10–12 October
Pchum Ben Festival
Official public holiday, observed nationwide.
Month by month
Cambodia in October
October is still a rainy month. Cities, Angkor and a flexible schedule make a better starting point than a trip built entirely around beach weather.
- Siem Reap highs
- ~30°C
- Rainy days (SR)
- 23
- Crowds
- Busy
- Public holidays
- 3
The short answer
What October is really like
The countryside is green, and October remains part of the wet season. Conditions do not improve on a fixed date: mix outdoor visits with museums, cafés and time in town.
If your dates overlap Pchum Ben (10–12 October 2026), book transport ahead. Families travel around the holiday and some businesses close for a few days.
Photo credit
Photo: Giulia Brochetto
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.
Photo credit
Photo: Sundgauvien38
Our picks
Where to go in October
Siem Reap and Angkor
Allow several days for the temples so you can adjust visits around showers.
Explore Siem ReapBattambang
For countryside, markets and local food, with time to change plans if it rains.
Explore BattambangPhnom Penh
Museums, restaurants and city walks are easy to combine without relying on a full day outdoors.
Explore Phnom PenhPlan your stay
One way to spend two weeks
A suggested 14-day, 13-night trip, arriving in Siem Reap and leaving from Phnom Penh. Transfer days are part of the trip.
| Stop | Nights |
|---|---|
| Siem Reap | 4 |
| Battambang | 2 |
| Phnom Penh | 3 |
| Kampot | 3 |
| Phnom Penh before departure | 1 |
This October version stays on the mainland. Spread temple visits across several mornings in Siem Reap. In Battambang and Kampot, keep countryside outings for suitable weather. To include an island, replace a stop rather than adding one.
With ten days, choose fewer stops. Siem Reap, Battambang and Phnom Penh already combine temples, countryside and city life. If the beach is your priority, keep Siem Reap and one island, with time for the transfers.
Bookings and budget
What we would book first
- Your first nights and arrival transfer.
- Intercity transport if your dates overlap a public holiday.
- Boat trips and countryside outings around local conditions, rather than a tightly timed schedule.
Compare the total room price, included meals and transfers. Adding stops can cost more than staying another night in the same place. Use the budget guide to price your own pace.
Practical
Tips for October
- Book intercity journeys around Pchum Ben (10–12 October 2026).
- Keep temple visits flexible around rain.
- Cover shoulders and knees when visiting pagodas.
- Choose the islands only if you can adapt to sea conditions.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Does it still rain in October?
Yes. October remains a wet-season month, with differences between destinations and years. A late-month trip does not guarantee dry weather.
Can I include the islands?
Yes, with flexibility. Check the forecast and ferry service for your dates; if beach weather is the main aim, consider a dry-season trip.
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