August is right in the middle of Cambodia's wet season, which also happens to be the low season. But these factors don't make it a bad time to visit—if you're prepared for a bit of rain, you can enjoy some of Cambodia's highlights with few other travelers around. Culture and history enthusiasts should head to the ancient city of Angkor, while nature and wildlife lovers should spend some time around Tonlé Sap. Read on to find out more.

Weather

Cambodia's wet season spans from June to October, so August is right in the middle. August isn't the wettest month (that's October), but you should expect daily rain, particularly in the afternoons. Short, sharp rain showers can be a refreshing break from the heat and humidity of the mornings.

Early in the wet season, rural locals welcome the arrival of rain, and conditions aren't as waterlogged and muddy as they may become later in the season. June to August is known as the green season because the landscape comes back to life after months without much precipitation, and an array of fresh produce is now available. As the wet season progresses and the rains become heavier, some road routes across the country might suffer from damage and slips, thus slowing down long-distance travel or travel around more rural areas.

Temperatures are also a bit cooler than average in August, but it's still pretty hot as Cambodia has a tropical climate. In the capital, Phnom Penh, the average August temperature is 84°F (29°C). Humidity is high, which can make the heat feel more intense. Temperatures at higher altitudes in the mountains will be a bit cooler.

Crowds & Costs

The wet season is the low season for travel to Cambodia, but that doesn't mean it's not a good time to visit in August. You'll find fewer tourists at the most popular sites, especially in the ancient city of Angkor. Angkor covers a large area (some archeological findings suggest the area is the size of present-day Los Angeles). And some of the "outer temples" off the main tourist bus routes may be practically deserted. Wear waterproof shoes as there may be some mud and puddles around.

You may find off-season specials at more upmarket hotels. However, as conditions are unfavorable for a beach vacation this month, it's not worth booking a beach resort, even if you find a good deal. Look for deals around Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor. That said, Cambodia is generally an affordable destination for travelers, even in the peak season.

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Where to Go

Tonlé Sap is a large inland lake that feeds into the Tonlé Sap River, which runs through Phnom Penh, and eventually joins with the Mekong River. Its water level, and what you can see and experience on it, changes throughout the year as the rains fluctuate. By August, the lake should be high, and birds will have returned after the drier months. Boat trips on the lake allow you to see some birds, and dedicated bird-watching tours depart from Siem Reap.

It's also possible to board a water bus from Siem Reap to Phnom Penh, across the Tonlé Sap lake, and down the Tonlé Sap River. This is a great way of avoiding less comfortable long-distance buses, especially in the wet season when some roads may be damaged or muddy, making road travel slow. This service doesn't operate when the water levels are too low, but that shouldn't be an issue in August.

What to Do

As well as birdwatching on the Tonlé Sap, August is a good time to learn about ancient civilizations at Angkor. The wet season is a good time to visit—if you're prepared with some rain gear—because you will encounter far fewer other visitors than at other times of year. The centerpiece, Angkor Wat, always receives some visitors, but at some of the outer temples and archeological sites, when there are no other visitors, you can even imagine what the vast city must have looked like before it was "rediscovered" in the 1840s.

For travelers wanting to go beyond the central Angkor Wat temple, some standouts include Bayon Temple with its enormous faces, Ta Prohm with its tangles of tree roots, and Banteay Srei with its pink sandstone carvings of characters from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Many of the ancient city's temples are not very well-known so be prepared to make some unexpected discoveries of your own.

Traveling to Cambodia in August? Check out these great itineraries

Siem Reap: Angkor Culture & Cuisine - 5 Days. Enjoy a different side of Cambodia and learn about the fascinating culture and cuisine of the country on this slow-paced 5-day tour around the colonial city of Siem Reap and through ancient Angkorian ruins.

Culture & Nature in Cambodia and Vietnam - 13 Days. This journey through Indochina will walk you into the ancient Khmer city of Angkor, take you on a trip to the authentic floating villages on Tonlé Sap Lake, and let you explore the world-famous Halong Bay. Start your journey in historical Siem Reap in Cambodia and continue to Vietnam.

More Helpful Information

Cambodia in July
Cambodia in September
Cambodia Tours & Itineraries