Which Month is Ideal for Visiting Angkor Wat? Avoid the heat, dodge the rain, and capture unforgettable moments.
A month-by-month guide to help you plan the perfect Angkor Wat trip based on weather, crowd levels, and photo-worthy conditions.
December through February offers the best weather for visiting Angkor Wat. These months bring cool temps, little rain, and clear skies – perfect for temple tours. But is this peak season truly the ideal time for your visit?
The Perfect Time Window: Why Timing Matters at Angkor Wat
Planning a trip to Angkor Wat isn’t just about picking dates. The month you choose shapes your whole trip. Cambodia has two main seasons that change how you’ll see these amazing temples.
Cambodia’s weather affects everything from your photos to how long you can walk around. Picking the right month means the difference between perfect sunrise shots and getting caught in heavy rain.
Let’s break down each month so you can plan your dream trip to this world wonder.
Cambodia’s Two Key Seasons: What You Need to Know
Cambodia has a simple weather pattern with just two main seasons:
- Dry Season (November to April)
- Less rain
- Lower humidity
- Cooler temps (except March-April)
- More tourists
- Dustier paths
- Rainy Season (May to October)
- Daily showers (usually 1-2 hours)
- Higher humidity
- Greener scenery
- Fewer crowds
- Better photo lighting
The month you pick will fall into one of these seasons, each with its own good and bad points.
Staying Dry, Going Deep – Your Complete Guide to Rainy Day in Siem Reap
Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Angkor Wat
Let’s go through each month to see what you can expect:
1. November: The Sweet Spot
November marks the start of dry season but keeps some of the rainy season’s green views.
Pros:
- Temps are mild (23-30°C)
- Rain drops to just 15mm all month
- Fewer tourists than Dec-Jan
- Lush green settings for photos
Cons:
- Some lingering rain early in the month
- Tourist numbers start climbing
This month gives you the best mix of good weather and smaller crowds. The temples stand out against green backdrops, making November one of the top choices for visiting Angkor Wat.
2. December: Peak Season Begins
December brings perfect weather but starts the busy season.
Pros:
- Cool temps (21-30°C)
- Very little rain (10mm monthly)
- Clear blue skies for photos
- Ideal for full-day tours
Cons:
- High tourist numbers (158,000 in 2024)
- Higher prices for hotels and tours
- Need to book things early
December weather makes temple tours easier since you won’t get too hot. If you visit in December, book the Angkor Wat Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour to beat the crowds.
3. January: The Busiest but Brightest
January sees the highest visitor counts but offers amazing weather.
Pros:
- Coolest temps of the year (19-30°C)
- Barely any rain (8mm monthly)
- Perfect sunrise viewing
- Dry temple paths
Cons:
- Most crowded month (165,000 visitors in 2024)
- Peak hotel rates
- Need to book 3-6 months ahead
- Early sunrise times
January’s cool mornings make it great for long temple walks. To skip some crowds, try the 2 Days Exclusive Temple Highlights with Sunset and Sunrise tour.
4. February: Last of the Perfect Weather
February keeps the good weather before the hot months start.
Pros:
- Still cool (19-32°C)
- Very dry (11mm rain)
- Good sunrise/sunset views
- Slightly fewer tourists than January
Cons:
- Still crowded
- Getting warmer as month goes on
- Dusty temple grounds
- Trees not as green
February gives you a great balance of good weather and slightly smaller crowds than December-January.
5. March: Heating Up
March brings higher temps as dry season peaks.
Pros:
- Special equinox event (March 21st)
- Very dry conditions
- Good for sunset tours
- Shorter lines at some temples
Cons:
- Heat starts climbing (23-35°C)
- Very dusty conditions
- Brown landscapes
- Midday heat makes touring hard
March 21st offers a unique photo chance when the sun lines up with Angkor Wat’s central tower. The Angkor Wat Sunset Tour works well in March when mornings get too hot.
6. April: The Hottest Month
April brings peak heat before rains return.
Pros:
- Khmer New Year celebrations
- Fewer western tourists
- Easier hotel bookings
- Good sunset light
Cons:
- Highest temps (26-35°C+)
- Heat makes touring tough
- Some rain starts late month
- Very dry landscapes
April 2025 is running 1.2°C hotter than 2024, so plan for extra heat if visiting this month.
7. May: Start of Rainy Season
May marks the shift to rainy season with changing conditions.
