The best months to move to Cambodia are November – February (cool dry season). Tropical monsoon. Hot year-round (25–35°C). Two seasons: dry (Nov–Apr) and wet (May–Oct). Siem Reap slightly cooler than Phnom Penh.

Seasonal planning guide — weather, visa timing, rental markets & expert tips

Last updated: March 2026

The best time to move to Cambodia is November – February (cool dry season). Tropical monsoon. Hot year-round (25–35°C). Two seasons: dry (Nov–Apr) and wet (May–Oct). Siem Reap slightly cooler than Phnom Penh. Avoid moving during July – September (monsoon, flooding in Phnom Penh) if possible.

Best Time to Move

November – February (cool dry season)

Avoid If Possible

July – September (monsoon, flooding in Phnom Penh)

Cambodia Climate Overview

Tropical monsoon. Hot year-round (25–35°C). Two seasons: dry (Nov–Apr) and wet (May–Oct). Siem Reap slightly cooler than Phnom Penh.

Season-by-Season Guide

Cool Dry (Nov–Feb)

22–32°C

Best time to arrive — most comfortable temperatures
Peak tourist season at Angkor Wat
Good time for business visa extensions

Hot Dry (Mar–May)

28–40°C

Extreme heat in April (38–40°C) — challenging
Khmer New Year (April 13–16) — major celebration
Phnom Penh quieter as locals leave for provinces

Wet Season (Jun–Aug)

25–33°C

Daily afternoon rains — mornings usually clear
Cheapest rents as tourists leave
Green season — countryside is lush and beautiful

Peak Monsoon (Sep–Oct)

24–32°C

Heaviest rains — Tonlé Sap Lake floods (natural phenomenon)
Phnom Penh: some street flooding possible
Water Festival (November) preparations begin

Visa & Immigration

Tourist visa (T-class): 30 days, $36 on arrival. Business visa (E-class): 30 days, $36, endlessly renewable — this is how most long-term expats stay. E-visa extensions: 1/3/6/12 months. No minimum income requirements. Easiest visa regime in Asia.

Rental Market

Phnom Penh 1-bed: $250–500/mo. Siem Reap: $150–350. Kampot: $150–300. Among the cheapest in Asia. Furnished, often with pool access. Month-to-month standard.

Cambodia Relocation Timeline

6–12 months before

Research Cambodia visa options and residency pathways. Consult an immigration lawyer. Start gathering documents (apostilles, translations, police clearances).

4–6 months before

Submit your Cambodia visa application. Arrange international health insurance. Open a multi-currency bank account (Wise, Revolut). Start learning the local language.

2–3 months before

Book temporary accommodation in Cambodia for your first 2–4 weeks. Arrange international shipping if needed. Downsize and sell belongings. Get apostilles on remaining documents.

1 month before

Book flights to Cambodia. Set up mail forwarding. Cancel local subscriptions and memberships. Download offline maps and translation apps.

First week in country

Get a local SIM card. Open a local bank account. Register with local authorities. Explore neighborhoods before signing a long-term lease.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to move to Cambodia?

The best months to move to Cambodia are November – February (cool dry season). Tropical monsoon. Hot year-round (25–35°C). Two seasons: dry (Nov–Apr) and wet (May–Oct). Siem Reap slightly cooler than Phnom Penh.

What visa do I need for Cambodia?

How much does rent cost in Cambodia?

Phnom Penh 1-bed: $250–500/mo. Siem Reap: $150–350. Kampot: $150–300. Among the cheapest in Asia. Furnished, often with pool access. Month-to-month standard.

When should I avoid moving to Cambodia?

Try to avoid moving during July – September (monsoon, flooding in Phnom Penh). This is typically the most challenging period due to weather extremes, peak pricing, or administrative slowdowns.

Best Time to Move to Cambodia (2026)