Things to Do in Cambodia in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Cambodia

32°C (90°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

180mm (7.1 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes - July transforms Cambodia into a verdant paradise with rice paddies at their most beautiful emerald stage and waterfalls flowing at full capacity
Fewer crowds at Angkor Wat - Tourist numbers drop 40-50% in July, meaning sunrise at Angkor Wat with just 20-30 people instead of 200+, and easier photo opportunities without crowds
Lower accommodation prices - Hotels offer rainy season discounts of 20-40% off peak rates, with luxury resorts in Siem Reap dropping from $300+ to $180-220 per night
Peak fruit season - July is mango, rambutan, and dragon fruit season with street vendors selling the year's sweetest produce at rock-bottom prices of $0.50-1 per kilogram

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms - Rain typically hits between 2-5pm for 1-2 hours with intense downpours that flood streets temporarily and force indoor shelter
High humidity makes 32°C (90°F) feel like 38°C (100°F) - The 85% humidity creates oppressive conditions that drain energy quickly and make outdoor activities exhausting
Some rural roads become impassable - Remote temples and countryside areas may be inaccessible due to flooding, particularly in Preah Vihear and Mondulkiri provinces

Best Activities in July

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Exploration

July is ideal for temple hopping with dramatically fewer crowds and mystical atmosphere as morning mist clings to ancient stones. The rainy season creates perfect lighting for photography with dramatic cloud formations. Morning visits (6am-11am) avoid both crowds and afternoon storms. Temple moats fill with water, creating mirror reflections impossible in dry season.

Booking Tip: Book tuk-tuk drivers for morning-only tours (6am-12pm) to avoid afternoon rain, typically $15-20 for small circuit. Purchase temple passes online to skip queues. See current guided temple tours in the booking section below.

Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village Tours

July is peak water season when Tonle Sap swells to 4x its dry season size, making floating villages truly spectacular. Houses appear to float on endless water rather than mudflats. Fish populations peak, so local life is most authentic. Morning tours (7am-10am) offer calm waters before afternoon storms.

Booking Tip: Book half-day morning tours for $25-35 per person through licensed boat operators. Avoid afternoon tours during storm season. Look for operators that include traditional fishing demonstrations. Check current availability in the booking widget below.

Phnom Penh Cultural and Historical Tours

July's frequent afternoon rains make Phnom Penh perfect for museum and palace visits during storm hours. The Royal Palace gardens are lush and green, while indoor attractions like Tuol Sleng and National Museum provide air-conditioned refuge. Early morning riverside walks along the Mekong are pleasant before heat builds.

Booking Tip: Book combination indoor/outdoor tours with flexible timing for $20-30 per day. Look for guides who adjust itineraries based on weather. Morning palace visits followed by afternoon museum tours work best. See current cultural tour options below.

Kampot Pepper Farm and Countryside Tours

July is harvest season for Kampot's famous pepper, making farm visits most interesting as you witness picking and processing. The lush countryside is emerald green with rice paddies reflecting cloudy skies. Bokor National Park's waterfalls flow at maximum capacity. Morning tours avoid afternoon storms in rural areas.

Booking Tip: Book pepper farm tours for $15-25 per person including transportation from Kampot town. Morning departures (8am) are essential due to afternoon storms making rural roads difficult. Combine with salt field visits during dry morning hours. Check availability in booking section below.

Mekong River Sunset Cruises

July's dramatic storm clouds create spectacular sunset photography opportunities over the Mekong. Evening cruises (5pm-7pm) often catch the golden hour between afternoon storms and night, with lightning illuminating distant clouds. River levels are high, allowing access to smaller tributaries impossible in dry season.

Booking Tip: Book evening cruises with flexible departure times based on weather, typically $12-18 per person. Choose operators with covered boats for sudden rain. Sunset timing varies based on cloud cover. See current river cruise options in the booking section below.

Battambang Bamboo Train and Countryside Cycling

July transforms Battambang's countryside into a green paradise perfect for cycling between rain showers. The famous bamboo train operates rain or shine, while morning cycling tours (7am-11am) showcase emerald rice paddies and traditional village life at its most photogenic. Afternoon storms provide natural stopping points at local cafes.

Booking Tip: Book morning cycling tours for $8-15 per person including bike rental and guide. Combine with bamboo train rides which operate 8am-5pm daily. Look for tours that include covered rest stops for sudden showers. Current tour options available in booking widget below.

July Events & Festivals

Mid to Late July

Pchum Ben Festival

Cambodia's most important Buddhist festival honoring ancestors, when locals visit pagodas at dawn to offer food to monks and spirits. Temples come alive with ceremonies, traditional music, and communal feasting. This 15-day festival period offers incredible cultural immersion opportunities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry lightweight rain jacket - afternoon storms dump 25-30mm (1 inch) in 30 minutes, soaking anything cotton

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - humidity and sudden downpours destroy electronics quickly in 85% humidity

Breathable cotton or bamboo fiber clothing - synthetic materials become unbearable in 85% humidity, stick to natural fibers

Waterproof sandals with good grip - streets flood during storms creating slippery conditions, avoid leather shoes entirely

High SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen - UV index of 7 burns skin in 15 minutes even through clouds

Compact travel umbrella - essential for sudden downpours and as sunshade during brief sunny periods

Moisture-wicking underwear and socks - cotton stays wet for hours in high humidity, synthetic moisture-wicking prevents chafing

Portable hand towel - constant humidity means nothing air-dries, having a dry towel is crucial

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration salts - sweating in 85% humidity depletes minerals faster than in dry heat

Ziplock bags for electronics and documents - humidity damages passports and phones even without direct rain exposure

Insider Knowledge

Plan major sightseeing for 6am-11am window - locals know this is the golden time before heat and storms hit, with cool(er) temperatures around 26°C (79°F)

Carry small denominations of riel during storms - tuk-tuk prices surge 50-100% during heavy rain as demand spikes, having exact change prevents gouging

Book accommodations with backup power - frequent lightning storms cause power outages, and hotels with generators charge premium rates during blackouts

Download offline maps and translation apps - cellular towers often fail during storms, leaving tourists stranded without navigation or communication

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling afternoon outdoor activities - tourists book 2pm-5pm temple tours not realizing this is peak storm time, resulting in cancelled tours or miserable experiences

Bringing only one pair of shoes - everything stays wet for days in 85% humidity, travelers with single footwear spend their trip in soggy shoes

Assuming 'waterproof' gear works in tropical storms - standard rain jackets fail in 180mm (7.1 inches) monthly rainfall combined with 85% humidity