So, you’re thinking about a trip to Cambodia? The first thing most people wonder is: when’s the right time to go? Weather really shapes your whole experience, especially in Siem Reap. Long days wandering temple complexes like Angkor Wat just feel better when the weather’s on your side. Honestly, the best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season, from November to February. Temperatures stay cooler, and you don’t have to worry much about rain.
In these months, you can walk through ancient ruins, hop on a boat at Tonle Sap Lake, or check out the city’s markets without dodging downpours or getting roasted by the sun. Clear skies and lower humidity make it much easier to spend full days outside, which is exactly what you want here.
But let’s be real, every season in Siem Reap brings its own perks. The hot months mean fewer crowds, and the monsoon season turns everything a wild, lush green. If you know what to expect, you can match your trip to the vibe you want.
Overview of Siem Reap’s Climate
Siem Reap has a tropical climate that stays hot all year, but the weather flips between dry and wet periods. When you visit really affects how comfy you feel outdoors, how crowded the sights get, and what the scenery looks like.
Tropical Seasons Explained
Siem Reap’s climate is basically a tropical savanna with two main seasons: dry and wet. The dry season runs from November to April. The wet season goes from May to October.
During the dry months, you’ll see clearer skies and hardly any rain. Most tourists show up between December and February. The wet season brings frequent showers, greener landscapes, and fewer people at the big sights.
April and May sit right between the two. These months get pretty hot and humid, but the heavy rain hasn’t kicked in yet. This cycle shapes not just the weather, but also travel costs and how busy the city gets.
Temperature Ranges Throughout the Year
Siem Reap stays warm, pretty much all the time. Temperatures usually sit between 25°C and 35°C (77°F–95°F). Nights don’t really get cold, so you can leave the heavy sweaters at home.
December through February are the coolest months, with daytime highs around 26–28°C (79–82°F). Sightseeing feels way easier in this weather.
By March and April, highs often go over 35°C (95°F). Humidity makes it feel even hotter. The wet season, from June to October, cools things off a bit during the day but nights stay warm.
| Season | Months | Average High | Average Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cool Dry | Dec–Feb | 26–28°C | 18–22°C | Best for outdoor exploring |
| Hot Dry | Mar–Apr | 35–40°C | 24–26°C | Hottest period of the year |
| Wet | May–Oct | 30–34°C | 23–25°C | Humid with frequent rain |
Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Rain in Siem Reap is all about the season. Most of it falls between June and October, with September usually the wettest. Showers hit hard but don’t last long—usually just an hour or two.
Humidity jumps way up during the wet season, often above 80%, so the air feels sticky. The dry season is more forgiving, with humidity around 60–65%, which makes it much easier to walk around and sightsee.
The countryside comes alive in the wet season. Rice fields, rivers, and Tonlé Sap Lake swell up, giving everything a lush, green look. Sometimes low-lying areas flood, but the rain also cools things off in the evenings and keeps the crowds away from the big attractions.
Dry Season: The Best Time to Visit
The dry season brings comfy weather, reliable conditions for sightseeing, and you get to explore Siem Reap’s temples without dodging rain. There’s a catch, though—visitor numbers and prices both climb during these months.
Weather Conditions from November to March
From November through March, Siem Reap has its most stable weather. Daytime temperatures usually land between 20°C and 32°C (68°F–90°F), and mornings and evenings can feel pleasantly cool. Humidity drops compared to the wet season, which makes being outside much nicer.
Rain barely shows up, and the skies are often clear or just a little cloudy. That’s perfect for photos, especially if you’re up for sunrise at Angkor Wat or catching late afternoon light at Bayon Temple.
Air quality gets better, too, since light breezes sweep away dust and haze. Walking, biking, or riding tuk-tuks between temple sites feels way more manageable than in the hotter months.
Advantages of Visiting During the Dry Season
Most people agree the dry season is the best time to go to Siem Reap. The temples look their best, and paths stay dry. Getting to remote sites like Banteay Srei or Koh Ker is way easier without muddy roads.
Tour operators, guides, and transport options all run at full speed, so you can plan day trips with plenty of flexibility. Outdoor markets, cultural shows, and evening walks along Pub Street are more fun when the air cools down.
