Best time to visit: Siem Reap

Any time is actually the best time to travel. And if you want to know when to visit Siem Reap, then any time also works. But if you want the BEST time to visit Siem Reap, then that is another story.

In truth, flexibility is always the key when it comes to maximizing a trip to Siem Reap, especially when visiting Angkor Wat and the rest of the Siem Reap temples.

An iconic sight in Siem Reap

The Weather in Siem Reap

Cambodia is seated in the tropics, that means that the weather is often warm to hot throughout the year. While there are rainfall and monsoon seasons, but it is still generally hot.

March, April, and May are often the hottest months in the country. Although it is still bearable if this is your only free schedule.

Tip: Siem Reap weather during March, April, and May are often hot. Make sure to wear cool but protective clothing, bring enough water, and plan temple visits to early mornings and late afternoons.

Since the weather is hot during these months, and you are not a fan of hot weather, make sure to book a hotel in Siem Reap that has an air-con or a generator. That way, you will not suffer as much since fans usually won’t help during this season.

Rainy season or monsoon season usually hits around late July going towards October.

Mornings at the Angkor Complex, Siem Reap

Best time to visit Siem Reap

Siem Reap is at its driest from November to March. The cool weather often comes around December to January. This is when days of cloudless blue skies happen often. 

The cool weather in Cambodia is due to the fact that while it is in the tropics, it is also slightly North of the equator. So locals and visitors are able to relax more at night. Sometimes, it even reaches under 20 degrees Celsius. With this kind of weather, anything is possible, and it is truly an enjoyable experience overall.

During this time, it is possible to bike around the temples, enjoying a cool breeze, and explore as much.

Note: Since this is the best time to visit Siem Reap, the crowds can be overwhelming as well. There is also a tendency to face-off with people in tours.

Skip the crowds!

Being a world famous UNESCO Heritage Site, Angkor Wat definitely draws in a crowd. If you are the type who would like a peaceful experience, or would like to have a least crowded experience, reports indicate that there is a definite drop in visitors from around May and April. 

So, it might be a better option than going during the popular months.

Related information:

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