Best Time to Visit Siem Reap
The best time to visit Siem Reap is December. You get the dry season's peak without the intense heat of spring. Humidity is low, rainfall is nonexistent, and temperatures stay between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F). This is the window for perfect sunrise photography at Angkor Wat. You will face the largest crowds and highest hotel prices of the year, but the trade-off is total climate reliability. If you want a balance of lower costs and manageable heat, aim for the shoulder months of November or February.
Month by Month
January in Siem Reap
January is the peak of the cool, dry season. Temperatures range from 20°C (68°F) to 31°C (88°F). It is officially the busiest month. Expect long queues at Angkor Wat and high premiums on boutique hotels. The upside is the weather; the air is crisp and comfortable for all-day temple trekking. Visit the Tonle Sap lake this month, as water levels are high enough for easy boat navigation to the floating villages.
February in Siem Reap
February sees a slight temperature increase, averaging 22°C (72°F) to 33°C (91°F). Rainfall remains nearly zero. Large crowds persist, particularly around Chinese New Year when regional travel spikes. It is the ideal month for photography because the vegetation is still green from the previous monsoon, but the sky is consistently clear. Book your "Remork" (tuk-tuk) drivers in advance as demand is high.
March in Siem Reap
The heat starts to climb in March, with highs reaching 35°C (95°F). Humidity begins to rise, making afternoon excursions draining. This is a transition month; crowds start to thin as the temperature increases. Prices for luxury stays may begin to dip. Plan your temple visits for 5:00 AM to 11:00 AM, then retreat to a hotel pool during the midday heat.
April in Siem Reap
April is the hottest month of the year. Peak temperatures often hit 38°C (100°F) or higher. Despite the heat, April is significant for the Khmer New Year (Chaul Chnam Thmey). For three days, the city erupts in water fights and street parties. It is a culturally immersive time to visit, but the physical heat is intense. Drink double the water you think you need.
May in Siem Reap
May marks the beginning of the "Ploughing Season." Temperatures remain high, around 26°C (79°F) to 35°C (95°F), but the first rains of the monsoon arrive. These are usually short, afternoon bursts that provide temporary relief from the dust. Tourism numbers drop significantly. You can find excellent deals on five-star resorts that would be triple the price in January.
June in Siem Reap
June is firmly in the shoulder season. Expect temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 34°C (93°F). Rainfall happens every few days. The landscape transitions from brown to vivid green, making the jungle-covered temples like Ta Prohm look spectacular. It is a great month for budget travelers who don't mind a 30-minute rain shower in exchange for empty temple corridors.
July in Siem Reap
July brings more consistent rain, but it rarely rains all day. Temperatures average 25°C (77°F) to 33°C (91°F). The moats surrounding Angkor Wat fill up, creating perfect reflections for photography. Flight prices to Siem Reap often hit their lowest point in July. Use the rainy afternoons to visit the Angkor National Museum or take a Khmer cooking class.
August in Siem Reap
August is the heart of the green season. Temperatures hover around 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (90°F). Humidity is high. The jungle is at its most lush, and the moss on the temple stones turns bright green. This is the best time to visit the remote Banteay Srei temple, as the surrounding countryside is stunning. Expect muddy paths but zero crowds.
September in Siem Reap
September is statistically the wettest month. Temperatures remain steady between 24°C (75°F) and 31°C (88°F). Rain can be persistent, sometimes lasting several hours. However, the waterfalls at Phnom Kulen are at their most powerful. If you are a landscape photographer, the dramatic storm clouds over the temple spires offer unique, moody shots you won't get in the dry season.
October in Siem Reap
Rain continues into October, but the frequency decreases toward the end of the month. Temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) to 31°C (88°F). As the monsoon wanes, the Pchum Ben (Ancestors' Day) festival takes place. You will see locals heading to pagodas with offerings. It is a quiet, spiritual time to visit before the November surge begins.
November in Siem Reap
November is the start of the prime tourist season. Temperatures drop to a comfortable 22°C (72°F) to 30°C (86°F). The rain stops, but the reservoirs are full. This month hosts the Bon Om Touk (Water Festival), featuring massive boat races on the Siem Reap River. Prices start to rise, and you should book your preferred accommodation at least two months out.
December in Siem Reap
December provides the most stable weather of the year, with averages of 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). There is virtually no rain. This is the busiest time for the city. Pub Street is packed, and the "Big Circuit" temple routes are busy. While expensive, it is the best month for activities involving heavy movement, like cycling through the Angkor Archaeological Park.
Cheapest Time to Visit Siem Reap
The cheapest time to visit Siem Reap is from May to September. This is the monsoon season. Because most tourists avoid the rain, hotels slash their rates to maintain occupancy.
- Accommodations: You can often book luxury villas for 40-60% less than the January peak.
- Flights: Regional airlines like AirAsia and Lanmei frequently run "Green Season" promotions.
- Negotiating: You have more leverage when negotiating daily rates with private drivers or guides.
While you will spend money on a high-quality poncho, your overall daily spend will be significantly lower than in the winter months.
When to Avoid Siem Reap
Avoid Siem Reap in April if you are sensitive to heat. It is not uncommon for temperatures to feel like 45°C (113°F) with humidity. Walking through unshaded stone temples becomes physically exhausting and potentially dangerous if you aren't hydrated.
Additionally, avoid September if your primary goal is the Tonle Sap floating villages or rural trekking. While the water is high, the heavy rains can turn dirt roads into impassable mud tracks, and boat tours can be cancelled due to storms. If you only have two days and want guaranteed sunrise views at Angkor Wat, avoid the peak rainy season (September and October) as the sun is often obscured by thick cloud cover.
Best Time for Good Weather
For the most reliable sky and temperature conditions, visit between December and February.
- Humidity: This is the only time of year when humidity is low enough to feel "cool" in the evenings.
- Rainfall: Total monthly rainfall often measures 0mm. You can plan outdoor activities weeks in advance with 99% certainty they won't be rained out.
- Sunsets: The clear air provides the best visibility for sunset views from Phnom Bakheng or Pre Rup.
If you prefer moderate weather without the "cool" breeze, November is the best choice. The dust levels are lower in November because the ground is still damp from the recently ended rains, making for better air quality than in the dry heat of March.
Best Time for Fewer Crowds
To have the temples to yourself, aim for June or July.
- The Experience: While European and North American schools are on break, the regional Asian market stays away due to the rain. Most people see "Rainy Season" and stay home.
- The Reality: Rain in June usually consists of a heavy downpour for an hour in the late afternoon. If you head to the temples at 1:00 PM, you will often find major sites like Preah Khan or Bayon nearly empty.
- Vibe: The city of Siem Reap is much calmer. You won't need reservations for the best restaurants, and the "tourist trap" feel of Pub Street is greatly diminished.
If you want the best of both worlds—decent weather and moderate crowds—the early October window just as the rains begin to taper off is an underrated "sweet spot" before the November rush.