Festivals are another bonus. The Water Festival in November and the Angkor Photo Festival in December bring a cultural buzz. These events let you experience Cambodian traditions while you’re sightseeing.
Potential Drawbacks of Peak Travel Months
Biggest downside during peak dry season? The crowds. Popular temples like Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon get packed, especially at sunrise and sunset. If you want to dodge the busiest times, you’ll need to get up early or tweak your schedule.
Accommodation and flights get pricier from December to February. Hotels near the city center and close to Angkor Archaeological Park fill up months ahead. Booking early really helps you snag better rates and locations.
Even though the weather’s great, you won’t get much solitude at the main sites. If peace and quiet matter to you, try late March. The weather’s still dry, but the crowds start to thin out.
Hot Season: What to Expect
The hot season in Siem Reap brings high temperatures and strong sun, so you’ll need to plan your days around the heat. Temple visits are still possible, but you have to prep for humidity and not much shade.
Weather and Temperature Extremes
From March to May, Siem Reap gets its hottest weather. Daytime highs often hit 35°C to 38°C (95°F to 100°F), and humidity just makes it feel hotter. Nights stay warm, usually above 25°C (77°F).
Rain barely shows up, so you’ll get clear skies. That’s great for photos, but the sun beats down hard. Stone temples like Angkor Wat soak up the heat, so visiting midday can feel pretty rough.
Dust and dry winds can make the air feel heavy. The countryside doesn’t look as green as it does during the wet season. UV levels spike around noon, and there’s not much shade at the big temples.
Travel Tips for the Hot Season
Plan your temple visits early in the morning or late in the afternoon when it’s cooler. Sunrise tours at Angkor Wat are super popular, and the cooler air makes exploring easier.
Bring plenty of water, and maybe throw in some electrolyte packets to avoid dehydration. Wear lightweight, breathable clothes and a wide-brimmed hat. Sunscreen is a must, even for short walks between sites.
A lot of hotels and guesthouses have pools, so you can cool off during the hottest hours. Using air-conditioned tuk-tuks or those with shaded covers can make getting around way more comfortable.
If you want fewer crowds, this season is a good bet. There are fewer visitors compared to the cooler months, so you’ll get more space at the main sights.
Monsoon Season: Visiting Siem Reap in the Rain
If you visit Siem Reap during the wet months, you’ll deal with heavy showers, high humidity, and a landscape that turns bright green. You’ll also find fewer tourists, lower prices, and a whole different vibe at the temples and in the countryside.
Rainfall Patterns from May to October
The rainy season usually starts in May and goes until October. Rain gets heavier through the summer, with the biggest downpours in September and October. Most days bring rain, but storms tend to hit in the late afternoon or evening.
Daily rain doesn’t mean your plans are shot. Showers are intense but short—one to two hours, tops. That leaves mornings and early afternoons mostly dry, which is the best time for temple visits.
Temperatures stay warm, between 25°C and 35°C (77°F–95°F), but humidity climbs above 70%. City roads stay open, but some rural tracks can get muddy or flood. If you’re heading to remote temples, you’ll need a 4×4 vehicle or a tuk-tuk with rain covers.
Pros and Cons of the Wet Season
Visiting Siem Reap in the rainy season has its ups and downs. On the plus side, you’ll see fewer crowds at Angkor Wat and the other big temples. Hotels often cut rates by 30–50%, and the countryside turns a vibrant green with full moats and rice paddies.
Cooler temperatures compared to April’s extreme heat make exploring more bearable. Afternoon clouds soften the sunlight, which is great for photos.
Downside? The humidity can feel overwhelming if you’re not used to tropical weather. Some activities get delayed by sudden storms, and flooding can make it tricky to reach outlying villages and temples. If you’re flexible, though, you can work around these challenges.
Activities to Enjoy During Rainy Months
There’s still plenty to do during Cambodia’s wet season. Early mornings are perfect for exploring Angkor Wat and nearby temples before the rain starts. Reflections in temple moats and flooded rice fields make for some amazing photos.
When storms hit, indoor activities are a good call. Check out the Angkor National Museum, sign up for a Khmer cooking class, or treat yourself to a traditional Cambodian massage. Covered markets like the Old Market let you shop without worrying about the weather.
