Thinking about when to come? Here is a quick guide to seasons, weather, crowds, prices, and what to expect so you can pick the perfect time for your kind of trip.
Siem Reap at a Glance
Climate: Tropical and warm year round with two distinct seasons. Two main seasons: Dry (Nov to Apr) • Wet/Green (May to Oct) Crowds and rates: Peak around Christmas, New Year, and Khmer New Year in April. Lowest during the wet season from June to September.
Season by Season
Dry Season (November to April)
Weather: Warm days, lower humidity, very little rain. Cooler evenings from December to February. Vibe: Lively. This is a classic high season. Why visit: Best for first timers, families, and those who want guaranteed sunshine for temple exploration. Clearest skies for sunrise at Angkor Wat. Good to know: Book early for Christmas, New Year, and Khmer New Year in April. The Water Festival in November draws large crowds. Prices are highest during these periods.
Wet Season (May to October)
Weather: Hot and humid with dramatic afternoon or evening downpours. Mornings are often bright and perfectly pleasant. Vibe: Quieter streets, lush green countryside, fewer crowds at the temples. Why visit: Best deals on accommodation, significantly fewer tourists, extraordinary reflections in the temple moats, and a side of Cambodia that most visitors never see. Reality check: The humidity is real. Air conditioning in your accommodation is not a luxury in this season, it is a necessity. Insects are more active so good repellent is essential. Local tip: The afternoon storms are a spectacle in themselves. Lightning over the temple complex and the surrounding countryside is genuinely dramatic. Most rain falls in the late afternoon or evening leaving mornings largely clear.
When is the Best Time?
- For dry weather and comfortable temperatures: December to February
- For quiet temples and best prices: June to September
- For the Water Festival and cultural celebrations: November
- For Khmer New Year festivities: April
- For lush green scenery and dramatic skies: July to September
- For the best of both worlds: November or March when crowds are manageable and weather is good
Packing and Comfort Tips (All Seasons)
- Sun kit: High SPF sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. The sun is intense year round.
- Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for temple exploration and sandals for everything else.
- Temple visits: Light clothing that covers shoulders and knees. A scarf or sarong is useful and inexpensive to buy locally.
- Hydration: Carry water at all times. Electrolyte sachets are genuinely useful in the wet season heat.
- Wet season additions: Light rain jacket or compact umbrella, quick dry clothing, strong insect repellent, and a small power bank for longer days out.
- Accommodation: Air conditioning is important in the wet season. Confirm it before booking.
Wet Season Myth Busting (May to October)
“It rains all day.” Mostly late afternoon or evening. Mornings are often clear and perfectly good for temple visits.
“It is too hot to enjoy.” Plan early morning temple visits, a midday rest, and cooler evening exploration. The city comes alive at night year round.
“The temples are closed or flooded.” The main Angkor complex remains open year round. Some minor sites may be affected by very heavy rain but the major temples are always accessible.
“There is nothing to do.” Restaurants, tours, cultural performances, and most activities run year round. The city does not shut down in the wet season. It just breathes a little easier.
Crowds and Price Snapshot
- Peak: Christmas, New Year, Khmer New Year in April, Water Festival in November. Highest rates. Book well in advance.
- Busy: January to March, school holiday periods from major source markets.
- Mellow: June to September. Lowest rates and best availability.
Deal hunter tip: The wet season unlocks some of Siem Reap’s best accommodation at significantly reduced rates. Boutique properties that sell out months in advance in high season are often available at a fraction of the price from June to September.
Safety and Common Sense Travel
Siem Reap is a welcoming and generally safe city for tourists. As with any popular destination basic common sense applies. Keep valuables secure, be aware of your surroundings in busy market areas, and avoid poorly lit areas late at night. Most visits are entirely trouble free.
For emergencies in Cambodia the general emergency number is 117 for police, 118 for fire, and 119 for ambulance. Your hotel or guesthouse is always a good first point of contact in any situation and most accommodation staff are practiced at responding quickly and helpfully.
