8 March
International Women's Day
Official public holiday, observed nationwide.
Month by month
Cambodia in March
The heat arrives before the rain. March is hot, dry-ish and slowly emptying: a decent shoulder month if you plan around midday.
- Siem Reap highs
- ~34°C
- Rainy days (SR)
- 10
- Crowds
- Busy
- Public holidays
- 1
The short answer
What March is really like
March is when the thermometer takes over: highs reach about 34°C in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, with heat haze softening the horizon. Rain remains modest, around 10 rainy days in Siem Reap and usually brief, but the season is clearly turning.
International arrivals ease off their peak, so the big sights breathe a little more than in December–February. The month rewards a different rhythm: temples and markets early, pool or café through the hottest hours, city life after dark.
The numbers
March 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 | 34°C | 51 mm | 10 |
| Phnom Penh | 34°C | 37 mm | 6 |
| Battambang | 36°C | 63 mm | 10 |
| Kampot | 31°C | 59 mm | 14 |
| Kep | 31°C | 58 mm | 14 |
| Koh Rong (islands) | 28°C | 71 mm | 16 |
| Mondulkiri | 31°C | 43 mm | 7 |
International crowds this month
Busy, March 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 March
Our picks
Where to go in March
The coast
Sea breezes take the edge off the heat that grips the inland plains. Kep tops out around 31°C when Phnom Penh pushes 34°C.
Kep guidePhnom Penh, early and late
Museums and galleries through midday, riverside and rooftops in the evening: the capital handles the heat better than temple plains.
Phnom Penh guideAngkor before 9am
Still dry underfoot and quieter than peak months, but treat sunrise starts as non-negotiable, not optional.
Temple guidePractical
Tips for March
- Plan around the heat: out by 6–7am, shade or pool from noon, back out at 4pm.
- Hydration is the real safety topic this month: carry more water than feels necessary.
- Hotel pools earn their money in March: it is worth paying for one.
- Haze can flatten sunset photos: mornings give clearer light.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Cambodia in March?
Hot: about 34°C daytime highs in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, and it keeps building into April. Mornings stay workable; middays are for shade.
Is March still dry season?
Broadly yes. Siem Reap averages around 51 mm across roughly 10 rainy days, noticeably more than February, but showers are usually short and plans survive them.
Is March less crowded?
Yes, visibly. Arrival numbers drop from the December–February peak, and it keeps easing into the green season.
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.
Never miss what’s happening in Cambodia
Get the best events, new stories and limited offers delivered once a week.