Weather
After the heavy rains of September and October, November is refreshingly dry and comparatively cool. It's the start of the cooler, dry season, but as Cambodia is a tropical country, the weather continues to be warm. The average November temperature in the capital, Phnom Penh, is 81°F (27°C). And though November is the beginning of the dry season, there will also be rain, especially at the start. Yet it is far less than in the preceding months.
Crowds & Costs
Many tourists avoid Cambodia in the wet season, but the skies have mostly cleared by November, and conditions are ideal for getting out and exploring. November is the start of the peak season for tourism in Cambodia, although it's not as busy as December and after. Book accommodation and flights in advance, where possible. It may be hard to find any deals, but know that Cambodia is an affordable destination for most travelers, whatever your budget.
If traveling during the Cambodian Water Festival this month, know that Phnom Penh and Siem Reap will be lively drawing crowds for over three days. Schedule travel plans accordingly.
Where to Go
No trip to Cambodia would be complete without a day (or three) at the ancient city of Angkor, near Siem Reap. Despite the crowds of tourists, November is an excellent time to tour the temples as the weather is likely to be clear (some showers are possible) and conditions suitable for strolling or biking around, taking photos, and luxuriating in the sunrise or sunset views.
In November, Phnom Penh is an especially great place to be during the Cambodian Water Festival (Bonn Om Touk). This celebrates the reversal of the Tonlé Sap River into the Mekong River, both of which flow through Phnom Penh. Towns and villages across the country build large boats that can hold many people and take them to the capital to race. Large crowds gather along the waterfront to watch boat races, parades, and fireworks displays.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
As well as general sightseeing at Angkor, you might want to hire a bicycle and get between temples and archeological sites in the ancient city this way. The cooler temperatures and clear skies of November make touring by bicycle comfortable again after the rainy season.
If you're a keen cyclist and want to see more of the country from two wheels, you can also join guided tours of the Cambodian countryside by bike. While Cambodia does have mountains, much of the terrain is relatively flat and suitable for long-distance biking. Touring by bike is an excellent way to see off-the-beaten-path rural communities and lesser-visited temples and sites far from the hubbub of Angkor Wat. Some tours even cross the border into neighboring Thailand, Laos, or Vietnam.
Events in November
Bonn Om Touk (Cambodian Water Festival), Phnom Penh. This festival in early November is celebrated over three days, with concerts and boat races in Phnom Penh. It's also traditionally celebrated in Siem Reap, although the festivities aren't as big as in the capital.
Independence Day, nationwide. This holiday on November 9 marks Cambodia's independence from France in 1953. It's a public holiday, so expect business closures.
Traveling to Cambodia in November? Check out these great itineraries
Bike Journey Through Cambodia - 12 Days. See Cambodia by bike, following a pilgrimage route from Angkor to the Siem Reap Province. By getting off the beaten path, this challenge is a truly unique way to experience Cambodia's lost temples and unknown sites.
Culture & Nature in Cambodia and Vietnam - 13 Days. This journey through Indochina will walk you into the ancient Khmer city of Angkor, take you on a trip to the authentic floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake, and let you explore the world-famous Halong Bay. Start your journey in historical Siem Reap in Cambodia and continue to Vietnam.
More Helpful Information
Cambodia in October
Cambodia in December
Cambodia Tours & Itineraries