Angkor Wat Weather & Climate: A Year-Round Guide

Angkor Wat, located near Siem Reap in Cambodia, is governed by a tropical monsoon climate. This creates a environment defined less by traditional four seasons and more by the rhythm of the monsoons, resulting in distinct wet and dry periods with high temperatures year-round.

Typical Weather Patterns

The climate is dominated by two seasonal monsoons:

• The Northeast Monsoon (Dry Season): Running from November to April, this brings drier, cooler air from the Asian continent.
• The Southwest Monsoon (Wet Season): From May to October, moisture-laden air from the Indian Ocean sweeps across the country, bringing significant rainfall and peak humidity levels.

Daily Climate Behavior

Even in the hottest months, the day follows a predictable cycle:

• Mornings (5:00 AM – 9:00 AM): The air is at its freshest. Even in the wet season, mornings are often dry, making this the primary window for temple exploration. Sunrise often brings a cool mist that clings to the temple moats.
• Midday (11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): Tropical heat peaks. In the dry season, the intensity of the sun reflected off the sandstone can make temple interiors feel like ovens. In the wet season, this is typically when clouds begin to build.
• Late Afternoons: During the monsoon, heavy, short-lived downpours are common between 2:00 PM and 5:00 PM. These rains often clear the air, leading to dramatic, colorful sunsets.

Seasonal Trends

The Cool-Dry Season (November – February)

This is the most popular time for visitors. Temperatures are at their most manageable, ranging from 20°C (68°F) to 30°C (86°F). Humidity is relatively low (around 60%), and the skies are consistently clear and blue.

The Hot-Dry Season (March – May)

This is a transition period where heat intensifies. Temperatures frequently climb above 35°C (95°F) and can occasionally top 40°C (104°F) in April. The landscape becomes dusty, and the famous moats may began to recede.

The Wet Season (June – October)

Often called the "Green Season," the region receives about 75% of its annual rainfall during these months. While it rains frequently, it rarely rains all day; instead, expect intense afternoon bursts. The landscape transforms into a vibrant, lush green, and the temple moats fill to their brims, offering the best reflections for photography.

Microclimates and Variations

There is a notable temperature difference between the open, sun-baked courtyards of Angkor Wat and the forested temples like Ta Prohm. The dense jungle canopy provides a natural "cooling effect," often keeping these shaded sites 2°C to 5°C cooler than the exposed stones of the main complex. Conversely, the massive stone masses of the temples act as thermal sinks, radiating heat long after the sun has set.

Local Experience and Adaptation

Locals have lived in harmony with the monsoon for centuries. The ancient Khmer Empire built a sophisticated water management system of "barays" (reservoirs) to survive the dry season. Today, locals still prioritize work in the early morning and late evening, resting during the peak midday heat. In the wet season, life doesn't stop for the rain; people simply take cover for the 30-minute deluge and then resume their day.

Specific Phenomena

• The Solar Equinox: Twice a year (typically around March 21 and September 22), the sun rises directly over the central tower of Angkor Wat. This astronomical alignment was built into the temple's design.
• Tonlé Sap Reversal: During the peak of the wet season, the massive Tonlé Sap Lake near the temples actually reverses its flow due to the volume of water, expanding up to five times its dry-season size.

What It "Feels Like"

Beyond the thermometer, the heat at Angkor Wat is defined by its intensity. In the dry season, the heat is "sharp" and radiating from the stone. In the wet season, the heat is "heavy" and "sticky" due to humidity levels that frequently exceed 80%. Even a 25°C evening can feel suffocatingly warm because of the high moisture content in the air.