Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat (2026 Month Guide)

Planning a trip to Angkor Wat?

Here’s the truth:

👉 There is no single “perfect” time—only the best time for your travel style.

Some months offer cooler weather.
Others bring lush landscapes.
And a few unlock rare experiences most travelers never see.

This guide breaks it all down—so you can choose the perfect timing for your trip.

👉 Read: Cambodia Travel Guide (2026) for full trip planning.

⚡ Quick Answer

👉 Best overall time: November → February (cool & dry)
👉 Best for fewer crowds: May → June
👉 Best for green scenery: July → October
👉 Worst time (heat): March → May

🌤️ Angkor Wat Weather Overview

Located near Siem Reap, Angkor Wat has a tropical climate with 3 main seasons:

☀️ Dry Season (Nov → Feb)

• Cooler temperatures
• Clear skies
• Peak tourist season

🔥 Hot Season (Mar → May)

• Extremely hot (35–40°C)
• Fewer tourists
• Challenging midday exploration

🌧️ Green Season (Jun → Oct)

• Regular rain showers
• Lush landscapes
• Fewer crowds

📆 Month-by-Month Breakdown

🟢 November – February (BEST OVERALL)

👉 Why go:

• Cool weather
• Clear sunrise views
• Comfortable exploring

👉 Downside:

• More crowds

👉 Perfect for first-time visitors

🟡 March – May (HOT BUT QUIET)

👉 Why go:

• Fewer tourists
• Better hotel deals

👉 Challenges:

• Intense heat
• Midday fatigue

👉 Best for experienced travelers

🌿 June – October (GREEN SEASON MAGIC)

👉 Why go:

• Fewer crowds
• Dramatic skies
• Beautiful reflections

👉 Downsides:

• Rain (usually short)
• Occasional mud

👉 Best for photographers

🌅 Best Time for Sunrise at Angkor Wat

👉 Ideal months:

• December → February

👉 Why:

• Clear skies
• Strong reflections
• Cooler mornings

👉 Follow the full Angkor Wat Sunrise Guide for exact spots and timing.

🚶 Best Time of Day to Visit

👉 Daily timing matters just as much as the season:

• 🌅 Early morning → Best (cool + fewer crowds)
• ☀️ Midday → Avoid (heat + crowds)
• 🌇 Late afternoon → Great for photos

🎯 When Should YOU Visit?

👉 Choose based on your goal:

• First-time trip → Nov–Feb
• Budget travel → May–June
• Photography → Jul–Oct
• Avoid crowds → Shoulder season

🔗 Internal Travel Planning

👉 Build your full trip:

• 3-Day Angkor Wat Itinerary
• Angkor Wat Sunrise Guide
• Cambodia Travel Cost Guide

❓ FAQ

What is the best month to visit Angkor Wat?

👉 December and January offer the best balance of weather and visibility.

Is Angkor Wat too hot?

👉 Yes—especially March to May. Plan early morning visits.

Is rainy season bad?

👉 No—rain is short, and the scenery is more beautiful.

When is Angkor Wat least crowded?

👉 May–June and September–October.

Can I visit Angkor Wat year-round?

👉 Yes—it’s open all year.

🎯 Final Thoughts

There’s no wrong time to visit Angkor Wat.

Only different experiences.

👉 Sunny and vibrant
👉 Quiet and peaceful
👉 Green and dramatic

The key is choosing the time that fits your travel style.