Things to Do in Cambodia in July
July weather, activities, events & insider tips
July Weather in Cambodia
Is July Right for You?
Advantages
- Siem Reap temple crowds drop by 40-50% compared to December - you'll actually get photos at Angkor Wat without dozens of people in frame, and sunrise viewing spots are surprisingly manageable even if you arrive 20 minutes before dawn instead of the usual hour
- Green season transforms the landscape completely - rice paddies around Battambang glow that brilliant emerald color, waterfalls like Kbal Chhay near Sihanoukville actually flow with force, and Tonle Sap Lake starts its remarkable expansion that makes floating villages genuinely impressive
- Accommodation rates drop 30-40% from peak season across most of Siem Reap and Phnom Penh - that boutique hotel charging USD 180 in December? Likely USD 110-120 in July, and they're more willing to throw in airport transfers or breakfast upgrades
- Monsoon rains in July are actually predictable afternoon affairs, typically 2pm-4pm, lasting 45-90 minutes - not the all-day soakers you get in September or October, which means you can plan your day around them and enjoy that post-rain temperature drop of 3-4°C (5-7°F)
Considerations
- Southern islands and beaches take a hit - Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem see choppier waters and some boat services reduce frequency, though they don't shut down completely like in Thailand's monsoon regions, just expect 30-40 minute crossings to feel longer and potentially rougher
- Humidity sits consistently around 70-80% which makes that 32°C (90°F) feel closer to 38°C (100°F) - the kind of sticky heat where you'll change shirts twice a day and your camera lens fogs up when moving between air-conditioned spaces and outdoors
- Some remote temples and countryside roads become legitimately difficult to access - Preah Vihear on the Thai border and Banteay Chhmar in the northwest can involve muddy, sketchy drives that tour operators sometimes cancel day-of if overnight rain has been heavy
Best Activities in July
Angkor Archaeological Park temple exploration
July is actually brilliant for Angkor Wat and the temple circuit because crowds thin out dramatically and the moat systems fill completely, creating those classic reflection shots that are impossible in dry season when water levels drop. The afternoon rains cool things down right when you'd normally be melting, and the temples look incredible with dark monsoon clouds as backdrop. Morning light from 6am-9am is softer and more photogenic than harsh dry season sun. Ta Prohm's tree roots glisten after rain in a way that's genuinely atmospheric.
Phnom Penh cyclo and street food tours
The capital is perfect in July because those afternoon rains clear the air pollution that builds up during dry season, and street food vendors are out in full force since this is mango season and prahok fermentation season - you'll find specialties that simply aren't available November through March. Cyclo rides through Russian Market and riverside areas work beautifully in morning hours when it's warm but not scorching. The Mekong runs high and brown, which locals say is when the fish tastes best.
Battambang countryside cycling and bamboo train rides
Battambang in July is what Cambodia looked like before mass tourism - rice paddies are being planted so you'll see farmers in those iconic conical hats actually working the fields, water buffalo everywhere, and the countryside is impossibly green. The famous bamboo train still runs regardless of weather. Cycling routes along raised dirt paths between paddies work fine in July since the paths stay relatively firm, though avoid the day after heavy overnight rain. Phare Ponleu Selpak circus performances happen year-round and make perfect rainy afternoon backup plans.
Tonle Sap floating village boat tours
July is when Tonle Sap starts its annual expansion - the lake literally reverses flow and begins growing from 2,500 sq km (965 sq miles) to eventually 16,000 sq km (6,200 sq miles) by October. You're catching it in early transformation when floating villages like Kompong Phluk and Kampong Khleang are transitioning from stilted houses above dry ground to houses floating on rising water. It's fascinating to see this UNESCO Biosphere Reserve actually doing its thing. Water levels make boat access easier than dry season when you're scraping through shallow channels.
Kep and Kampot pepper farm and crab market experiences
The south coast in July is underrated - yes, it rains, but Kep's famous crab market is actually better because crab season peaks June through August when female crabs are meatiest. Kampot pepper plantations are lush and green, and you can see the pepper corns developing on vines. The colonial-era Bokor Hill Station at 1,080 m (3,543 ft) elevation is cooler and often sits in atmospheric mist. Kampot riverside scene is lovely in evenings after rain when the temperature drops to actually comfortable levels around 26°C (79°F).
Phnom Kulen National Park and waterfall treks
This sacred mountain 48 km (30 miles) north of Siem Reap is spectacular in July because the waterfalls actually have water - Phnom Kulen's main cascade drops 20-25 m (65-82 ft) with serious force, and the swimming holes beneath are refreshing in the heat. The River of a Thousand Lingas with its underwater carvings is more impressive when water flows over them. The reclining Buddha carved into sandstone is worth the visit regardless of season. July timing means fewer tourists making the bumpy 1.5-hour drive up the mountain.
July Events & Festivals
Khmer New Year Aftermath and Temple Blessings
While the main Khmer New Year happens in April, July marks three months later when many Cambodians return to temples for follow-up blessing ceremonies, particularly at Angkor Wat and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh. You'll see more local worshippers than usual, with offerings of lotus flowers and incense. It's not a festival per se, but it offers genuine cultural observation opportunities without the tourist crowds of the main celebration.
Pchum Ben Preparations
Though Pchum Ben itself typically falls in September or October, July is when you'll start seeing preparations - monks beginning special chanting cycles, families discussing which temples to visit, and markets starting to stock special offerings. It's interesting cultural context if you're paying attention, though not a visitor event in itself.