Pros:
- Green starts returning
- Hotel prices drop
- Rain mostly in afternoons
- Morning tours work well
Cons:
- Increasing rain (150mm)
- Higher humidity
- Slippery temple stairs
- Tougher photography timing
May can still work if you plan tours for mornings and keep afternoons free in case of rain.
8. June-August: Wet but Workable
The middle of rainy season brings regular rain but has its own charm.
Pros:
- Much lower crowds
- Hotel rates 30-50% cheaper
- Lush green settings
- Great cloud formations for photos
Cons:
- Daily rain (200-220mm monthly)
- Muddy paths
- Need rain gear
- Harder to plan full days
These months work if you’re flexible with your plans and don’t mind some rain. The wet look of the temples gives a different feel that many find special.
9. September: The Wettest Month
September sees peak rainfall but the least tourists.
Pros:
- Smallest crowds all year
- Best hotel deals
- Angkor moats full of water
- Misty morning views
Cons:
- Heaviest rain (290mm)
- Some areas may flood
- Harder to get around
- Limited full-day touring
September requires the most weather planning but offers the most budget-friendly visit.
10. October: Transition Back to Dry Season
October brings less rain as the season starts to change.
Pros:
- Rainfall dropping (230mm)
- Still green landscapes
- Fewer tourists
- Good deals still available
Cons:
- Still regular rain
- Humidity remains high
- Some paths still muddy
- Need flexible plans
October gives you a good mix of green views without peak rainy season challenges.
Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat: Expert Consensus
Looking at all months, three clear winners emerge for visiting Angkor Wat:
- BEST OVERALL: November – Great weather, fewer crowds than peak season, and green landscapes
- BEST WEATHER: December-February – Coolest temps and almost no rain, but highest crowds
- BEST VALUE: June-October – Much lower prices and fewer tourists, but need to work around rain
Dr. Sopheak Vann, a Cambodian climate expert, points out that November’s balance of dry weather and post-rain greenery creates ideal conditions for temple visits.
Tips for Any Month at Angkor Wat
No matter when you visit, these tips will help:
- Morning Strategy: Start temple tours at sunrise (5:30 AM) to beat heat and crowds
- Midday Break: Return to your hotel from 11 AM – 2 PM during the hottest hours
- Water Planning: Bring twice as much water as you think you’ll need
- Sun Protection: Wear a hat, sunscreen, and light long sleeves
- Shoe Choice: Pick closed shoes with good grip for temple stairs
- Rain Gear: Pack a light rain jacket even in dry season
- Temple Routes: Ask guides to plan routes that avoid the biggest crowds
Sunrise in Angkor Wat – The Perfect Start to an Unforgettable Adventure
Special Tour Recommendations by Season
Dry Season Tours (November-April)
- Angkor Wat Highlights and Sunrise Guided Tour – Perfect for the clear skies of dry season
- 2 Days Exclusive Temple Highlights with Sunset and Sunrise – Ideal when weather is most reliable
Wet Season Tours (May-October)
- Sunset in Angkor Wat – Great for the dramatic clouds of rainy season
- Angkor Wat Sunset Tour – Times perfectly to avoid afternoon rain patterns
Cambodia and Siem Reap: More Than Just Temples
While deciding which month is ideal for visiting Angkor Wat, don’t forget Cambodia offers much more.
Siem Reap, the gateway to Angkor, has grown from a small town to a travel hub with great food, markets, and culture. The town changes with the seasons too – lively and busy during dry months, more laid-back and local during the rainy season.
The main site Journey Cambodia offers many tours beyond just temples. During rainy season, check out floating village tours when Tonlé Sap Lake expands to 16,000 km².
Making Your Final Decision: Which Month?
So which month is ideal for visiting Angkor Wat? The answer depends on what matters most to you:
- Want perfect weather? Choose December-February
- Want good weather with fewer crowds? Pick November
- Shopping for the best deals? Try June-September
- Need crystal clear sunrise photos? Go in January
- Want to see the sun align with the central tower? Visit on March 21st
The good news is that Angkor Wat stays amazing all year round. Each month shows the temples in a different light.
Which Month is Ideal for Visiting Angkor Wat? – Final Thoughts: Book Your Perfect Angkor Trip
The dry season from November to February remains the most popular time for visiting Angkor Wat, with December-January seeing the highest tourist numbers. November offers a sweet spot with good weather and fewer crowds.
Ready to plan your trip? Contact Journey Cambodia to create a custom visit based on your chosen month. Their local experts can help you make the most of any season at this world wonder.
