Seasons of Angkor explained

Cambodia in known for it’s two seasons, wet and dry. Tourists flock to Siem Reap during the winter months to avoid the rains. However, better photo opportunities are to be had at other times of year, with the best iconic Angkor sunrises coming at the end of rainy season. Here is our step by step guide of what to expect each month.

January: Dry season well and truly set in. Hazy skies with the onset of burning season. Lichen becomes more vivid. Tourism increases towards the end of the month.
February: Start of the lunar new year. Expect Angkor Wat to be busy as Khmer with Chinese ancestors descend on the temples for Chinese new year. Less dramatic sunrises with glowing oranges as the sun rises above the haze.
March: Spring equinox as the sun rises over the center tower of Angkor. New shoots and blossoms introducing colour to your photographs. Mango rain season brings isolates showers as the temperature starts to climb.
April: The hottest month and party time for Khmer new year. Great if you want a dosage of the Khmer culture. Expect traffic chaos at Angkor Wat during the festive days.
May: If you are lucky, witness the monks meditation early morning during Visakha Bucha festival, please be respectful when taking photographs.
June: Summer solstice, the sun rise furthest north. Temperatures start to drop as the monsoon season gets under way, mosses start to revive, things are getting green.
July: A slight increase of tourists as it’s European holiday time, the Tonle Sap is on the rise.
August: Tourism dip’s, chances of a good drop of rain improve as the temple colours start to revive.
September: Historically the wettest month, however showers are usually isolated. Also the lowest month for tourists, a good time to visit Angkor for the autumn equinox.
October: The best month for storms, often isolates, typically dramatic early evening. A great time for the iconic Angkor sunrise.
November: End of rainy season and Khmer water festival time, best in Phnom Penh. Expect less showers and pleasant temperatures as tourism starts to rise, high season is coming.
December: Things are getting dry, mosses die back, but we are blessed with some vivid algae greens and shorter days. End of year celebrators pack pub street in Siem Reap.