Angkor Wat Best Time to Visit: Plan Your Perfect Trip

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a zoomed out photo of Angkor Wat and the text "the best time to visit Angkor Wat"

Angkor Wat was easily the highlight of my trip to Cambodia, especially seeing it at sunrise. However, the weather and crowds can make a huge difference in your experience when visiting the temples. The best time to visit Angkor Wat is usually from November through February, when temperatures are slightly cooler, humidity is lower, and conditions are more comfortable for long days of temple sightseeing.

That said, every season has pros and cons. The dry season offers the best weather but also the biggest crowds, while the rainy season brings greener scenery, fewer tourists, and dramatic reflections around the temples.

Keep reading to decide the best time of year to visit Angkor Wat, depending on if you want good weather, low crowds, or a mix of both.

Last updated: May 11, 2026

Published: April 6, 2024

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Overview: Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat

  • Best overall time to visit: November through February
  • Best weather: December and January
  • Best time for sunrise photos: Dry season (November to February)
  • Cheapest time to visit: Rainy season (May to October)
  • Best time for fewer crowds: June and September
  • Hottest months: March and April
  • Best time for green scenery and reflections: Rainy season
  • Best time to avoid extreme heat: Early morning visits year-round
  • Busiest months: December and January

Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat by Season

Angkor Wat can feel completely different depending on the season. Weather, humidity, crowd levels, and lighting conditions all affect the experience, especially since most temple visits involve spending hours outdoors walking between ruins with limited shade.

Here’s what to expect throughout the year.

Cool and Dry Season at Angkor Wat (November to February)

Me standing in front of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

The cool season is generally considered the best time to visit Angkor Wat. Temperatures usually range from around 70°F to 88°F (21°C to 31°C), with lower humidity and minimal rainfall.

This is the most comfortable time for exploring the temples, especially if you plan on full-day tours or sunrise visits. Clear skies also create excellent conditions for photography around sunrise and sunset.

However, this is also peak tourist season, meaning sunrise crowds around Angkor Wat can become very busy, especially during December and January.

Pros:

  • Most comfortable weather
  • Lower humidity
  • Great sunrise and photography conditions
  • Best for long temple days

Cons:

  • Large crowds
  • Busy sunrise viewing areas
  • Higher hotel and tour prices

Best for:

  • First-time visitors
  • Sunrise tours
  • Temple photography
  • Full-day temple exploring

Hot Season at Angkor Wat (March to April)

Ruins in Angkor Wat.

The hot season is the most difficult time to visit Angkor Wat because of the extreme heat and humidity. Temperatures regularly climb above 95°F (35°C), and walking around the temple complex during the middle of the day can feel exhausting.

If you visit during this time, early morning tours become especially important. Many travelers return to their hotels during the hottest afternoon hours before exploring again later in the day.

April also overlaps with Khmer New Year celebrations, which can make the area busier.

Pros:

  • Smaller crowds outside holidays
  • Good sunrise conditions
  • Lower hotel prices

Cons:

  • Extreme heat and humidity
  • Difficult midday sightseeing
  • Physically tiring temple visits

Best for:

  • Budget travelers
  • Shorter temple visits
  • Early morning sightseeing

Rainy Season at Angkor Wat (May to October)

The rainy season brings greener landscapes, dramatic skies, and fewer tourists around Angkor Wat. Temperatures usually range from around 75°F to 92°F (24°C to 33°C), with frequent afternoon rain showers.

While rain can affect plans occasionally, it usually does not last all day. Many travelers are surprised by how much sightseeing is still possible during the rainy season.

This can actually be one of the best times to visit for photography because the moats, ponds, and temple grounds become greener and more reflective after rainfall.

Pros:

  • Smaller crowds
  • Lush green scenery
  • Dramatic photography conditions
  • Lower accommodation prices

Cons:

  • Heavy afternoon showers
  • Humidity
  • Muddy paths around some temple areas

Best for:

  • Photography
  • Budget travel
  • Fewer crowds
  • Green season scenery

Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat for Sunrise

standing in front of angkor wat in Cambodia at sunrise in a leopard pattern skirt and black tee shirt

Seeing the sunrise at Angkor Wat is one of the most popular experiences in Cambodia, and it was easily the highlight of my trip.

