Temple Run: The Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat on Your Cambodia Trip

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Published 19th September, 2025
Article author - Amber Young

A visit to Angkor Wat is a highlight of our Cambodia Intro tour. As the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a place that inspires awe no matter when you go. But knowing the best time to visit can make your experience more comfortable, less crowded, and far more memorable.

Angkor wat sunrise group

Cambodia’s Seasons: When to Go

Cambodia is warm year-round, but its climate has two main seasons:

  • Dry Season (November – April): The most popular time to visit. With cooler mornings and evenings, little rainfall, and clearer skies, this period is perfect for exploring the vast Angkor Archaeological Park. Expect daytime temperatures of 25–30°C between November and February, rising higher in March and April.
  • Wet Season (May – October): Rain usually comes in short afternoon bursts, leaving mornings clear. The landscape becomes lush and green, the crowds thin, and temple moats and ponds are full - making for beautiful photos. Travel is still very possible, but be prepared for humidity and the occasional muddy track.

Best overall months: November to February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable.
Best for fewer crowds and green scenery: May, June, September, and October.

Angkor wat group

Best Time of Day to Visit Angkor Wat

Even within the right season, the time of day makes a difference:

  • Sunrise: Watching the sun rise behind Angkor Wat’s towers is iconic. Arrive early (often before 5am) to secure a good spot near the reflecting pool.
  • Morning: Right after sunrise is ideal - it’s cooler, the light is softer, and crowds are smaller at temples beyond Angkor Wat itself.
  • Afternoon: By midday it’s hot, and the light is harsh for photography. Many travellers take a break during this time.
  • Sunset: Another popular time, especially at Phnom Bakheng or Pre Rup temples, where the golden light casts beautiful shadows over the ruins.

Angkor wat photo

Practical Tips for Your Visit

  • Allow enough time. A one-day ticket lets you see the main highlights, but two or three days give you time to explore lesser-known temples at a relaxed pace.
  • Stay hydrated and dress appropriately. Lightweight clothing, sun protection, and plenty of water are essential.
  • Join a group tour. Learning the history behind the carvings and structures adds huge value to your visit.
  • Plan around your energy. Early starts mean you may want a rest in the afternoon before heading out again for sunset.

If you’re visiting Cambodia with INTRO , you will get time in Siem Reap to explore Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples. The best experience usually comes between November and February, when the weather is cool and skies are clear, but if you’d prefer fewer crowds and greener landscapes, the wet season can be just as rewarding. Whenever you go, catching a sunrise or sunset will ensure your temple run is unforgettable.

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Temple Run: The Best Time to Visit Angkor Wat on Your Cambodia Trip

blog image
Published 19th September, 2025
Article author - Amber Young

A visit to Angkor Wat is a highlight of our Cambodia Intro tour. As the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a place that inspires awe no matter when you go. But knowing the best time to visit can make your experience more comfortable, less crowded, and far more memorable.

Angkor wat sunrise group

Cambodia’s Seasons: When to Go

Cambodia is warm year-round, but its climate has two main seasons:

  • Dry Season (November – April): The most popular time to visit. With cooler mornings and evenings, little rainfall, and clearer skies, this period is perfect for exploring the vast Angkor Archaeological Park. Expect daytime temperatures of 25–30°C between November and February, rising higher in March and April.
  • Wet Season (May – October): Rain usually comes in short afternoon bursts, leaving mornings clear. The landscape becomes lush and green, the crowds thin, and temple moats and ponds are full - making for beautiful photos. Travel is still very possible, but be prepared for humidity and the occasional muddy track.

Best overall months: November to February, when the weather is cooler and more comfortable.
Best for fewer crowds and green scenery: May, June, September, and October.

Angkor wat group

Best Time of Day to Visit Angkor Wat

Even within the right season, the time of day makes a difference:

  • Sunrise: Watching the sun rise behind Angkor Wat’s towers is iconic. Arrive early (often before 5am) to secure a good spot near the reflecting pool.
  • Morning: Right after sunrise is ideal - it’s cooler, the light is softer, and crowds are smaller at temples beyond Angkor Wat itself.
  • Afternoon: By midday it’s hot, and the light is harsh for photography. Many travellers take a break during this time.
  • Sunset: Another popular time, especially at Phnom Bakheng or Pre Rup temples, where the golden light casts beautiful shadows over the ruins.

Angkor wat photo

Practical Tips for Your Visit

  • Allow enough time. A one-day ticket lets you see the main highlights, but two or three days give you time to explore lesser-known temples at a relaxed pace.
  • Stay hydrated and dress appropriately. Lightweight clothing, sun protection, and plenty of water are essential.
  • Join a group tour. Learning the history behind the carvings and structures adds huge value to your visit.
  • Plan around your energy. Early starts mean you may want a rest in the afternoon before heading out again for sunset.

If you’re visiting Cambodia with INTRO, you will get time in Siem Reap to explore Angkor Wat and its surrounding temples. The best experience usually comes between November and February, when the weather is cool and skies are clear, but if you’d prefer fewer crowds and greener landscapes, the wet season can be just as rewarding. Whenever you go, catching a sunrise or sunset will ensure your temple run is unforgettable.

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