, please read: Battambang Travel Guide 2024

4. Combine Your Adventure with Other Southeast Asian Countries

For travelers wishing to discover the beauty of Southeast Asia, a combined itinerary between Cambodia and Vietnam is a very interesting option.

August marks the end of summer in the northern regions of Vietnam, bringing cooler and more pleasant temperatures, ranging between 28 and 35 degrees Celsius. The heavy rains subside, making it an ideal time to explore this beautiful part of the country. In the high mountains, such as the Sapa or Ha Giang regions, the landscapes transform into a breathtaking panorama of golden rice terraces ready for harvest. This is the perfect season to admire these stunning views.

So why wait? Take a glance at Vietnam Cambodia tour for an unforgettable trip.

To round off your stay, consider a seaside extension on the beautiful beaches of central Vietnam. This region typically enjoys pleasant weather with plenty of sunshine. However, it is important to be aware that unexpected tropical storms can occasionally occur during August.

>>> For more details, read: Vietnam in August

5. Practical Tips

Here are some tips to prepare well before traveling to Cambodia in August during the rainy season:

Bring a raincoat or umbrella to protect yourself from the rain.
Don’t forget to bring cosmetic products to protect your skin (sunscreen, insect repellent, etc.) as it is hot and humid, and there are many insects.
Regularly check the weather forecast to be well informed of the weather conditions during your trip.
Check the prices of services before purchasing them to control your budget well.
During the rainy season, there are fewer tourists, meaning that prices for accommodations and activities can be more advantageous. It is therefore advisable to check the prices before paying to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

For more tips, please read: Practical tips for traveling Cambodia

Our Final Words

In summary, traveling to Cambodia is an exciting adventure in the life of a beautiful and mysterious country. Visiting Cambodia at least once in a lifetime allows you to appreciate the eternal beauty of the Khmer Empire and learn more about this legendary civilization. Now, you may have found the answer to your question of whether to travel to Cambodia in August. In the end, no matter the time of year you go, Cambodia always has its own mysterious beauty that deserves to be discovered.