Things to Do in Cambodia in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Cambodia

33°C (91°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

160mm (6.3 inches) Rainfall

85% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Lush green landscapes at their most vibrant - rice paddies are emerald green and waterfalls flow at full capacity after early rains
Significantly fewer tourists at Angkor Wat (40% less crowded than dry season) allowing for peaceful temple exploration and better photography
Hotel prices drop 25-40% compared to peak season, with luxury accommodations offering substantial discounts and upgrade opportunities
Fresh tropical fruits reach peak season - mangosteen, rambutan, and dragon fruit are abundant and cheapest at local markets

Considerations

Daily afternoon thunderstorms lasting 1-2 hours (typically 2pm-4pm) can disrupt outdoor plans and temple visits
Extreme humidity makes outdoor activities exhausting - temperatures feel like 38°C (100°F) even when actual temperature is 33°C (91°F)
Some remote temples and countryside roads become muddy and difficult to access, particularly around Preah Vihear and Koh Ker

Best Activities in June

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Tours

June is ideal for temple exploration despite the rain. Morning visits (6am-11am) avoid both crowds and afternoon storms. The temples look spectacular with lush jungle surroundings, and you'll have iconic spots like Angkor Wat's reflection pools mostly to yourself. Rain creates dramatic photography opportunities with moody skies.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours 5-7 days ahead through licensed operators. Morning tours (6am start) cost ฿1,800-2,800 and include temple pass coordination. Look for operators offering covered transport and flexible timing for weather delays.

Phnom Penh Cultural Walking Tours

Cambodia's capital is perfect for June visits with covered markets, air-conditioned museums, and riverside cafes providing shelter during afternoon rains. The Royal Palace gardens are lush, and the Mekong riverfront comes alive with evening activities after storms pass.

Booking Tip: Half-day walking tours cost ฿800-1,500 and typically include indoor venues like the National Museum. Book tours that start early (8am) or late afternoon (4pm) to avoid midday heat and rain periods.

Battambang Countryside Cycling

Rice paddies are at their most photogenic in June with bright green shoots and full water levels. Cycling tours work well in early morning (6am-10am) before heat and storms arrive. The famous bamboo train operates rain or shine, and rural villages offer authentic glimpses of farming life during growing season.

Booking Tip: Full-day cycling tours cost ฿1,200-2,000 and include waterproof gear. Book with operators who provide quality bikes and have indoor backup activities. Tours typically cover 15-20km (9-12 miles) on flat terrain.

Kampot Pepper Farm and Cave Exploration

June's rains make Kampot's famous pepper plants flourish, and cave temperatures provide welcome relief from humidity. The limestone caves stay cool at 22°C (72°F) while outside temperatures soar. Bokor National Park's waterfalls are at their most impressive with full water flow.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ฿1,500-2,500 and combine pepper farms, caves, and waterfalls. Book tours including Phnom Bokor for cooler mountain air. Look for operators with reliable 4WD vehicles for wet weather access.

Siem Reap Cooking Classes and Market Tours

Indoor cooking classes are perfect rainy day activities, and June brings peak season for tropical ingredients. Traditional Khmer dishes like fish amok and beef loc lac are best learned when fresh herbs and spices are abundant. Morning market tours (6am-8am) showcase incredible produce variety.

Booking Tip: Half-day cooking classes cost ฿900-1,800 and include market visits and recipe cards. Book classes with covered cooking areas and air conditioning. Most include pickup from hotels and accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.

Koh Rong Island Beach Relaxation

While June brings occasional storms, the seas are warm at 29°C (84°F) and beaches are nearly empty. Storm watching from beachfront bungalows is spectacular, and you'll have pristine white sand beaches to yourself between weather systems. Snorkeling visibility is surprisingly good on calm days.

Booking Tip: Beach accommodations drop 40% in June with rates from ฿800-2,500/night. Book flexible cancellation policies and bring entertainment for rainy periods. Ferry transfers cost ฿600-800 and may delay during storms.

June Events & Festivals

Mid June (exact date follows lunar calendar)

Visak Bochea (Buddha Day)

Cambodia's most important Buddhist celebration honoring Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Temples throughout the country hold special ceremonies, candlelit processions, and merit-making activities. Angkor Wat and Silver Pagoda in Phnom Penh host the most spectacular celebrations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - cotton stays wet for hours in 85% humidity and never fully dries

Compact umbrella AND lightweight rain jacket - storms are intense but brief, requiring different protection strategies

Waterproof phone case and camera protection - humidity can damage electronics even without direct rain exposure

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches dangerous level 10 even on cloudy days

Antifungal foot powder and extra socks - constant moisture creates ideal conditions for fungal infections

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquitoes are most active after rains and during humid evenings

Electrolyte supplements or oral rehydration salts - you'll lose significant salt through constant sweating

Waterproof daypack or dry bags - essential for protecting belongings during temple visits and outdoor activities

Breathable hiking sandals with good grip - temple floors become slippery when wet, and regular shoes never dry

Portable fan or cooling towel - many accommodations have inconsistent air conditioning during peak usage periods

Insider Knowledge

Locals schedule important activities for 6am-11am and after 5pm - adopt this rhythm and you'll be much more comfortable exploring Cambodia

Afternoon storms are so predictable that savvy travelers use 2pm-4pm for indoor activities like museums, shopping malls, or spa treatments

June is mango season - buy directly from roadside vendors for ฿20-40 per kilo versus ฿100+ at tourist restaurants

Many tour operators offer 'rainy day rates' with 15-25% discounts for same-day bookings when weather looks questionable

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling temple visits during midday - you'll be miserable in the heat and likely caught in afternoon storms around 2pm-4pm

Bringing only cotton clothing - it absorbs moisture, takes forever to dry, and becomes uncomfortable within hours

Underestimating how draining the humidity is - plan half as many activities as you would in moderate climates and budget extra rest time