Siem Reap Weather in August

August: warm and very wet

Siem Reap is hot, sticky and cloudy in August, and the rain is the main reason it scores so low. Highs reach 31°C and nights stay warm at 25°C. Rain falls on 24 days, and humidity sits at 85%, so temple visits can feel tiring. Showers may interrupt your plans, though they often leave gaps between them. If you can choose your month, December is the best time to visit, and August is hard to recommend by comparison.

Angkor's temples still work well for sightseeing, but muddy paths and slippery stone can make long walks less pleasant. Save indoor stops, such as the Angkor National Museum, for a rainy spell. A countryside bike ride is less appealing when the tracks are wet, so don't count on one for a full day out.

Temple visits and local life

If you're travelling with young children, shorter visits to Angkor Wat and Bayon may be easier than a long temple circuit in the sticky air.

August 18 is Queen Mother's Birthday, a public holiday in Cambodia. It's a chance to notice local celebrations, though major temple events aren't tied to the day. The monsoon also raises water levels around Tonlé Sap, but boat trips can depend on conditions and access, so check before you plan around one.

Fewer visitors, wet paths

August is quieter than the dry-season peak, especially around Angkor Wat, and hotel rates are often lower than in the busiest months. You'll still meet other visitors, but it's easier to find a calmer moment at popular sites. September is wetter still, with 246 mm of rain, so August isn't the rainiest month. Expect clouds and showers rather than long sunny afternoons, since the data shows just 1.4 hours of sun a day.

At Angkor Wat, stick to the main stone paths and take care on steps after rain. For a meal back in town, try fish amok, a mild coconut fish curry and a local classic.