14–16 April
Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey)
Official public holiday, observed nationwide.
Month by month
Cambodia in April
The hottest month, and the month the whole country moves. Khmer New Year turns Cambodia inside out for three days in mid-April.
- Siem Reap highs
- ~34°C
- Rainy days (SR)
- 14
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Public holidays
- 1
The short answer
What April is really like
April is the peak of the hot season: highs around 34–35°C, humid, with the first real pre-monsoon downpours (about 14 rainy days in Siem Reap). It is also unlike any other month socially. For Khmer New Year (14–16 April 2026), domestic travel explodes, Ministry of Tourism data shows about 940,000 domestic trips in the Siem Reap region against roughly 51,000 international arrivals. Phnom Penh empties; hometowns and Siem Reap fill.
Come for the festival and you will see Cambodia at its most joyful, water fights, family tables, temples full of offerings. Come unaware and you may find shut restaurants, full buses and surge-priced rooms. Either way, respect the heat: this is not the month for ambitious midday itineraries.
The numbers
April 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 | 97 mm | 14 |
| Phnom Penh | 35°C | 95 mm | 14 |
| Battambang | 36°C | 103 mm | 15 |
| Kampot | 32°C | 96 mm | 17 |
| Kep | 31°C | 133 mm | 21 |
| Koh Rong (islands) | 29°C | 109 mm | 17 |
| Mondulkiri | 31°C | 94 mm | 16 |
International crowds this month
Moderate, April ranks level 2 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 April
Our picks
Where to go in April
Siem Reap for Khmer New Year
The epicentre of the celebrations, expect packed streets, water and talc powder, and genuine festivity. Book transport and rooms well ahead.
Siem Reap guideThe islands
The sea keeps working when the plains swelter: April is the tail end of the calm-sea window and a real refuge from 35°C inland.
Koh Rong Samloem guideMondulkiri
Around 30°C instead of 35°C, and the festival is celebrated more quietly here. The escape-hatch option.
Mondulkiri guidePractical
Tips for April
- Around Khmer New Year (14–16 April 2026): book intercity transport and hotels days ahead, and expect many small businesses to close.
- Carry a dry bag during Khmer New Year: water fights are affectionate and unavoidable.
- Schedule nothing strenuous between 11am and 3pm; this is the hottest stretch of the year.
- ATMs and markets get busy right before the holiday: sort cash early.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Should I visit during Khmer New Year?
If you want the event itself, yes, it is memorable, especially in Siem Reap. If you want smooth logistics and open restaurants, avoid 13–17 April: much of the country is travelling or closed.
How hot does April get?
The hottest of the year: 34–35°C typical highs in the lowlands, with high humidity before the rains. The coast and Mondulkiri run a few degrees kinder.
Is April rainy?
It is the doorway to the wet season: around 97 mm in Siem Reap over ~14 days, usually as short late-afternoon storms rather than washed-out days.
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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