Winter in Siem Reap feels like a relief after the heavy rains and intense heat of summer. You’ll notice cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and almost no rain, so it’s easily one of the most comfortable times to experience the city.
The change in weather creates ideal conditions for wandering temples, browsing markets, or just being outdoors without fighting sticky heat or dodging downpours.
During winter, daytime highs usually hover in the mid-80s °F, and nights cool off into the low 70s °F. Skies stay mostly clear, and rain becomes rare, so you get more predictable days for sightseeing.
The air feels lighter, and the whole climate gets easier to handle if you’re planning long days outside.
This seasonal break from humidity and storms shapes how people move through the city. You’ll spot a calmer vibe compared to the wet season, and travel logistics get simpler with fewer weather headaches.
Overview of Siem Reap’s Winter Climate
In Siem Reap, winter brings cooler air, less rainfall, and clearer skies than the long wet season. You’ll find mild daytime temperatures, lower humidity, and easier travel conditions.
Tropical Wet and Dry Climate Classification
Siem Reap sits in a tropical wet and dry climate, or savanna climate under the Köppen-Geiger system (Aw). The year splits between a long rainy season and a shorter dry season, with winter landing right in the dry stretch.
Average winter temperatures range from 71°F (22°C) at night to about 85–87°F (29–30°C) during the day. These are the coolest numbers all year, so it’s the best stretch for being outdoors.
Humidity drops off compared to the muggy wet months. In December and January, mornings feel cooler and evenings lose that sticky edge.
Rainfall barely registers, averaging less than 1 inch per month, so heavy showers almost never interrupt your plans.
This climate rhythm—hot and rainy most of the year, then cooler and drier—makes winter the most stable, reliable period for sightseeing around Cambodia’s northwest.
Seasonal Patterns in Cambodia
Cambodia’s seasons depend on the monsoon winds. From May to October, the southwest monsoon delivers heavy rain and humidity.
By late November, the winds flip, and a dry northeast monsoon takes over.
In Siem Reap, this shift draws a clear line between wet and dry halves of the year. Winter lands squarely in the dry half, running from late November through February.
During winter, skies clear up, with 50–60% of days partly sunny or mostly clear. You’ll spot fewer clouds in January than in peak rainy months like August.
Daylight hours hold steady, averaging 11.4 to 11.7 hours per day. There’s plenty of time for temples and markets.
These seasonal patterns explain why winter is usually the most practical, comfortable time to enjoy Siem Reap’s climate.
Typical Temperature Range During Winter
Winter in Siem Reap stays warm by most standards. Daytime highs land in the mid-80s to low 90s °F, and nights dip into the low 70s °F.
The warmth stays steady, with only small daily shifts.
Average Daytime Highs and Lows
During winter, the average daytime high in Siem Reap rises from about 85°F in December to around 92°F by February. Highs rarely fall below 79°F or climb above 95°F, so afternoons stay hot but not extreme.
Nights bring some relief. The average low sits near 73°F, with the coolest nights dropping to about 70°F in early January.
Even then, temperatures almost never fall below 64°F, so you won’t need to pack for cold.
This steady range means you can wear light clothing year-round. Evenings feel more pleasant than afternoons.
The lack of sharp temperature drops between day and night keeps the weather predictable and easy to manage.
Monthly Temperature Variation
Winter temperatures shift slowly, not suddenly. December is the coolest month, with highs near 84–85°F and lows around 70–72°F.
By January, afternoons get a bit warmer, but mornings stay mild.
February keeps warming up. Highs often reach 90–92°F, while lows stick close to 73°F.
This gentle rise signals the approach of the hot season in spring. Unlike the wetter summer, winter brings steady warmth and fewer extremes.
Comparison to Annual Averages
When you compare winter to the annual climate in Siem Reap, you’ll see the season is cooler and less humid. Throughout the year, temperatures range from 70°F to 95°F, with April hitting the top end.
Winter hangs out near the lower end of that range. The coldest day of the year usually falls in early January, with highs around 84°F and lows near 70°F.
So, winter is the mildest period, though still pretty warm by most standards.
Since the annual average temperature is about 82–84°F, winter lines up closely with the city’s overall climate but avoids the peak heat of late spring.
You get warmth, but not the harsh highs that show up in April and May.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
In the winter months, rainfall levels in Siem Reap drop off fast compared to the rest of the year.
You’ll find much drier conditions, with barely any rainy days and lower humidity, which makes outdoor plans a lot easier.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Siem Reap follows a tropical monsoon pattern. The heaviest rain comes from May to October.
By winter, precipitation drops to its lowest point.
In December and January, average monthly rainfall often stays below 15 mm, sometimes even less than 10 mm. February is dry too, usually under 20 mm.
This is a huge shift from the wet season, when monthly totals can top 250 mm.
The dry winter months mean the least disruption from rain.
Frequency of Rainy Days
Rainy days almost vanish in winter.
In January, the driest month, you might see just 1 rainy day on average. December and February usually bring 1–2 rainy days each.
Compare that to September, which can have 15–18 rainy days.
Since winter showers are so rare, you can plan outdoor sightseeing without worrying about sudden storms. Even when it does rain, showers are usually quick and light, not like the intense wet season downpours.
Dry Season Characteristics
The dry season in Siem Reap isn’t just about less rain. You’ll notice changes in humidity, air clarity, and how comfortable it feels.
Humidity drops compared to the wet season, so the heat feels less overwhelming. Daytime highs still reach around 30–33°C, but the drier air makes things more manageable.
Clear skies are common, giving you longer stretches of sunshine. This helps with visibility at places like Angkor Wat.
