September is among the wettest months in Cambodia, and it's the low season for tourism. But if you're prepared for some rain and minimize your overland travel, there are benefits to coming at this time of year. Fewer other visitors at highlights like Angkor Wat are one major plus, as are the birdlife and floating villages on the Tonlé Sap lake. Read on to find out more about traveling to Cambodia in September.

Weather

Cambodia's wet season spans from June to October, and the final two months of the season are the wettest by far. In September, the rain is heavier and more consistent than earlier in the wet season, when short, sharp showers are more likely. The higher volumes of rain mean that some of the main thoroughfares through Cambodia—which is largely rural and un- or under-developed—are difficult to navigate in September. Flooding, mud, road damage, and slips can impede overland travel.

Cambodia is a tropical country, so temperatures are warm year-round, but September isn't an exceptionally hot month. The average September temperature in the capital, Phnom Penh, is 82°F (28°C). The humidity can make it feel hotter, though.

Crowds & Costs

The wet season is the low season for traveling to Cambodia, but that doesn't mean it's a bad time. You'll find fewer tourists at the most popular sites, especially in the ancient city of Angkor. Angkor covers a large area, and some of the "outer temples" that are further from Angkor Wat and off the main tourist bus routes may practically be deserted in September. It's an idea to pack weather-smart shoes as there will likely be mud and puddles underfoot. 

Getting there could be more of an issue due to rain damage on the roads. Siem Reap has a large airport, and it may be preferable to fly directly there from elsewhere in Cambodia or Asia rather than attempt the overland route. 

In September, you can find off-season specials at more upmarket hotels, especially around Siem Reap. Beach resorts are likely to be closed for the season, and it's not worth bagging a bargain at those that remain open because conditions are less beach-friendly. 

Where to Go

A highlight of a trip to Cambodia in any month is spending time at the ancient city of Angkor, and this is especially true in September when there will be few other tourists. The centerpiece temple, Angkor Wat, always gets some visitors. But the Angkor site is vast, and many lesser-visited temples and archeological sites are many miles from Angkor Wat. Some of these, mainly those further out, will be without any other visitors at this time of year.

Birdwatchers and those interested in experiencing rural life should also check out the Tonlé Sap in September. This sizeable inland lake feeds into the Tonlé Sap River, which runs through Phnom Penh, and eventually joins the Mekong River. Its water level, and what you can see and experience on it, changes throughout the year as the rains fluctuate. By September, the lake will be pretty high, with many birds living on and around the water and floating villages established for the season. Floating villages combine buildings on stilts and commerce on boats.

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What to Do

As well as exploring Angkor and the Tonlé Sap, general city sightseeing in the capital is a good activity in September. Phnom Penh is an increasingly modern city. Visitors can dine on top-notch Cambodian and international cuisine, shop for souvenirs at the covered Art Deco Central Market, admire the architecture and exhibits at the Royal Palace and the National Museum, and stroll along the wide, paved promenade beside the river.

Taking a waterbus between Siem Reap and Phnom Penh is a fun rainy season activity that is also very practical. These cross the Tonlé Sap lake and navigate down the Tonlé Sap River. They're an excellent way of avoiding less comfortable long-distance buses, especially in the wet season when some roads may be damaged or muddy, making road travel slow. The views along the way are also interesting, and you will see some of the same sights as on tourist cruises.

Events in September

Bonn Pchum Ben, nationwide. During this religious festival in late September or early October, Cambodians make offerings to monks and the ghosts of their ancestors to gain good karma. If you're visiting a temple at this time, look out for the offerings of food, fruit, flowers, and money.

Constitutional Day, nationwide. This public holiday on September 24 (or the following Monday if on a weekend day) commemorates the proclamation of the Cambodian constitution in 1993. Expect some business closures.

Traveling to Cambodia in September? Check out these great itineraries

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.

Adventures in Angkor: 4 Days. Discover the ancient ruins and delights of Angkor, just outside the bustling modern city of Siem Reap, on this 4-day trip to northern Cambodia. You'll hike and bike around Angkor's sacred sites, experience the nightlife of Siem Reap, and learn to cook and farm the Khmer way.

More Helpful Information

Cambodia in August
Cambodia in October
Cambodia Tours & Itineraries