9 November
Independence Day
Official public holiday, observed nationwide.
Month by month
Cambodia in November
Rain retreats and Cambodia moves into high season while the countryside is still green. In 2026, the official Water Festival celebrations in front of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace are suspended.
- Siem Reap highs
- ~31°C
- Rainy days (SR)
- 13
- Crowds
- Peak season
- Public holidays
- 2
The short answer
What November is really like
The numbers tell the pivot cleanly: Siem Reap drops to about 102 mm of rain (from 249 mm in October) and international arrivals more than double the September figure. Days settle near 31°C with washed-clean air and the countryside still deep green: many regulars call this the prettiest month.
AKP reported on 30 June 2026 that the official Water Festival celebrations in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh are suspended for 23–25 November 2026. The public holidays (23–25 November 2026) remain unchanged. Provincial celebrations may still be organised by local authorities: check their confirmed programmes before planning a festival visit.
The numbers
November 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 | 31°C | 102 mm | 13 |
| Phnom Penh | 31°C | 152 mm | 16 |
| Battambang | 31°C | 104 mm | 13 |
| Kampot | 30°C | 155 mm | 19 |
| Kep | 30°C | 183 mm | 20 |
| Koh Rong (islands) | 29°C | 160 mm | 21 |
| Mondulkiri | 27°C | 102 mm | 11 |
International crowds this month
Peak season, November ranks level 4 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 November
23–25 November
Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
Official public holiday, observed nationwide.
Water Festival 2026: Phnom Penh update
The 23–25 November public holidays remain in place. The main celebrations along the Tonlé Sap in front of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace are suspended in 2026. Provincial celebrations may still take place according to local arrangements; check official programmes before travelling.
Our picks
Where to go in November
Phnom Penh for city visits
Plan museums, food and riverside walks. The official celebrations in front of the Royal Palace are suspended in 2026; check the latest update before booking a stay specifically for the festival.
Water Festival 2026 updateThe islands, reopening
Calm seas return: November restarts the true beach season on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem, before the December-February peak pricing.
Koh Rong guideAngkor, green and dry
Arguably the best combination of the year: full moats and lush jungle from the rains, dry paths and clear mornings from the new season.
Temple guidePractical
Tips for November
- Check transport and accommodation availability for the public holidays (23–25 November 2026), and confirm local programmes before travelling for a celebration.
- Prices step up through the month: early November still carries green-season rates.
- The landscape peaks now: photographers should not wait for December.
- Independence Day (9 November) adds ceremony around the capital’s monuments.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good month for Cambodia?
It is a good month for temples, cities and the coast: rain drops, the countryside stays green and sea conditions begin to settle. In 2026, the official Water Festival celebrations in front of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace are suspended, so choose your itinerary around confirmed activities.
Will the Water Festival celebrations take place in Phnom Penh in 2026?
The official celebrations in front of the Royal Palace are suspended for 23–25 November 2026, according to AKP’s report of 30 June 2026. This announcement does not establish that every celebration across Cambodia is cancelled. Provincial authorities may organise local events; check each confirmed programme.
Are the Water Festival public holidays cancelled?
No. The public holidays (23–25 November 2026) remain unchanged. The suspension concerns the official celebrations in front of the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, not the holiday dates.
Are the islands open again in November?
Yes. Sea conditions settle and full boat schedules resume: Koh Rong’s rainfall drops to roughly a third of its September peak.
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