Best Time To Visit Siem Reap: Weather and Season Guide

The best time to visit Siem Reap is November through February, when temperatures stay below 90°F and rainfall is minimal — ideal conditions for long days at Angkor Wat without the intense heat or muddy trails. This guide breaks down every month of the year so you can match your budget, crowd tolerance, and weather preference to the right travel window.

Key Takeaways

• The peak dry season runs November to February with average highs of 86°F (30°C) and fewer than 10 rain days per month. (Cambodia Meteorological Department, 2024)
• Angkor Archaeological Park received over 1.1 million international visitors in 2023, with December and January accounting for the highest daily foot traffic. (APSARA Authority, 2023)
• The wet season (June to October) brings 60-80% lower hotel rates and greener landscapes around the temples. (Booking.com, 2024)
• Average daily temperature in Siem Reap ranges from 77°F (25°C) in January to 97°F (36°C) at the April peak. (World Meteorological Organization, 2024)
• A Cambodia Discover e-SIM from Airalo costs around $5 USD for 1 GB — essential for offline maps at the temple complex. (Airalo, 2025)

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When Is the Dry Season in Siem Reap?

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Siem Reap’s dry season runs from November through April, with the coolest and most comfortable stretch falling between November and February. During these months, daytime highs hover around 86-90°F (30-32°C) and humidity stays low enough to walk the temple loop without feeling drained by mid-morning. Most visitors who want reliable weather and clear skies book this window.

The dry season divides neatly into two phases. The cool dry period (November to February) is ideal for first-time visitors — mornings can drop to 68°F (20°C) and afternoon heat stays manageable. The hot dry period (March to April) sees temperatures spike to 95-97°F (35-36°C), which limits comfortable outdoor time to early morning and late afternoon. Angkor Wat temple passes cost $37 USD for one day, $62 USD for three days, or $72 USD for seven days (APSARA Authority, 2025). Buy in advance via Klook Siem Reap tours to skip queues that build up by 8 a.m. in peak season.

When Is the Wet Season in Siem Reap?

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The wet season runs June through October, peaking in September when Siem Reap receives an average of 260 mm of rain. Rain typically falls in short, heavy afternoon bursts lasting 1-2 hours rather than all-day drizzle, which means temple mornings are almost always clear. (Cambodia Meteorological Department, 2024)

The trade-off is real: dirt paths between temples turn muddy, some smaller Angkor Wat satellite temples flood at ground level, and the heat-humidity combination can feel oppressive. However, Tonle Sap Lake swells to four times its dry-season size during these months, making it the best time to see the floating villages around Kompong Khleang. Budget travelers gain the most here — a standard double room at a 3-star guesthouse on Pub Street drops from $55/night in December to $22/night in August. Check current wet-season rates on Agoda Siem Reap and Booking.com.

Month-by-Month Weather Breakdown

Related: best food in Siem Reap.

Understanding each month helps narrow the choice beyond broad season labels. The table below covers average high, rain days, and relative crowd level.

Source: Cambodia Meteorological Department, 2024.

Best Time for Angkor Wat Sunrise and Sunset

Sunrise at Angkor Wat is one of the most photographed moments in Southeast Asia, and the timing of your visit affects what you will actually see. The clearest, most reliable sunrises occur from November through February, when low humidity produces sharp silhouettes of the five central towers reflected in the western reflecting pool. Arrive no later than 5:15 a.m. to claim a spot at the pool’s edge — by 5:30 a.m., the front row fills completely during peak months. (APSARA Authority, 2024)

Sunset photography is typically done at Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng hill temple, which accommodates a capped number of visitors (around 300) at any one time. The golden-hour light quality is best from October to January. For guided sunrise and sunset temple tours, Klook offers half-day Angkor Wat sunrise packages from around $28 USD per person, which include a tuk-tuk driver and English-speaking guide who knows the least-crowded vantage points. We recommend booking at least 48 hours ahead in peak season.

See our full temple circuit breakdown at angkor wat temple complex guide and photography tips at angkor wat sunrise tips.

Peak Season Travel Costs vs. Shoulder Season

Related: Siem Reap travel cost.

Timing your visit directly affects your budget. December and January are the most expensive months for flights and hotels. A return economy flight from Bangkok to Siem Reap averages $120-$160 USD in peak season versus $60-$90 USD in May or October. (Google Flights data, 2025)

Hotel pricing follows the same curve. The popular Jaya House River Park (4-star, riverside) lists at $195/night in January and $95/night in June on Booking.com. Mid-range guesthouses near Old Market (Psar Chas) average $45-$65/night in peak and $18-$28/night in low season.

Shoulder months — October, November, and March — offer the best balance: manageable weather with 20-30% lower accommodation costs compared to the December-January peak. You can find solid deals on Booking.com Siem Reap hotels for those shoulder windows. Budget for a one-week Cambodia eSIM from Airalo at around $9 USD — connectivity matters when navigating the 400+ sq km Angkor complex.

For a detailed cost breakdown by travel style, see siem reap travel budget guide.

Siem Reap Festivals and Events by Month

Related: best day trips from Siem Reap.

Several Cambodian festivals transform Siem Reap and affect temple access and hotel availability. Planning around — or for — these events can define a trip.

Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey) falls in mid-April (April 13-15, 2026). This is Cambodia’s biggest celebration: three days of water throwing, traditional games, and communal feasting across Siem Reap town. Hotels book out quickly, and many restaurants operate reduced hours. Temple crowds thin slightly as local families gather in towns. (Ministry of Culture and Fine Arts, Cambodia, 2025)

Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) takes place in October or November based on the lunar calendar — in 2025 it fell on November 4-6. Siem Reap hosts boat races on the Siem Reap River, and Tonle Sap is at its fullest, offering the most dramatic floating village experience. Book hotels 6-8 weeks in advance for this period.

Angkor Sangkranta (Khmer New Year celebration at the temples) in April includes traditional dance performances inside Angkor Thom, which are free with a valid temple pass.

See our complete festival calendar at cambodia festivals and public holidays and Tonle Sap lake trip guide at tonle sap lake floating villages.

Health and Safety Considerations by Season

Heat exhaustion is a real risk from March through May, when midday temperatures exceed 95°F (35°C). We recommend starting temple visits no later than 7 a.m. and finishing outdoor exploration by 11 a.m. Carry a minimum of 1.5 liters of water per person — bottled water in the Angkor complex costs $1 USD.

Mosquito activity increases significantly during and after the wet season (June-October). Dengue fever cases in Siem Reap Province typically peak between August and October. (Cambodia Ministry of Health, 2024) Use DEET-based repellent (30%+) and wear long sleeves during dusk temple visits. Travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage is strongly advised; options from providers like SafetyWing start around $40 USD/month.

Water-borne illness risk rises after heavy rains, primarily from September to October. Stick to bottled or purified water throughout your stay. For broader health preparation, see cambodia travel health and vaccinations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best month to visit Siem Reap for the first time?

November is the best month for first-time visitors. Temperatures cool to around 86°F (30°C), rainfall drops to roughly 55 mm across 8 rain days, and the peak-season crowds have not yet arrived. Hotel rates are 15-20% lower than December and January while conditions remain excellent for full-day temple visits. (Cambodia Meteorological Department, 2024)

Is Siem Reap worth visiting in the rainy season?

Yes, especially if you are on a tight budget or want fewer crowds at the temples. Rain falls mostly in short afternoon bursts, so morning temple visits are usually dry. Wet-season rates on Agoda and Booking.com can be 50-60% lower than peak season, and Tonle Sap Lake reaches its most impressive size during this period.

How hot does Siem Reap get in April?

April is the hottest month in Siem Reap, with average highs reaching 97°F (36°C) and heat index values often exceeding 104°F (40°C) with humidity. If you visit in April, plan all outdoor temple activity before 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. Khmer New Year celebrations (April 13-15) add cultural interest that partially offsets the heat challenge.

How many days do I need in Siem Reap?

Three days is the practical minimum to cover the main Angkor temples (Angkor Wat, Angkor Thom, Ta Prohm, Bayon) without rushing. Five days allows you to add Banteay Srei, Beng Mealea, and a Tonle Sap boat trip. A 3-day temple pass ($62 USD) aligns well with this itinerary. See our full Siem Reap itinerary at siem reap 3 day itinerary.

Do I need a visa to visit Cambodia as a US or UK citizen?

Yes. Both US and UK citizens require a visa for Cambodia. The Cambodia e-Visa costs $36 USD and can be obtained online at evisa.gov.kh in 3 business days. Alternatively, a Visa on Arrival is available at Siem Reap International Airport for $35 USD, though queues can take 45-60 minutes during peak arrival times. Always carry two passport photos and the exact USD amount in cash. (Royal Government of Cambodia, 2025)

What should I wear at Angkor Wat temples?

Angkor Wat and several other temples require covered shoulders and knees for entry. Lightweight cotton or linen pants and a short-sleeved shirt that covers your shoulders work well. Avoid sleeveless tops and shorts above the knee. Light colors reflect heat better than dark fabrics during hot months. Comfortable closed-toe shoes or sturdy sandals with ankle support are preferable to flip-flops given the uneven stone surfaces.

Is it safe to travel to Siem Reap in 2026?

Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists. The main risks are petty theft (watch bags in busy markets), traffic accidents (tuk-tuks share roads with minimal traffic enforcement), and health issues related to heat and food hygiene. The Cambodian government maintains strong tourist infrastructure around the Angkor complex. Check your country’s travel advisory for the most current guidance before departure.

Plan Your Siem Reap Trip Around the Right Season

Siem Reap rewards visitors year-round, but the window you choose shapes everything from your daily comfort to your hotel bill. November through February delivers the most reliable conditions for temple exploration with manageable temperatures and minimal rain. Shoulder months — October and March — cut costs without sacrificing much weather quality. The wet season offers a genuinely different experience: empty temple corridors, lower prices, and a lush green landscape that peak-season visitors never see.

Whichever month you choose, book your Angkor temple passes and sunrise tours through Klook in advance, compare hotel rates across Booking.com and Agoda, and pick up an Airalo Cambodia eSIM before you land. Start planning your full Siem Reap itinerary at siem reap travel guide and explore our top temple experiences at best temples in angkor besides angkor wat.