The Best Time of the Year to Visit Siem Reap Cambodia (Big Updates in 2024)

by Seni World Jan 25, 2024

Known as the capital of Cambodia, Siem Reap is definitely one of the must-visit destinations in this South Asian land. Not only being renowned for its ancient temples, amazing cuisine, but this town also possesses a special location in the North West of the country which is the main gateway to the famous ruins of Angkor Wat.

If you are planning to travel to this wonderful city, when to visit Siem Reap is exactly what you need to know before you go. Don't worry if you have no clue about it, read this guide to make the perfect decision for your trip.

Angkor Wat sunrise at Siem Reap. Cambodia

Siem Reap weather

Cambodia is a country lies in the north of the equator which means it is situated in the tropics. Thus, the city of Siem Reap also has tropical characteristics and is divided into 2 main seasons: dry and rainy season (wet season). Siem Reap weather, in general, is warm to hot and muggy around the year. The only thing makes each season here different is the amount of rainfall.

Wet season comes to Siem Reap from the beginning of May to the end of October. In this season, the temperature tends to drop with the average temperature around 25 degrees. Frequent rains are from late May onwards and become more intense from August to October. Unlike other places in Southeast Asia, monsoon rain in Siem Reap is predictable, often lasts for an hour or two and downpours usually fall in the afternoon or at night.

Torrential rain hits the Cambodian town of Siem Reap

Dry Season in Siem Reap lasts from November to April with the average temperature from 30 to 35 degrees and sometimes the hottest months can reach above 40 degrees in April. Apart from that, December and January are also considered the winter months in Siem Reap. The temperature in this season can down to 20ºC at night and the day time temperature is about 30 degrees.

Young female taking a photo of the ancient place in a sprinkle of rain

When is the best time to visit Siem Reap?

The dry season is regarded as the best time to visit Siem Reap, especially from December to January as this time of the year has ideal weather with cool and pleasant atmosphere, clear blue sky. Plus, your trip won't be interrupted by heavy rain day after day. This period is also appropriate to pay a visit to ancient temples, admire the stunning sunrise and sunset as well as cycle and stroll around to explore the city and top things to do in Siem Reap that Top Mekong Cruises suggested.

Nevertheless, as November to April is the high season of the year, Siem Reap is always crowded with a large number of visitors all around the world, therefore, hotel and other services will be more expensive and if you don't book in advance, finding where to stay in Siem Reap is definitely a big problem.

A tuktuk driver with a big smile drives tourists on the street of Siem Reap

On the other hand, the rainy season can offer you more than you can expect. It is not only a much quieter time to travel but also create interesting and different experiences. You can discover the town by boat instead of taking normal route.

The rain makes the landscape outstanding with lush paddy fields and colorful blossom flowers. For photographers, the wet season in Siem Reap is also the best time to capture the spectacular beauty of Angkor Wat Temple.

Statues on the bridge at the entrance of Angkor Thom

In general, Siem Reap can be visited year-round, depending on your time and preferences, you can choose the most suitable time to plan your journey to this awe-inspiring destination of Cambodia. Or If you are looking for brand new experiences, feel free to consider our Cambodia river cruises to explore the country in style and comfort!