When Is the Best Time to Visit Siem Reap and Angkor?

Seasonal Overview: Weather, Crowds, and Conditions

Siem Reap has three distinct phases: dry and mild, hot, and the wet green season. Because touring temples requires hours outdoors on stone terraces, seasonal climate directly affects your trip.

Dry and Mild Season (November to February)

This is the most comfortable period for exploring Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. Rainfall is rare and humidity is manageable, but visitor crowds peak. Flights into Siem Reap–Angkor International Airport (SAI) run full, so reserve transport into town and temple drivers in advance.

Hot Season (March to May)

Temperatures spike, making midday visits exhausting. Tour at dawn and late afternoon instead. Mid-April brings Khmer New Year, drawing heavy domestic travel, energetic water festivities, and higher demand for central lodging.

Wet and Green Season (June to October)

Monsoon downpours usually arrive in short afternoon bursts. Crowds thin significantly, moss carpets the ruins, and temple moats fill. This is also the premier time for Tonlé Sap, as high water levels allow boat passage to stilted villages.

Which Months Suit Your Trip

• Comfortable walking: December and January offer the coolest days and clearest sunrises.
• Quiet visits and photography: July to September feature lush foliage, reflective pools, and few crowds.
• Challenging period: April and May, due to relentless heat radiating off stone monuments.

What to Pack and Prepare

Temples enforce strict dress rules: shoulders and knees must be covered. Wear loose linen trousers and breathable tops. Pack sturdy shoes with grip for slick sandstone steps, high-SPF sun protection, and insect repellent.