Cambodia · tool
Best time to visit Siem Reap
Month-by-month weather, crowds, prices, and festival calendar — so you know exactly when to book.
Photo by Matt Bryson on Unsplash
Best time to visit Siem Reap, Cambodia
Month-by-month breakdown of weather, crowds, prices, and seasonal highlights.
| Month | Score | Weather | Crowds | Prices | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 22-31°C, dry and sunny | peak | peak |
⚠ Book accommodations and tours well in advance. | |
| February | 23-32°C, dry and sunny | high | high |
⚠ Still very popular, book ahead. | |
| March | 24-34°C, hot and dry | high | high |
⚠ Temperatures begin to rise significantly. | |
| April | 25-35°C, very hot and humid | moderate | moderate |
⚠ Considered the hottest month; outdoor sightseeing can be challenging. | |
| May | 24-32°C, start of rainy season, humid | low | low |
⚠ Expect daily afternoon downpours; some unpaved paths may become muddy. | |
| June | 24-31°C, rainy season, humid | low | low |
⚠ Heavy, frequent rainfall is common; travel can be disrupted by localized flooding. | |
| July | 24-31°C, peak rainy season, humid | low | low |
⚠ This is the heart of the monsoon; expect persistent rain and high humidity. | |
| August | 24-31°C, rainy season, humid | low | low |
⚠ Similar to July, with significant rainfall and humidity. | |
| September | 24-30°C, end of rainy season, humid | low | low |
⚠ Still quite wet and humid; some remote temples might be difficult to access. | |
| October | 23-30°C, transition to dry season, less humid | moderate | moderate |
⚠ The start of the popular tourist season, but still manageable. | |
| November | 23-30°C, dry and pleasant | high | high |
⚠ One of the busiest months, book well in advance. | |
| December | 22-30°C, dry and sunny | peak | peak |
⚠ Peak tourist season; expect high prices and crowds everywhere. |
Annual events worth timing your trip around
April
Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey)
A major public holiday celebrating the traditional Khmer New Year with temple visits, traditional games, and cultural performances.
November
Cambodian Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)
A vibrant festival celebrating the reversal of the Tonle Sap River's flow, featuring boat races, fireworks, and parades.
September
Pchum Ben Festival
A 15-day religious festival where Cambodians honor their ancestors by offering food to monks at pagodas.
May
King's Birthday
A national holiday celebrating the King's birthday, often with public ceremonies and a generally festive atmosphere.
Insider timing tips
- •The 'green season' (May-September) offers a dramatically different, lush landscape and significantly fewer tourists, making it ideal for photographers and budget travelers willing to brave the rain.
- •While the dry season (November-March) is most popular for its comfortable temperatures, shoulder months like October and April can offer a good balance of weather and crowds.
- •Monsoon rains in July and August are often intense but short-lived afternoon downpours, allowing for sightseeing between showers; however, access to some outlying temples can be challenging due to muddy roads.
- •The period immediately following the main rainy season (October) sees the Tonle Sap Lake at its fullest, making boat trips to floating villages a unique and rewarding experience.
- •Book accommodations and popular tours for the peak season (December-February) at least 3-6 months in advance due to high demand.
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