Siem Reap in July

July weather, activities, events & insider tips

July Weather in Siem Reap

32°C (90°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

8mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is July Right for You?

Advantages

Fewer tourists mean temple exploration without crowds - Angkor Wat at sunrise has 60% fewer visitors than peak season, allowing for better photos and peaceful meditation spots
Green season transforms landscapes - the brief rains turn Angkor Archaeological Park into a lush jungle setting with flowing waterfalls at Kulen Mountain and busy temple moss growth
Hotel rates drop 30-40% from peak season - luxury resorts offer July promotions and room upgrades are commonly available at boutique properties
Perfect temple-hopping weather - morning temperatures of 25°C (77°F) are ideal for cycling between temples, with afternoon showers providing natural air conditioning breaks

Considerations

Afternoon humidity peaks at 85% between 1-4pm, making midday temple climbing uncomfortable and requiring frequent hydration breaks
Brief but intense rain showers occur on 10 days, typically lasting 20-30 minutes but can temporarily flood temple pathways and make stone surfaces slippery
Some remote temples like Beng Mealea may have muddy access roads after heavy rains, requiring 4WD vehicles instead of regular tuk-tuks

Best Activities in July

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Cycling

July's cooler mornings (25°C/77°F) and lower tourist numbers create perfect conditions for cycling the 25km (15.5 miles) temple circuit. The brief afternoon rains wash dust from temple stones, revealing intricate carvings in impressive detail. Green season vegetation creates dramatic photo opportunities with temple ruins emerging from jungle foliage.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes from guesthouses for ฿5-10 per day or join small-group cycling tours (฿35-45) that include temple passes and local guides. Book 2-3 days ahead during July. Choose tours with rain shelter stops and flexible timing.

Tonle Sap Floating Village Tours

July's rainfall raises water levels by 2-3m (6-10 ft), allowing boats to access areas unreachable in dry season. The monsoon season brings fishing activity to its peak, offering authentic glimpses of floating village life. Cooler, cloudy conditions make boat tours more comfortable than blazing dry season heat.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost ฿40-60 including boat transport and village visits. Book through licensed operators with life jackets and covered boats. Morning tours (7-11am) avoid afternoon shower risk.

Kulen Mountain Waterfall Trekking

July transforms Kulen's waterfalls from dry trickles into powerful cascades. The 487m (1,598 ft) elevation provides 3-5°C (5-9°F) cooler temperatures than Siem Reap. Fewer visitors mean peaceful swimming holes and uncrowded sacred sites like the River of a Thousand Lingas.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ฿50-70 including transport and entrance fees. Book with operators providing rain gear and sturdy vehicles for wet season road conditions. Departure times start early (7am) to maximize dry weather windows.

Traditional Khmer Cooking Classes

July brings peak season for tropical fruits and vegetables used in Khmer cuisine. Indoor cooking schools provide perfect rainy day activities, and seasonal ingredients like dragon fruit, rambutan, and young coconut are at their freshest. Air-conditioned kitchens offer relief from humidity.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes range ฿25-40 including market tours and meals. Book 3-5 days ahead as July's indoor activities fill quickly during rain periods. Choose classes with morning market visits before afternoon showers.

Banteay Srei and Rural Countryside Tours

The 32km (20 miles) drive to Banteay Srei passes through rice paddies at their most photogenic - brilliant green from July rains. The pink sandstone temple's intricate carvings are enhanced by overcast skies that eliminate harsh shadows. Rural village visits showcase farming life during planting season.

Booking Tip: Combined tours cost ฿45-65 including Banteay Srei entrance and village stops. Book full-day tours with flexible timing to accommodate weather. Choose operators with covered vehicles and multiple temple options.

Pub Street Evening Food Walking Tours

July evenings cool to comfortable 27°C (81°F) by 7pm, perfect for street food exploration. Post-rain air carries less dust, and outdoor dining becomes pleasant. Night markets operate at full capacity with seasonal fruits and local specialties like num banh chok (Khmer noodles).

Booking Tip: Evening food tours cost ฿30-50 including 6-8 tastings and drinks. Book Easttimor-day or 1 day ahead. Tours adapt routes based on weather, focusing on covered markets during rain periods.

July Events & Festivals

Mid July

Chol Vassa (Buddhist Lent Beginning)

Marks the start of the three-month Buddhist retreat period when monks remain in their temples. Witness special ceremonies at Wat Preah Prom Rath and other local temples with offerings, chanting, and traditional alms giving. Local markets bustle with people buying flowers and incense.

Throughout July

Pchum Ben Preparation Season

Families begin preparing for Cambodia's most important festival by visiting temples throughout July. While the main festival occurs later, you'll observe increased temple activity, traditional food preparation, and monks receiving extra offerings from the community.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain poncho (not umbrella) - afternoon showers make tuk-tuk rides wet, and ponchos are easier for temple climbing

Quick-dry shorts and breathable cotton shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable against skin

Waterproof phone case - essential for temple photography during unexpected showers and high humidity conditions

Sturdy sandals with grip - temple stones become slippery when wet, and flip-flops are dangerous on steep temple stairs

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 burns skin in 15 minutes even on cloudy days

Insect repellent with DEET - increased mosquito activity after rains, especially near water features at temples

Lightweight long pants - required for temple visits and protection from mosquitoes during evening activities

Small microfiber towel - useful for drying off after rain showers and temple climbing sweat

Electrolyte supplements - easy to become dehydrated in 70% humidity even with moderate activity

Waterproof day bag - protects camera, documents, and snacks during sudden downpours while temple hopping

Insider Knowledge

Temple photography is dramatically better in July's diffused light - overcast skies eliminate harsh shadows that plague dry season photos, especially for intricate Bayon faces and Angkor Wat's detailed reliefs

Book accommodations with good drainage - many budget guesthouses flood during heavy rains, so read recent reviews specifically mentioning July/August stays before booking

Tuk-tuk drivers charge premium rates (฿2-5 extra) during active rain, but savvy travelers wait 20 minutes for showers to pass and prices return to normal

Local restaurants serve seasonal specialties like fresh lotus stems and young coconut that aren't available during dry season - ask for 'ahaar rordov plieng' (seasonal food)

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning outdoor activities between 1-4pm when humidity peaks and afternoon showers are most likely - schedule temple visits for 6-11am and evening activities after 5pm

Wearing white or light colors that become transparent when wet - choose darker, quick-dry fabrics for temple visits during rainy season

Booking inflexible day tours without weather contingencies - choose operators who adjust itineraries for rain and provide covered vehicles or indoor alternatives