Most restaurants and cultural shows keep going in the evenings since rain usually stops by night. If you plan ahead and stay flexible, visiting Siem Reap during the rainy season can actually be pretty rewarding.
Month-by-Month Weather Guide
Siem Reap’s tropical climate splits into clear dry, hot, and wet seasons. You’ll get cool, dry months with hardly any rain, a stretch of serious heat, and a long rainy season that changes the whole landscape.
Coolest and Driest Months
From November to February, Siem Reap has its most comfortable weather. Temperatures usually stay between 20°C and 30°C (68°F to 86°F), and rain is rare. This is peak season for Angkor Wat and the other temples because walking and cycling just feel easier in the cool air.
December and January are super popular—clear skies, low humidity, and pleasant evenings. These months are probably the best time to go to Siem Reap if you want great sightseeing conditions.
You’ll see more visitors during this stretch, so book your accommodation and tickets ahead of time. Even with the crowds, the weather makes it the most reliable time for outdoor fun and photography.
Hottest Months
The hottest months are March through May. Daytime highs go up to 35°C to 38°C (95°F to 100°F), and humidity rises. Mornings and evenings can feel okay, but afternoons get pretty uncomfortable for long temple visits.
April is usually the hottest. It’s also Khmer New Year, so you’ll catch cultural events and celebrations all over Siem Reap. If you can handle the heat, it’s a lively time to see local traditions.
Traveling during these months takes a bit more planning. Bring water, wear light clothes, and schedule temple visits for early morning or late afternoon. Midday is best for indoor activities or just taking a break.
Wettest Months
The rainy season hits from June to October. You’ll get the heaviest downpours in September and early October.
Temperatures usually stay between 25°C and 32°C (77°F to 90°F). High humidity and frequent showers really define these months.
Rain tends to show up in short, heavy bursts—it rarely lasts all day. The paths around Angkor Wat get muddy fast, but the countryside turns a vibrant green that’s honestly beautiful.
Fewer tourists come during this time, so the temples feel quieter and hotel rates drop. If you don’t mind carrying an umbrella or a rain jacket, you’ll get a calmer, more peaceful way to explore Siem Reap.
The landscapes and reflections after a rainstorm can make for some really great photos.
How Weather Impacts Travel Experiences
Weather in Siem Reap changes nearly every part of your trip. It affects how crowded the temples feel and how much you pay for hotels and tours.
It even decides what you have to pack to stay comfortable outside.
Crowd Levels and Tourism Seasons
Tourist numbers in Siem Reap swing up and down with the seasons. The dry season from November to February draws the biggest crowds.
Clear skies and cooler temperatures pull in lots of people, especially at Angkor Wat. You’ll probably run into long lines and packed viewpoints during these months.
From March to April, the heat ramps up, and some travelers avoid the temples in the middle of the day. Crowds thin out a bit, but Khmer New Year in April brings local celebrations and more domestic visitors.
The wet season, May to October, brings far fewer international tourists. Afternoon showers turn some people away, but you’ll find quieter temples and more space to wander.
If you’d rather skip the crowds, this season is honestly one of the best times to visit Cambodia.
Budget Considerations by Season
What you pay in Siem Reap depends a lot on the weather. During the peak dry season, hotel prices jump, and tours can sell out weeks ahead.
Flights into Cambodia also cost more since demand is high.
In the late dry season, prices might dip a bit because the heat keeps some visitors away. The wet season brings the lowest rates of the year.
Many hotels run discounts, and you can often haggle for better deals on tuk-tuks or guided tours.
If you travel in the shoulder months like October or early May, you might find a sweet spot. You get moderate prices, not too much rain, and you avoid both the monsoon’s peak and the biggest crowds.
Packing Advice for Each Season
What you pack really depends on the weather cycle.
In the dry months (November–April), toss in light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a wide-brimmed hat. The sun feels strong, even when it’s not super hot, so don’t skip sun protection.
From March to April, you’ll want some extra water bottles and maybe a cooling towel or two. When the heat ramps up, staying hydrated matters just as much as finding shade.
During the wet season (May–October), grab quick-dry clothes, waterproof shoes, and a lightweight rain jacket. Afternoon showers roll in pretty often, so having a small umbrella or a poncho can save the day.
A waterproof phone case and some insect repellent will make temple visits and evening walks way more comfortable.