Siem Reap Weather

January is statistically Siem Reap's best month — only 1 rainy day, 10mm rainfall, 32°C highs, and 21°C cool dawns ideal for the Angkor Wat sunrise. The trade-off is the year's peak pricing (hotels triple) and the largest tourist crowds at the temples. Beach conditions don't apply (Siem Reap is landlocked), but the Tonle Sap floating villages are at perfect viewing height (water levels mid-cycle), and outer temples like Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei are crowd-free in the cool early morning. For sunrise photography: arrive at the Angkor Wat north reflecting pool by 4:30 AM — by 5:00 AM there will be 200+ photographers around the pool edge. Pre-book tuk-tuk pickup ($20-30/day) and Angkor 3-day pass online to skip the morning queue.

February shares January's title as Siem Reap's best month — driest of the year (5mm rainfall), 33°C / 91°F highs, 21°C / 70°F dawns, crystal-clear Angkor sunrise visibility. Chinese New Year week (varies early-mid February) brings a regional inbound surge from China + Taiwan + Hong Kong — hotel rates spike +30-50% for the holiday week, with the rest of February settling back to January levels. Valentine's Day: honeymoon resorts (Raffles Grand, Park Hyatt, Belmond, Sala Lodges) run candle-dinner + spa packages — book 4-6 weeks ahead.

December is the cool dry peak returning — 31°C / 88°F highs, 21°C / 70°F dawns, just 2 rainy days, 15mm rainfall. Conditions return to January-February levels. December 1-15 is the year's last value window — same peak conditions at 80% of December 22-January 5 pricing. December 22-January 5 is the year's most expensive period: Raffles $800-1,500/night, Park Hyatt $500-900. December 31 countdown: Raffles Grand + Park Hyatt + Belmond + Pub Street all run countdown packages with dinners + fireworks + champagne. Book 2-3 months ahead. The single best night for honeymoon + anniversary travelers seeking Cambodia luxury experience.