Siem Reap in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Siem Reap

32°C (90°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Prime dry season with minimal rainfall - only 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) across 10 days means maximum temple exploration time without weather interruptions
Lower humidity at 70% compared to wet season's 85%+ makes outdoor activities comfortable from 6am-10am and 4pm-6pm
Clear sunrise views at Angkor Wat occur 85% of mornings in August - perfect visibility for photography at 5:45am when temperatures are coolest at 25°C (77°F)
Peak mango and dragon fruit season means local markets overflow with fresh tropical produce at lowest prices - mangoes drop to ฿30-40 per kilo versus ฿80-100 other months

Considerations

High tourist season means Angkor temple complex sees 15,000+ daily visitors - Angkor Wat main causeway becomes crowded between 8am-11am and 4:30pm-6pm
Accommodation prices peak 40-60% above low season rates - book minimum 8 weeks ahead or expect to pay ฿3,000-4,500 for mid-range hotels versus ฿1,800-2,800 in shoulder months
Midday heat reaches feels-like temperatures of 38°C (100°F) with high UV index of 8 - outdoor activities become uncomfortable 11am-3pm requiring indoor breaks

Best Activities in August

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Tours

August's dry conditions provide perfect access to remote temples like Beng Mealea and Koh Ker with clear roads and minimal mud. Early morning tours (5am-10am) capitalize on cooler temperatures and dramatic sunrise lighting. Clear skies offer 90% visibility for aerial photography and panoramic views from Phnom Bakheng and Pre Rup.

Booking Tip: Book temple passes and guides 5-7 days ahead during peak season. Multi-day passes (3-day ฿1,800, 7-day ฿2,400) offer better value. Choose tours starting before 6am to avoid crowds and heat. Look for guides certified by Khmer Angkor Tour Guide Association.

Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village Excursions

August represents peak water levels at Tonle Sap - lake expands to 16,000 km² (6,200 sq miles) versus 2,700 km² (1,000 sq miles) in dry season. Traditional stilted villages become fully floating communities. Cooler morning temperatures make 3-4 hour boat journeys comfortable, with excellent wildlife viewing as birds concentrate around fishing areas.

Booking Tip: Morning departures (7am-8am) avoid afternoon heat and offer better photography light. Half-day tours typically ฿1,200-1,800 including transport. Choose operators with life jackets and covered boats. Kompong Phluk and Chong Kneas offer different village experiences.

Kulen Mountain National Park Day Trips

August provides ideal conditions for exploring Kulen's waterfalls at full flow and comfortable temperatures 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler than Siem Reap due to 487m (1,598 ft) elevation. River pools perfect for swimming during midday heat breaks. Clear weather ensures access to remote Preah Ang Thom mountaintop pagoda and 1000 Lingas riverbed carvings.

Booking Tip: Full-day trips typically ฿2,200-3,200 including national park entry (฿800). Depart early (6:30am-7am) for full experience. 4WD transport required for final 8 km (5 mile) mountain section. Bring swimwear and quick-dry clothing for waterfall activities.

Countryside Cycling Adventures

August's lower humidity and minimal rainfall create perfect cycling conditions through rice paddies and traditional villages. Morning rides (6am-10am) offer comfortable temperatures and active village life as farmers begin daily routines. Traditional sugar palm tapping and rice wine production peak during August harvest preparations.

Booking Tip: Half-day cycling tours ฾1,500-2,500 including bike rental and local guide. Choose tours with quality mountain bikes and helmets. Routes typically 15-25 km (9-15 miles) through flat countryside. Electric bike options available for less experienced riders. Avoid afternoon tours due to heat.

Traditional Khmer Cooking Classes

August coincides with peak ingredient season - fresh herbs, vegetables, and tropical fruits reach optimal flavor and availability. Indoor cooking schools provide perfect midday refuge from 32°C (90°F) heat while learning authentic techniques using seasonal ingredients like peak-season lemongrass, galangal, and fresh coconut milk.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes typically ฿1,800-2,800 including market tour, ingredients, and meal. Book morning classes (8am-12pm) to include fresh market visits. Choose schools with air-conditioning for comfort during midday cooking. Classes often include recipe booklets and spice packets to take home.

Kompong Khleang Stilted Village Tours

August represents optimal visiting conditions when this authentic fishing community becomes fully water-surrounded. Unlike tourist-heavy Chong Kneas, Kompong Khleang maintains traditional lifestyle with houses rising 8-10m (26-33 ft) above water level. Comfortable boat temperatures and clear skies provide excellent photography conditions of traditional architecture and daily village life.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours typically ฿2,500-3,500 including boat, guide, and lunch. Choose morning departures for comfortable temperatures and active village life. 90-minute drive plus 2-3 hour boat journey. Select operators supporting community-based tourism with local guides from the village itself.

August Events & Festivals

Late August

Pchum Ben Festival Preparations

Late August marks community preparations for Cambodia's most important Buddhist festival. Local pagodas bustle with devotees preparing offerings and decorations. Witness traditional sticky rice cake making, temple cleaning ceremonies, and monks receiving special donations. Participate respectfully by wearing white clothing to temple visits.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants and long sleeves in breathable cotton - required for temple visits and protection from 70% humidity without overheating

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen minimum 100ml (3.4 oz) - UV index 8 requires reapplication every 2 hours during temple exploration

Quick-dry microfiber towel - essential for swimming at Kulen waterfalls and dealing with humidity-induced perspiration

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - protect electronics during boat trips and unexpected afternoon showers during 10 rainy days

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - temple stairs become slippery during brief rain showers, require sturdy soles for uneven ancient stones

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - afternoon showers last 15-30 minutes but provide welcome temperature relief

Electrolyte powder or tablets - replace minerals lost through perspiration during outdoor temple exploration in 32°C (90°F) heat

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - essential for early morning temple visits and countryside cycling when mosquitoes are most active

Portable fan or cooling towel - provides relief during midday temple visits when shade temperatures still reach 30°C (86°F)

Respectful temple clothing including scarf for shoulders - many temples strictly enforce dress codes, especially during religious preparation periods

Insider Knowledge

Visit Angkor Wat for sunrise but skip the crowded main causeway - walk to the left (north) library ruins for equally spectacular views with 90% fewer people and better photography angles

August mango season means local markets offer taste-testing before purchase - visit Phsar Leu market between 6am-8am when vendors are most generous with samples and prices are lowest

Book accommodation by early June for August visits - popular mid-range hotels (฿2,500-4,000 range) sell out completely, forcing travelers into budget guesthouses or luxury resorts without middle options

Local tuk-tuk drivers offer unofficial temple guide services for ฿800-1,200 per day versus official guides at ฿1,500-2,500 - many have decades of experience and speak excellent English, though they cannot enter temple grounds with you

Avoid These Mistakes

Visiting temples during midday heat (11am-3pm) - crowds peak and temperatures make exploration uncomfortable, while early morning (5:30am-9am) offers cooler weather and better lighting

Buying single-day Angkor passes (฿1,200) instead of 3-day passes (฿1,800) - most visitors underestimate temple complex size and want additional days after arrival

Ignoring entrance requirements for sacred sites - Kulen Mountain requires long pants and closed shoes for temple areas, strictly enforced with no rental options available on-site