Siem Reap · Month comparison

November vs January

November ranks #1 overall vs January at #5. Dry season begins — the best value month; Angkor accessible, lush from the rains, and growing.

Siem Reap November — Angkor Wat at blue-hour dawn, the dry season returning with the temple reflected in the full moat

November

#1 of 12 months

Best match

Dry season begins — the best value month; Angkor accessible, lush from the rains, and growing.

  • ↑The most underrated month in Siem Reap: dry season conditions returning, temples still green and atmospheric from the rains, and accommodation at shoulder prices
  • ↑Bon Om Touk Water Festival (if not in October): the boat racing on the Siem Reap River and the fireworks over Angkor are the most spectacular free event in Cambodia
Siem Reap January — Angkor Wat reflected in the moat causeway at dawn, cyclists crossing in the dry season cool

January

#5 of 12 months

Best match

Peak season — cool dry weather and clear skies for temple touring at the highest prices.

  • ↑17°C nights and 29°C days with low humidity: the most physically comfortable temperatures of the year for Angkor's stone corridors and jungle paths
  • ↑Only 10mm of rain: sunrise at Angkor Wat is almost guaranteed clear; the reflection pool before the main gate mirrors the towers in still water
FactorNovemberJanuary
Weather score
8
9
Value score
6
4
Crowd score
6
4
Events score
6
4
Atmosphere
8
8
Avg high temp29°C29°C
Monthly rain60mm10mm
Daily sunshine8hrs9hrs

November trade-offs

  • ↓Early November still transitional: rain can return for multi-day stretches, particularly in the first week as the dry season is not yet fully established
  • ↓Visitor numbers rising toward December peak: Siem Reap's Pub Street, riverside restaurants, and tuk-tuk drivers at higher demand than September
  • ↓Water Festival timing uncertainty: planning around it requires checking the lunar calendar date each year

January trade-offs

  • ↓Peak season prices across Siem Reap: guesthouses and hotels at their January-February maximum; the 3-day Angkor pass (US$62) remains fixed but accommodation adds significantly to costs
  • ↓Most crowded period at Angkor Wat's famous sunrise viewpoint — arrive by 05:00 to guarantee a front position at the reflection pool
  • ↓Book tuk-tuk drivers and day tour guides at least 24 hours ahead; walk-in service is difficult during peak season
See all 12 months for Siem Reap →November in detail →January in detail →
Scores compare months within Siem Reap. Climate data: Open Meteo ERA5 30-year normals (1991–2020). Methodology →