Siem Reap October — Ta Prohm's ancient stone archway engulfed by massive tree roots, the jungle at its most lush after the rains

Siem Reap · Cambodia

October

Bon Om Touk Water Festival — Cambodia's biggest celebration as the monsoon retreats.

Best match

#3 of 12 months

October is one of the best times to visit Siem Reap.

Climate

High

30°C

Low

23°C

Rain

240mm

Sun

6hrs/day

30-year climate normals · Open Meteo ERA5

How October scores in Siem Reap

Weather
Above average
Value
Excellent
Crowds
Excellent
Events
Very good
Atmosphere
Good

What you gain in October

  • Bon Om Touk (Water Festival): occurring late October or early November depending on the lunar calendar — three days of boat races on the Tonle Sap River, the largest festival in Cambodia, drawing over a million people
  • Rain beginning its retreat: the second half of October brings noticeably longer dry windows and the first signs of the approaching dry season
  • Accommodation still at budget rates while the Water Festival delivers a genuinely unique cultural experience — the combination of low prices and major festival is the best-value event in the Siem Reap calendar

What you sacrifice

  • 240mm of rain — October is the single wettest month, even wetter than September: the Water Festival celebrations happen in the rain, not under guaranteed sunshine
  • Water Festival week draws very large domestic crowds to Siem Reap and Phnom Penh; accommodation in both cities is difficult to find during the festival days
  • Angkor still receiving significant rain in early October: temple touring in the first two weeks involves mud, slippery stairs, and heavy afternoon downpours

How October compares to November (best month)

FactorOctoberNovember
Weather
5
8
Value
8
6
Crowds
8
6

October in other destinations

Climate data: 30-year normals (1991–2020) from Open Meteo ERA5 reanalysis. Scores compare months within Siem Reap, not across destinations. Methodology →