10–12 October
Pchum Ben Festival
Official public holiday, observed nationwide.
Month by month
Cambodia in October
Still rainy (Phnom Penh’s wettest month, in fact), but turning. October carries Pchum Ben and the first signals of the dry season to come.
- Siem Reap highs
- ~30°C
- Rainy days (SR)
- 23
- Crowds
- Busy
- Public holidays
- 3
The short answer
What October is really like
October is transition: Phnom Penh actually logs its annual rainfall maximum (about 306 mm) while Siem Reap begins easing off September’s peak. Early October behaves like deep green season; by the final week the storms space out and the air starts to clear.
Culturally it is a heavyweight month: Pchum Ben (10–12 October 2026) fills pagodas nationwide as families honour their ancestors, a moving thing to witness respectfully, followed by royal commemorations late in the month. Domestic travel spikes around the holiday; internationals remain few.
The numbers
October weather, destination by destination
Ten-year averages, not brochure promises: computed from the same ERA5 climate dataset that powers our weather tool.
| Destination | Avg. daily high | Rainfall | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap | 30°C | 249 mm | 23 |
| Phnom Penh | 31°C | 306 mm | 25 |
| Battambang | 30°C | 242 mm | 23 |
| Kampot | 29°C | 275 mm | 27 |
| Kep | 29°C | 331 mm | 28 |
| Koh Rong (islands) | 28°C | 392 mm | 27 |
| Mondulkiri | 26°C | 235 mm | 23 |
International crowds this month
Busy, October ranks level 3 of 4 for international arrivals in the Siem Reap region (quartiles on Ministry of Tourism monthly data).
Dates that shape the month
Holidays & festivals in October
15 October
Commemoration Day of King Father Norodom Sihanouk
Official public holiday, observed nationwide.
29 October
Coronation Day of King Norodom Sihamoni
Official public holiday, observed nationwide.
Our picks
Where to go in October
Phnom Penh for Pchum Ben
The capital’s pagodas at their most alive, dress modestly, observe quietly, and expect many businesses closed over the holiday itself.
Phnom Penh guideBattambang
Late October is lovely here: rice at its greenest before harvest, and the bamboo train running between showers.
Battambang guideSiem Reap, late month
The last week of October often previews high-season weather without high-season company: a quiet sweet spot.
Siem Reap guidePractical
Tips for October
- Around Pchum Ben (10–12 October 2026): book intercity transport early and expect closures, like a smaller Khmer New Year.
- Pack for rain through mid-month; late October often surprises on the dry side.
- Visiting a pagoda during Pchum Ben: shoulders and knees covered, small riel notes for offerings, follow the locals’ lead.
- Island season is not back yet: hold beach plans until November.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is October wet in Cambodia?
Yes, especially early on: it is Phnom Penh’s wettest month on the 2015–2024 normals. The tail of the month usually improves markedly as the monsoon retreats.
What is Pchum Ben?
A 15-day ancestor-honouring period culminating in three official holidays (10–12 October 2026). Families return to home pagodas with offerings; it is one of the most important dates in the Khmer calendar.
Is late October a good bet?
Often, yes, storms thin out, everything is still green, and high-season crowds have not arrived. It is one of the better value-to-weather windows of the year.
Continue planning
More Cambodia travel info
Visa & Entry Requirementse-Visa, visa on arrival, e-Arrival card and entry rules.How Many Days & Itineraries3 days to 2 weeks: routes that actually work.Festivals & Public HolidaysOfficial holiday dates: Khmer New Year, Water Festival…Money & PaymentsDollars, riel, KHQR, ATMs and tipping.Getting AroundBuses, boats, flights, trains and city transport.What’s happening todayConcerts, markets, exhibitions and things to do this week.
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