The best time to visit Angkor Wat for sunrise is usually during the dry season from November through February, when skies are clearer and there is less chance of rain blocking the view.

However, this is also when sunrise crowds are at their largest. Hundreds of people gather around the reflection pools in front of the temple before dawn, especially during December and January.

If you want the best chance of good lighting and reflections, try to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before sunrise. Arriving early also gives you a better spot near the water.

The rainy season can still offer beautiful sunrise conditions, especially with dramatic clouds and greener surroundings, but visibility can be less predictable on cloudy mornings.

No matter the season, early morning is the best time of day to explore Angkor Wat because temperatures are much more comfortable before the afternoon heat arrives.

If possible, I also recommend staying longer after sunrise. Many tour groups leave shortly afterward, and some temple areas become quieter later in the morning.

Crowds At Angkor Wat

Me with my tour group and tour guide in Angkor Wat.

Angkor Wat is one of the most visited attractions in Southeast Asia, so crowds are something you should expect no matter when you visit.

The busiest period is usually from November through February, when cooler temperatures and dry weather attract the highest number of tourists. Sunrise at Angkor Wat becomes especially crowded during these months, particularly around Christmas, New Year, and other holiday periods.

If avoiding crowds is important to you, the rainy season from May to October is usually a much quieter time to visit. Temple complexes feel less crowded, and it becomes easier to take photos without large groups around.

I also found that timing matters just as much as the season. Early mornings are busiest around Angkor Wat itself because of sunrise tours, but many tour groups leave shortly afterward. Some temple areas become noticeably quieter later in the morning or during the afternoon.

April can also feel busy because of Khmer New Year celebrations, even though temperatures are extremely hot during this time.

If you want the best balance between weather and crowd levels, November and October are often good shoulder-season months to consider.

Best Time of Day to Visit Angkor Wat

Early morning is usually the best time of day to visit Angkor Wat, especially if you want cooler temperatures and softer lighting for photos.

Most visitors arrive before sunrise, which means the area directly in front of Angkor Wat becomes crowded very early. However, many tour groups leave shortly after sunrise, and some temple areas become quieter later in the morning.

Midday is usually the least comfortable time to explore because of the intense heat and humidity, especially during March and April.

Late afternoon can also be a good time to visit if you want warmer lighting and slightly cooler temperatures compared to midday.

Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat: Month-by-Month Guide

Every month offers a slightly different experience at Angkor Wat, from cooler dry-season mornings to dramatic rainy-season reflections around the temples.

Here’s what to expect throughout the year.

January at Angkor Wat

January is one of the best months to visit Angkor Wat. Temperatures are relatively comfortable, humidity is lower, and rainfall is minimal.

This is a great month for sunrise visits and full-day temple tours, though crowds are also at their peak.

Best for:

  • Comfortable weather
  • Sunrise tours
  • First-time visitors

February at Angkor Wat

February continues the dry season with warm temperatures and mostly clear skies. Conditions remain excellent for photography and sightseeing.

Crowds stay busy, especially during the mornings around Angkor Wat itself.

Best for:

  • Temple photography
  • Dry weather
  • Outdoor exploring

March at Angkor Wat

March marks the beginning of much hotter weather around Angkor Wat. Temperatures rise quickly, especially during the afternoon.

Early morning temple visits become much more important during this time of year.

Best for:

  • Smaller crowds than peak season
  • Sunrise visits
  • Budget-friendly travel

April at Angkor Wat

April is usually the hottest month of the year at Angkor Wat, with temperatures often climbing above 100°F (38°C).

Temple visits can feel exhausting by midday, so many travelers explore early in the morning and rest during the hottest part of the afternoon. Khmer New Year celebrations also bring larger crowds during parts of April.

Best for:

  • Cultural festivals
  • Early morning exploring
  • Budget travel outside holiday periods

May at Angkor Wat

May marks the beginning of the rainy season. Rain showers become more common, though they often happen later in the day.

The surrounding landscapes also begin turning greener after the dry season.

