July is early in Cambodia's wet season, yet as a tropical country, temperatures stay warm. This is a great time to come if you want to avoid crowds of tourists and don't mind a bit of rain. As well as having some lesser-known temples virtually to yourself, you'll also be treated to vibrant landscapes and an array of fresh food—ideal for foodies. Find out where to go and what to do in Cambodia in July.

Weather

Cambodia's wet season spans from June to October, so July is near the beginning. It's not the wettest month (that honor goes to October), but you should expect some rain every day, particularly in the afternoons. 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. The early wet season is known as the green season because the landscape comes back to life, and an array of fresh produce is available at this time.

Temperatures are also a bit cooler than average in July. In the capital, Phnom Penh, the average July temperature is 82°F (28°C). Humidity is high, however, which can make the heat feel more intense. Temperatures at higher altitudes in the mountains will be cooler.

Crowds & Costs

The wet season is the low season for traveling to Cambodia, but that doesn't mean it's a bad time to visit. You'll find fewer tourists at the most popular sites, especially in the ancient city of Angkor. The "outer temples" around Angkor, off the main tourist bus routes and further from Angkor Wat itself, may be practically deserted. Be sure to wear waterproof shoes as there likely will be mud and puddles underfoot.

In July, you might also find off-season specials at a few upmarket hotels. And while it's not worth going to a beach resort this month, even if you find a good deal, because the conditions aren't great for sitting on a beach, look for deals around Siem Reap. Bear in mind that Cambodia is generally an affordable destination for many travelers, even during the peak season. And while not a busy time of year for most tourists, there are adventurous family travelers (mainly from Europe and North America) who take advantage of their school's summer vacation.

Plan your trip to Cambodia
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Get Started

Where to Go

If you're prepared for a bit of rain and dislike crowds, July is a great time to visit Angkor Wat and its surrounding temple complexes. The UNESCO World Heritage Site gets visitors year-round, but beyond the "epicenter" of Angkor Wat temple, many other temples get few visitors, especially in the off-season. Angkor was an ancient city that is thought to have covered an area about the size of modern-day Los Angeles. That means there are temples and other archeological complexes spread over a vast area.

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, though, so if you get off the main circuit you're sure to find somewhere else that appeals to you.

What to Do

As well as sightseeing around Angkor, July is an excellent month for food-loving travelers to Cambodia. The early wet season is known as the green season, and fresh food and vegetables are abundant. Durian, rambutan, jackfruit, mangosteens, and dragon fruit are just some of the tasty (or at least "interesting"!) fruits that you may not see for sale at home.

Make the most of local ingredients by visiting restaurants serving Cambodian food and when shopping at local markets. Dig a bit deeper into Cambodian cuisine by joining a guided or structured food tour (see the itinerary below). Take a cooking class, shop for fresh produce at markets, sample street food, and be treated to some home cooking and fine dining.

Traveling to Cambodia in July? 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.

Explore the Temples of Angkor Wat - 6 Days. Taking an in-depth look at the temples of Angkor, including Angkor Wat, you'll enjoy sunrise visits and tours of its entire complex, plus visit the other temples in the area, such as Bayon, Ta Phrom, Preah Khan, Banteay Srei, and the ancient city of Angkor Thom and the temples of the Grand Circuit. 

More Helpful Information

Cambodia in June
Cambodia in August
Cambodia Tours & Itineraries