Siem Reap - Things to Do in Siem Reap in June

Siem Reap in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Siem Reap

33°C (91°F) High Temp
26°C (79°F) Low Temp
5 mm (0.2 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

  • Dry season advantage - only 5 mm (0.2 inches) of rainfall across 10 days means mostly sunny temple exploration with brief afternoon showers that actually provide cooling relief
  • Perfect temple-hopping temperatures - 26-33°C (79-91°F) range is ideal for dawn visits to Angkor Wat (sunrise at 5:45 AM) when it's coolest, with manageable heat by midday
  • Low season pricing - hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to December peak, with temple passes having no queues and better photo opportunities without crowds
  • Mango season peak - June brings Cambodia's sweetest mangoes (svay chek variety) and seasonal dishes like green mango salad at local markets for ฿2,000-3,000 ($0.60-0.90)

Considerations

  • High humidity at 70% makes afternoon temple climbing exhausting - most locals avoid outdoor activities between 11 AM-3 PM
  • Variable weather patterns mean sudden 20-30 minute downpours can disrupt tuk-tuk transport, though these provide welcome temperature drops of 3-4°C (5-7°F)
  • Some floating village tours on Tonlé Sap may have limited access due to lower water levels before full rainy season arrives

Best Activities in June

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Tours

June's 5:45 AM sunrise timing is perfect for beating crowds and heat at Angkor Wat. The low rainfall (only 10 rainy days) means reliable temple access, while 70% humidity creates dramatic cloud formations for photography. Afternoon showers cool temperatures from 33°C to 29°C (91°F to 84°F), making late afternoon temple visits comfortable.

Booking Tip: Book 3-day temple passes locally for $62 USD - no advance booking needed in June due to low crowds. Start at 5 AM for sunrise, break during midday heat (11 AM-3 PM), resume at 4 PM. Look for air-conditioned transport options for ฿3,500-5,000 per day.

Tonlé Sap Floating Village Tours

Pre-monsoon water levels in June offer unique access to stilted communities before full flooding. The 26-33°C (79-91°F) temperature range is perfect for boat tours, and lower tourist numbers mean more authentic interactions with fishing families. Morning tours avoid afternoon humidity peaks.

Booking Tip: Book half-day tours for ฿4,000-6,000 through licensed operators at Old Market area. Depart by 8 AM to return before midday heat. Avoid tours during brief afternoon showers - operators reschedule without penalties in June.

Siem Reap Cycling Tours

June's variable weather creates ideal cycling conditions - start at dawn when it's 26°C (79°F), and afternoon rain showers provide natural cooling breaks. Rural roads are still accessible before heavy monsoon rains arrive in July-August. Perfect for countryside temple visits.

Booking Tip: Half-day cycling tours cost ฿2,500-4,000 with bike rental included. Book with operators providing rain gear and flexible schedules. Best departure times: 6 AM or 4 PM to avoid midday heat. Look for tours including traditional village stops.

Banteay Srei and Kbal Spean Day Trips

The 'River of a Thousand Lingas' at Kbal Spean has optimal water flow in June - not dried up like March-May, not flooding like August-October. The 1.5 km (0.9 mile) jungle trek is manageable in June's conditions, with afternoon showers cooling the forest canopy.

Booking Tip: Combined tours to both sites cost ฿5,000-7,500 for full day. Book with operators including packed lunch and plenty of water. The 65 km (40 mile) journey takes 1.5 hours each way - start early to maximize cool morning hours.

Phnom Kulen National Park Hiking

June offers the last chance to hike Phnom Kulen before monsoon trail closures. The 487 m (1,598 ft) summit provides cooling temperatures 3-4°C lower than Siem Reap city. Waterfall pools are refreshing but not dangerously swollen, perfect for post-hike swimming.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ฿6,000-8,500 including park entrance ($20 USD). Depart by 7 AM for cooler hiking conditions. Bring quick-dry clothing for waterfall activities. Tours may be cancelled during afternoon storms - morning departures are most reliable.

Traditional Apsara Dance and Cooking Classes

Indoor cultural activities are perfect backup plans during June's afternoon showers. Air-conditioned venues offer comfortable learning environments, and seasonal ingredients like young coconut and fresh mangoes feature in June cooking classes. Evening dance performances align with cooler temperatures.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes cost ฿3,000-5,000 for half-day sessions including market tours. Book morning classes (8-11 AM) to use fresh market ingredients. Dance performances typically ฿2,000-4,000 for dinner shows - reserve tables away from outdoor areas during rainy season.

June Events & Festivals

Mid June

Royal Ploughing Ceremony (Pithi Chrat Preah Nengkal)

Ancient Khmer ceremony marking the traditional start of rice planting season. While main ceremony occurs in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap temples hold smaller blessing ceremonies for agricultural success. Local farmers bring offerings to temple complexes seeking good harvests.

Early to Mid June

Mango Festival Season

Peak season for Cambodia's prized svay chek mangoes. Local markets throughout Siem Reap feature mango-themed dishes, fresh fruit displays, and traditional preparations. Night markets offer mango sticky rice and green mango salads at premium quality.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or poncho - June's 10 rainy days feature sudden 20-30 minute downpours that soak through regular clothing
SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapplication supplies - UV index of 8 causes burns within 15-20 minutes, especially during temple climbing
Quick-dry pants and shirts in light colors - 70% humidity means cotton stays damp, while synthetic blends dry faster during weather changes
Comfortable walking sandals with good grip - temple stones become slippery during brief rain showers, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily
Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - June's humidity increases mosquito activity, especially during dawn temple visits and evening activities
Portable battery pack and waterproof phone case - variable weather and long temple days (12+ hours) drain batteries, and sudden rain threatens electronics
Electrolyte supplements or powder - sweating in 33°C (91°F) heat with high humidity causes rapid mineral loss during temple exploration
Light scarf or sarong for temple dress codes - required for shoulder/knee coverage at religious sites, also useful for sun protection and sudden cooling
Comfortable day pack with rain cover - you'll carry water, snacks, and camera gear during long temple circuits, need weather protection
Cash in small denominations (USD and Cambodian Riel) - many temple area vendors and tuk-tuk drivers don't accept cards or large bills

Insider Knowledge

Local families visit temples at 4-6 AM and after 5 PM during June to avoid midday heat - follow their schedule for cooler exploration and better photo lighting
June is mango ripening season - buy directly from roadside vendors for ฿1,000-2,000 per kg (premium svay chek variety) instead of tourist restaurant prices of ฿500 per piece
Afternoon rain showers always come from the southwest and last exactly 20-45 minutes - locals watch cloud formations and time activities accordingly
Temple tuk-tuk drivers charge ฿15-20 USD per day in June (low season rates) versus ฿25-30 USD in December - negotiate longer trips for better daily rates

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling temple visits during 11 AM-2 PM peak heat - locals avoid outdoor activities during these hours, leading to heat exhaustion and poor photos in harsh light
Bringing only flip-flops for temple exploration - wet stones during June's rain showers cause slips, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7 miles) daily on uneven surfaces
Booking afternoon floating village tours - these get cancelled 40% of the time in June due to sudden weather, and midday heat makes boat rides uncomfortable

Activities in Siem Reap