Best for:

  • Smaller crowds
  • Green scenery
  • Lower hotel prices

June at Angkor Wat

June brings more regular rain showers and fewer tourists around the temple complex. Despite the rain, sightseeing is still very possible on most days.

Temple reflections and greenery become more noticeable during this time of year.

Best for:

  • Photography
  • Quieter temple visits
  • Rainy season travel

July at Angkor Wat

July is wetter and more humid, but the rain helps cool temperatures slightly compared to the hottest months earlier in the year.

Crowds remain smaller than during the peak dry season.

Best for:

  • Green landscapes
  • Smaller crowds
  • Budget travel

August at Angkor Wat

August continues the rainy season with humid conditions and frequent afternoon showers. The temple grounds look especially lush during this time of year.

Rain usually does not last all day, so there is still plenty of time for sightseeing between showers.

Best for:

  • Temple photography
  • Green scenery
  • Fewer tourists

September at Angkor Wat

September is typically one of the wettest months at Angkor Wat. Heavy rainfall is possible, but crowds are also at some of their lowest levels of the year.

This can be a good month for travelers prioritizing lower prices and quieter temple visits.

Best for:

  • Lower crowds
  • Budget travel
  • Rainy season scenery

October at Angkor Wat

October marks the transition out of the rainy season. The landscapes remain green, while rainfall slowly decreases later in the month.

Water-filled moats and ponds around the temples often create some of the best reflection photography conditions of the year.

Best for:

  • Photography
  • Shoulder season travel
  • Green landscapes with improving weather

November at Angkor Wat

November is one of the best overall months to visit Angkor Wat. Temperatures become more comfortable, humidity drops, and the rainy season mostly ends.

Tourism also begins increasing again because of the improved weather conditions.

Best for:

  • Comfortable sightseeing weather
  • Sunrise tours
  • First-time visitors

December at Angkor Wat

December brings some of the coolest and driest weather of the year to Angkor Wat. Conditions are excellent for long temple days and sunrise photography.

This is also one of the busiest months for tourism, especially around the holidays.

Best for:

  • Temple exploring
  • Dry weather
  • Sunrise photography

What to Pack for Angkor Wat

Packing for Angkor Wat mostly comes down to preparing for heat, humidity, sun exposure, and long hours of walking outdoors.

No matter when you visit, lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes are essential since most temple visits involve a lot of walking with limited shade.

Dry Season Packing (November to April)

Me sitting in one of the ruins in Angkor Wat.

The dry season brings hotter temperatures and strong sun, especially during March and April.

You should pack:

Early mornings can feel slightly cooler during the peak dry season, especially before sunrise tours.

Rainy Season Packing (May to October)

The rainy season brings humid conditions and frequent afternoon showers, though temperatures usually remain warm throughout the day.

You should pack:

  • Lightweight rain gear or a poncho
  • Quick-dry clothing
  • Waterproof shoes or sandals
  • A waterproof bag for electronics
  • Extra socks
  • Mosquito repellent

Even during the rainy season, it’s still important to bring sunscreen because the tropical sun can remain strong between showers.

Temple Dress Code

Me standing in front of a ruin in Cambodia.

Since Angkor Wat is an active religious site, visitors are expected to dress respectfully.

You should avoid:

  • Short shorts
  • Crop tops
  • Clothing that exposes shoulders or knees

Lightweight pants, longer shorts, and breathable shirts with sleeves work well while still helping you stay cool in the heat.

Conclusion: Best Time of Year to Visit Angkor Wat

For most people, the best time to visit Angkor Wat is during the dry season from November through February, when temperatures are more comfortable and conditions are better for long days of temple sightseeing.

If your main goal is seeing sunrise at Angkor Wat, the dry season usually offers the clearest skies and best visibility, though it also brings the largest crowds.

The rainy season can still be a great time to visit if you want fewer tourists, greener scenery, and more dramatic photography conditions around the temples. Rain showers are common, but they often do not last all day.

I still think seeing Angkor Wat at sunrise was one of the most memorable travel experiences I’ve had in Southeast Asia, no matter how early the wake-up call was.

No matter when you visit, planning around the heat and starting your temple days early will make a huge difference in your overall experience.

If you’re ready to plan your trip to Cambodia, check out some of my favorite travel planning resources:

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