November is when Cambodia turns from the wet season to the dry season. The rains ease, the countryside is still green, and outdoor travel becomes easier as the month goes on. Two public holidays fall in November, so a little planning helps.
November at a glance
WeatherThe dry season begins. Showers become less frequent through the month, and landscapes stay green after the rains.
HolidaysIndependence Day on Monday 9 November, and the Water Festival from Monday 23 to Wednesday 25 November 2026.
CrowdsBusier than the wet season, with the high season building toward the end of the month.
Best forGreen temple landscapes, river scenery, waterfalls after the rains and comfortable city days.
Weather in November
Cambodia’s Ministry of Tourism describes the dry season as running from November to April. Early November can still bring some rain after the October transition, and rivers and lakes remain high. Around the Water Festival, the Tonle Sap River reverses and begins draining back toward the Mekong. By the end of the month, most days are drier and more comfortable for long sightseeing. Check a short-range forecast before each travel day. See our best time to visit guide.
What’s on in November
Independence Day, 9 NovemberMarks Cambodia’s independence from France in 1953, with official ceremonies at the Independence Monument in Phnom Penh. Government offices and banks close.
Water Festival, 23 to 25 NovemberA three-day public holiday at the end of the rains. This year the main celebrations in front of Phnom Penh’s Royal Palace are not being held, but provinces can celebrate in their own way. Read our Water Festival 2026 guide.
Full-moon night, 24 NovemberFamilies salute the moon and share ok ambok, flattened young rice with banana and coconut, on the night of the Kadeuk full moon.
Where to go in November
Siem Reap and AngkorThe temples are surrounded by green forest and rice fields, and the dry season makes temple circuits simpler. See our first-time guide to Angkor.
Tonle Sap and the river townsWater levels stay high in the early dry season, which changes boat routes and flooded-forest access. Ask operators what the water is doing now. See Tonle Sap and the flooded forests.
Mondulkiri and the northeastWaterfalls often still carry good water after the rains, and roads become easier as they dry. See our waterfall and forest guide.
Kratie and the MekongDrier, cooler days begin for cycling and road travel along the river. See our Kratie guide.
Planning tips
Plan around the holidaysLong-distance buses are busy before and after the Water Festival, and banks and government offices close on holidays. See our transport booking guide.
Book late November earlyRooms in popular places fill up as the high season starts.
Pack for both seasonsBring a light rain layer for early November and sun protection for the drier days.
Frequently asked questions
Is November a good time to visit Cambodia?
Yes. It marks the start of the drier, more comfortable season, while the countryside is still green from the rains.
Does it rain in November?
Some showers are still possible, especially early in the month, but rain becomes less frequent as the dry season begins.
Which public holidays are in November 2026?
Independence Day on 9 November and the Water Festival from 23 to 25 November.
Sources: 2026 holiday dates from the National Bank of Cambodia holiday list; seasons from the Ministry of Tourism, as summarized in our best time to visit guide; Water Festival plans from AKP, Agence Kampuchea Presse. Last checked 26 October 2026.