Weather in Siem Reap

Planning a trip to Siem Reap? Here you will find the latest weather information, including forecasts and useful charts, to help you prepare for your visit in the best possible way.

Siem Reap, located in Cambodia, has a distinct tropical monsoon climate. The weather here is characterized by high temperatures throughout the year. Average annual temperatures fluctuate slightly, remaining in the range from 25.8°C (December) to 30.8°C (April), making the city a hot place to visit at any time of the year.

Two main seasons are clearly traceable in Siem Reap's climate: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season usually lasts from November to April. During this period, especially from December to March, rainfall is minimal (about 1 mm per month), and the number of rainy days is low, varying from 2 to 7. This time is considered the most comfortable for visiting attractions. The rainy season, or wet season, begins in May and continues until October. During these months, the amount of precipitation increases significantly, reaching a peak in September (9 mm), and the number of rainy days can reach up to 27 per month. Despite the rains, the air temperature remains high.

Thus, when planning a trip to Siem Reap, it is worth considering these seasonal features. Although temperatures are consistently high year-round, the main difference lies in the humidity level and amount of precipitation, which define the dry and wet seasons.

In Siem Reap, located in Cambodia, a tropical climate is observed with distinct temperature fluctuations throughout the year, although the concept of "winter" here is quite relative. The annual range of average temperatures fluctuates from 25.8°C in December to 30.8°C in April. The hottest month is usually April, when the average maximum temperature reaches 35.0°C, and the average minimum does not drop below 26.6°C. The "coolest" month is considered to be December, with an average temperature of 25.8°C, while daily highs can reach 30.1°C, and nightly lows drop to 21.5°C.

The summer period, which can conditionally be attributed to the months from March to June, is characterized by high temperature and humidity, especially in April and May. Average daytime temperatures at this time consistently exceed 34-35°C. Even nights remain very warm, with temperatures rarely falling below 25-26°C. The wet season, falling on the months from May to October, also brings high temperatures, but they may be felt slightly differently due to increased humidity and frequent rains.

The so-called "winter" or dry season, from November to February, offers more comfortable temperature conditions. Average daytime temperatures hover around 30-32°C, and nights become noticeably cooler, especially in December and January, when the thermometer can drop to 21.5-21.7°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in these months is more perceptible than in the hot and wet season, amounting to about 9-10°C. This makes the morning and evening hours particularly pleasant for walks and sightseeing.

In Siem Reap, as in all of Cambodia, a distinct change of seasons is observed in terms of precipitation. The year is clearly divided into dry and wet periods, which is due to the monsoon climate of the region. Snow is not characteristic for Siem Reap; all precipitation falls in the form of rain.

The dry season usually lasts from November to April. At this time, rains are rare and short-lived. The driest months are January, February, and December, when only about 1 mm of precipitation falls, and the number of rainy days does not exceed 2-4 per month. March is also distinguished by a low level of precipitation (1 mm), although the number of days with rain increases slightly to 7. In April, the amount of precipitation increases to 3 mm, and rainy days become about 12, signaling the approach of the wet season.

The rainy season in Siem Reap falls on the period from May to October. At this time, precipitation becomes significantly more abundant and frequent. The peak of rains falls on September, when an average of 9 mm of precipitation falls, and there are about 27 rainy days. July and August are also very wet, with 7 mm and 6 mm of precipitation respectively, and approximately 26 rainy days in each. In May (4 mm, 21 rainy days), June (4 mm, 22 rainy days), and October (7 mm, 23 rainy days), a significant amount of precipitation is also observed. Rains during this period are often heavy, but can also be short-lived downpours, after which the sun comes out again.

When planning a trip to Siem Reap, it is important to consider its tropical climate. It is hot here all year round, with an average temperature from 26°C to 31°C, so the basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. Do not forget sunscreen with high SPF, sunglasses, and headwear (for example, a panama hat or a wide-brimmed hat) for protection against the intense sun, especially in the period from March to May, when the temperature can reach 35°C. Since you will have to walk a lot, especially when exploring temple complexes, comfortable shoes are a mandatory item on your list. Also remember that visiting temples requires modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees.

In Siem Reap, two main seasons are clearly distinguished, which affects the choice of items. The dry season lasts approximately from November to April. During this period, precipitation is minimal (1-3 mm per month, only 2-12 rainy days), so place the main emphasis on summer clothing. Evenings, especially from December to February, can be slightly cooler (minimum temperature about 21-23°C), but a light cardigan or shawl will be quite enough. From May to October comes the rainy season, with peak precipitation in July-October (up to 9 mm) and a significant number of rainy days (up to 27 per month). During this period, you will definitely need a light raincoat or poncho and a compact umbrella. Clothing should be not only light but also quick-drying. Think about waterproof shoes or sandals that are not afraid of moisture and dry quickly.

Regardless of the season, do not forget to take insect repellent with you, especially if you plan walks in nature or in the evening. Given the hot weather all year round, it is important to drink plenty of water, so a reusable water bottle can be very useful and eco-friendly. Although the principle of layering is not as relevant here for heat retention as in cooler climates, a light cover-up or long-sleeved shirt may come in handy for protection from the sun during the day or from the cool air in air-conditioned rooms.