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Weather in Siem Reap
Gateway to Angkor Wat, the greatest temple complex on Earth
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About Siem Reap
Siem Reap exists because of Angkor, and Angkor deserves the journey. The 12th-century Khmer temple complex is the largest religious monument ever built — hundreds of temples spread across 400 square kilometres of jungle. Angkor Wat at sunrise is overwhelming in the best possible way.
Best months to visit
January, February, December
Things to do in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat sunrise
Bayon temple
Ta Prohm jungle ruins
Pub Street and night market
Tonle Sap lake
Cambodian cooking class
Weather by month
Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.
Recommended
January
31C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Recommended
February
32C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
March
34C
Hot and humid, with occasional showers.
April
34C
Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.
May
33C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
June
33C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
July
32C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
August
32C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
September
31C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
October
30C
Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.
November
31C
Hot and humid, with some rainy days.
Recommended
December
30C
Hot and humid, and mostly sunny skies.
Siem Reap is the gateway to Angkor — the most extraordinary collection of Hindu and Buddhist temple complexes ever built, spread across a forest area larger than modern Bangkok, and reaching its peak of ambition and beauty at Angkor Wat itself, whose five towers reflected in the moat at dawn produce perhaps the most iconic sunrise photograph on earth. The town itself has emerged as a genuinely excellent base with sophisticated restaurants, floating villages on the Tonlé Sap, and a warmth from the Cambodian people that makes every visit an emotional experience.
Best areas to stay in Siem Reap
Angkor Wat
The world's largest religious monument — the 12th-century Khmer temple complex of five towers and extraordinary bas-relief galleries covering 400 acres within its moat.
Angkor Thom & Bayon
The walled royal city containing the Bayon temple with its 216 serene stone faces — one of the most extraordinary and unsettling architectural visions in the world.
Ta Prohm & Outer Temples
The jungle-enveloped temple made famous by Tomb Raider, where strangler fig roots engulf the stone walls — surrounded by numerous quieter outer temples worth a full exploration day.
Siem Reap Town & Pub Street
The surprisingly sophisticated town with excellent restaurants serving Cambodian cuisine, the old market (Phsar Chas), and the Angkor National Museum for context before temple visits.
Getting to Siem Reap
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Flights
Siem Reap International Airport (REP) receives direct flights from Bangkok (BKK), Singapore (SIN), and Kuala Lumpur (KUL) — all connecting hubs from the UK with good flight connections.
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From London
~13–15 hours total journey time from London (via Bangkok or Singapore)
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Getting around
Tuk-tuks are the ideal Angkor transport — affordable, atmospheric, and drivers serve as informal guides. Bicycles can be hired cheaply in Siem Reap and are excellent for early morning temple visits when the roads are quiet.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Siem Reap?
November to February is the cool dry season — the best weather for exploring Angkor. March to May is hot and dry. The wet season (June–October) brings lush green surroundings to the temples and fewer tourists, though flooding can affect some roads.
How do I buy an Angkor pass?
Angkor passes are available at the official ticket centre on the road to Angkor — 1-day (US$37), 3-day (US$62), or 7-day (US$72) options. There is a biometric photo taken at purchase; do not buy passes from unofficial sellers.
What time should I arrive at Angkor Wat for sunrise?
Arrive by 5:15–5:30am — the entry to the main causeway is free before the official ticket office opens (though you still need a valid pass). The reflection in the pond fills with pink and gold light as the sun rises behind the towers.
Is Cambodia safe for tourists?
Siem Reap and the Angkor area are generally safe and well-touristed. Standard precautions apply; be wary of landmines in remote rural areas and avoid straying off paths in the outer Angkor areas. The FCDO travel advice should be checked before departure.
How do I get around the Angkor temples?
Tuk-tuks with a driver are the most popular option and cost very little for a full day — most tuk-tuk drivers are knowledgeable guides in their own right. Cycling is excellent for the main temples and rewards early morning exploration.
Traveler reviews
★★★★★
Angkor Wat at sunrise is one of the genuine wonders of the world — I've been to many great monuments and nothing prepares you for the scale and beauty of this place. Three days was the right amount of time to explore properly without rushing.
Alice S. · December 2024
★★★★★
The Bayon temple with its stone faces is even more extraordinary than Angkor Wat to my mind — the faces watch you from every angle and the jungle atmosphere feels genuinely mysterious. Our tuk-tuk driver was a brilliant informal guide who enhanced everything.
David N. · February 2023
★★★★★
Going in the wet season (November) was the right call — the temples surrounded by green vegetation, puddles reflecting the stone, and very few tourists made for an atmospheric experience. The Cambodian food in town was a revelation too — fresh, complex, and cheap.
Helen R. · November 2024
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