Siem Reap in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Siem Reap

33°C (91°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season means perfect temple exploration conditions - no muddy paths at Angkor Wat complex and crystal-clear sunrise views with minimal cloud cover
Cool mornings (23°C/73°F) allow comfortable temple visits from 5:30am-9am before crowds arrive and temperatures climb to 33°C (91°F)
Chinese New Year period brings spectacular temple decorations and local celebrations, plus reduced tourist crowds as Chinese tour groups stay home
Tonle Sap Lake reaches optimal water levels for floating village tours - not too high like rainy season, not too low like March-April drought period

Considerations

Afternoon temperatures of 33°C (91°F) with 70% humidity make outdoor activities uncomfortable between 11am-3pm
Brief but intense afternoon showers on 10 days require flexible scheduling and waterproof gear for electronics
Peak tourist season means Angkor passes cost full price ($37/day) with no low-season discounts available

Best Activities in February

Angkor Archaeological Complex Temple Tours

February's dry conditions create perfect temple exploration weather. Start at 5:30am for sunrise at Angkor Wat when temperatures are 23°C (73°F), then explore Ta Prohm and Bayon before 10am heat. Zero rainfall means clear photography conditions and accessible remote temples like Beng Mealea. UV index of 8 requires strong sun protection.

Booking Tip: Book 3-day Angkor passes ($62) for flexibility with weather. Hire tuk-tuk drivers for $15-20/day - they know covered rest stops for midday heat breaks. See current guided tour options in booking section below.

Tonle Sap Floating Village Experiences

February water levels are ideal - high enough for boat access to authentic floating communities but not flooded like October-December. Morning tours (7am-11am) avoid afternoon heat and showcase daily village life. Kompong Phluk stilts are fully exposed, creating dramatic photography opportunities.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost $25-35 including boat and guide. Morning departures essential - afternoon heat makes boat tours uncomfortable. Book through licensed operators (see current options in booking section below).

Cambodian Cooking Class Experiences

February's hot afternoons make indoor cultural activities perfect. Peak season for fresh ingredients - mangoes, dragon fruit, and dry-season vegetables are abundant. Many classes include morning market visits during comfortable 23°C (73°F) temperatures, then indoor cooking during midday heat.

Booking Tip: Classes range $20-45 per person with market tours included. Book morning sessions (8am-1pm) to avoid afternoon heat. Air-conditioned venues essential - confirm cooling before booking. See current class options in booking section below.

Phnom Kulen National Park Day Trips

February's dry season makes the 50km (31-mile) mountain road accessible to all vehicles. Kulen waterfall flows strongly from recent October-January rains but paths are dry and safe. Temple ruins are vegetation-free for optimal exploration. Elevation provides 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooling relief.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $40-60 including transport and guide. Essential to start early (6am) - return journey in afternoon heat is grueling. 4WD not required in dry season. Book through operators with air-conditioned vehicles (see current tours in booking section below).

Banteay Srei and Countryside Cycling Tours

Cool mornings perfect for the 25km (15.5-mile) route to the 'Pink Temple.' February rice fields show post-harvest stubble creating different landscape textures. Village interactions peak as farmers prepare for dry-season crops. Return by 11am before heat becomes dangerous for cycling.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours $15-25 including bike and guide. Essential to finish by 11am - afternoon cycling in 33°C (91°F) heat is unsafe. Electric bikes available for $5-10 extra. See current cycling tour options in booking section below.

Quad Biking and Countryside Adventures

Dry season creates perfect conditions for off-road exploration. Dust levels moderate (not extreme like March-April), and village paths are firm. February's stable weather means tours rarely cancel. Sunset tours (4pm-7pm) offer relief from midday heat while showcasing golden-hour countryside views.

Booking Tip: Tours typically $35-55 for 2-3 hours including safety gear. Late afternoon departures essential to avoid midday heat. Book operators with quality helmets and safety briefings. See current adventure tour options in booking section below.

February Events & Festivals

Mid February

Chinese New Year Temple Celebrations

Wat Preah Prom Rath and other Buddhist temples host elaborate decorations and ceremonies. Local Chinese-Cambodian community creates spectacular altar displays. Food vendors offer traditional New Year specialties not available other times. Free cultural performances most evenings.

Late February

Meak Bochea Buddhist Festival

Full moon ceremony at Angkor Wat draws thousands of locals carrying lotus flowers and incense. Three circumambulations around the temple create impressive photography opportunities. Completely free authentic cultural experience rarely witnessed by tourists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15 minutes on unprotected skin

Lightweight waterproof phone case - brief afternoon showers arrive suddenly and electronics are expensive to replace in Cambodia

Breathable cotton or linen clothing, avoid polyester which traps moisture in 70% humidity conditions

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for 6+ hours of temple exploration under intense sun

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - Angkor complex involves 5-8km (3-5 miles) of uneven stone paths daily

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - dry season concentrates mosquitoes around tourist areas and water sources

Portable battery pack - phone batteries drain faster in heat and humidity, plus limited charging at remote temples

Quick-dry towel - unexpected showers and high humidity mean regular towels never fully dry

Electrolyte powder or tablets - dehydration happens rapidly in 33°C (91°F) heat with 70% humidity

Light rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers last 20-30 minutes but can soak through regular clothing

Insider Knowledge

Temple guards unlock Angkor Wat's upper levels at 7:30am sharp - arrive by 7:15am to avoid 30-minute queues in growing heat

Local markets close 11am-2pm during February heat - do souvenir shopping before 10:30am or after 4pm when vendors reopen

Tuk-tuk drivers know which temples have afternoon shade - tip them $2-3 extra to share these spots during midday breaks

February's stable weather makes helicopter tours viable (cancelled frequently in other months) - book 48 hours ahead for $100-150 per person

Avoid These Mistakes

Starting temple tours after 9am - by 11am the 33°C (91°F) heat makes stone surfaces too hot to touch and crowds peak

Booking afternoon outdoor activities - February afternoons are genuinely dangerous for extended sun exposure without proper preparation

Bringing only summer clothes - morning temperatures of 23°C (73°F) require light layers for comfortable early starts