Roads and paths stay dry, so you won’t deal with flooding or mud like in the rainy months.
Humidity and Cloud Cover in Winter
In winter, Siem Reap brings a mix of moderate to high humidity and variable cloud cover. These factors shape how the weather feels and how much sun you get.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity in Siem Reap stays fairly high through winter. December can be the muggiest, averaging around 70–75%, which can make the air feel warmer than it is.
January and February usually feel a bit less humid, closer to 65–70%.
You’ll notice mornings feel more humid because of cooler overnight lows, while afternoons lighten up as it gets warmer.
Even with high humidity, the drier northeast monsoon winds help take the edge off compared to the wet season.
If you’re traveling, you can enjoy outdoor activities with fewer rain interruptions. Still, you’ll want to plan breaks during the most humid parts of the day.
Drinking enough water and sticking to light clothing will help you handle these conditions.
Cloudiness and Sunshine Hours
Cloud cover in winter is lighter than during the rainy season. December tends to bring more clouds, but skies clear up through January and February.
On average, you’ll get 6–8 hours of sunshine per day, which is a big jump from the wet months.
The extra sun makes winter one of the brightest times in Siem Reap. Sightseeing at Angkor temples and other outdoor spots gets easier.
Occasional overcast days still pop up, but they’re less common, and you’ll usually see long stretches of blue sky.
This mix of sun and mild cloud cover sets up great conditions for travel and daily life.
Travel Considerations for Winter Visits
Winter in Siem Reap brings cooler air, lower humidity, and dry skies. Sightseeing gets a lot more comfortable, but you’ll probably run into more visitors, so it’s smart to plan around both the weather and the crowds.
Best Months for Tourism
The most pleasant months in Siem Reap are December and January. Daytime temperatures usually run from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), and rain is almost nonexistent.
That’s why it’s the most popular time for exploring Angkor Wat and other temples.
Because the weather is so nice, you’ll also see the biggest crowds. Hotels and flights can cost more, and attractions get busy during peak hours.
If you prefer things a little quieter, November and February are solid alternatives. These months are still dry and pretty cool but a bit less crowded.
Festival season lands in winter too. Events like the Giant Puppet Parade in February add some local color but can draw extra visitors.
If you want both good weather and a shot at local traditions, timing your trip around these celebrations could be a treat.
Outdoor Activities and Comfort
Dry winter weather makes it easy to spend hours outside. You can tour the Angkor temple complex without worrying about sudden rain or muddy trails.
Cycling gets popular, since roads stay firm and shaded spots offer relief from the sun.
Birdwatching at Prek Toal Bird Sanctuary is especially good in winter. Migratory birds gather in big numbers, and boat trips across Tonle Sap Lake feel calmer with less wind.
Evenings cool down, often dropping to around 20°C (68°F). That’s perfect for night markets and open-air dining.
You’ll still get sunny afternoons, so it’s smart to plan temple visits early or late in the day to dodge the hottest hours.
Packing Tips for Winter Weather
Pack some light, breathable clothes for daytime—think cotton shirts and loose trousers. You’ll want a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen too, because the sun still packs a punch, even when it’s cooler out.
Grab a light jacket or sweater for evenings, since temperatures can drop once the sun’s down. Comfortable walking shoes really help, especially if you’re wandering temple grounds with all those uneven stone steps.
A small daypack makes it easy to carry water, snacks, and maybe a rain poncho, though honestly, rain hardly ever shows up in winter. Don’t forget insect repellent, especially if you’re heading out to rural spots or taking a boat trip. With these basics, you’ll probably have a much nicer time during Siem Reap’s winter.
How Siem Reap’s Winter Weather Compares to Other Seasons
Winter in Siem Reap means drier skies, less humidity, and cooler nights than you’ll get during the rest of the year. The changes in rainfall, temperature, and how comfortable it feels really set this season apart from the sticky wet months or the scorching spring that follows.
Differences from the Wet Season
The wet season, usually from May through October, brings heavy rainfall. September, for example, can see over 250 mm of rain, with storms rolling in and humidity levels often above 70%.
Winter months like December and January look totally different, with less than 15 mm of rainfall on average. Some months, you might only get one or two rainy days. That makes things like visiting Angkor Wat or biking out in the countryside so much easier.
Humidity drops in winter too, often sitting around 58–65% instead of the sticky 70–75% you get in the wet season. Daytime temperatures still feel warm, usually 30–32°C (86–90°F), but with less moisture in the air, the heat just feels less intense.
Evenings stand out as well. Wet season nights can feel muggy and damp, but winter nights cool off to about 22–24°C (72–75°F), which makes it way easier to sleep without blasting the air conditioning.
Transition to Spring and Summer
As winter wraps up, Siem Reap starts heating up, heading for the peak of spring’s warmth. By March and April, daytime highs hit 35–37°C (95–99°F)—sometimes even hotter, honestly.
Nights don’t offer much relief, usually staying above 25°C (77°F). You’ll notice the evenings feel warmer than you might expect.
Early spring doesn’t bring much rain, but humidity creeps up. The air gets hotter and drier, and honestly, it can feel way more intense than the mild winter days.
May rolls around, and the wet season kicks in, bringing heavy showers and more clouds. Instead of sudden storms, you’ll mostly notice the heat and stickiness building up day after day.
Thinking about visiting? You’ll probably want to plan outdoor stuff for early mornings or late afternoons, just to dodge that brutal midday sun. Trust me, light clothes, sunscreen, and a lot of water make a huge difference as things get hotter and stickier.