Siem Reap in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

March Weather in Siem Reap

34°C (93°F) High Temp

25°C (77°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 2.5mm (0.1 inches) total, making temple exploration comfortable without muddy paths or flooded areas
Perfect sunrise conditions at Angkor Wat - clear skies 85% of mornings with comfortable 25°C (77°F) starting temperatures before crowds arrive at 6am
Optimal photography light - low humidity creates crisp visibility for temple photography, and dust levels are at annual minimum after February's brief rains
Post-harvest festival season - locals celebrate with traditional performances at temples, and fresh produce makes street food exceptional with seasonal fruits like rambutan and mangosteen

Considerations

Afternoon heat peaks at 34°C (93°F) with 70% humidity - temple climbing becomes exhausting between 11am-3pm, forcing midday breaks
High season pricing - accommodation rates increase 40-60% compared to low season, and popular restaurants require reservations
Dust and haze from regional burning season can reduce visibility for distant temple views, particularly affecting sunrise photography at lesser-visited temples

Best Activities in March

Dawn Temple Circuit Tours

March offers the year's most reliable sunrise conditions at Angkor Wat, with clear skies 85% of mornings and comfortable 25°C (77°F) temperatures. The dry season means accessible paths to elevated viewpoints like Phnom Bakheng without mud. Crowds build quickly after 7am, making early starts essential.

Booking Tip: Book small group tours (maximum 8 people) 2-3 weeks ahead during March peak season. Tours typically cost $45-75 USD including temple pass assistance and sunrise positioning. Look for operators offering alternative temples if Angkor Wat is overcrowded.

Countryside Cycling Adventures

Perfect weather window exists 6am-10am and 4pm-6pm when temperatures drop to manageable 28°C (82°F). Rice fields show varying stages from harvest aftermath to new planting, creating diverse landscapes. Dry paths mean accessible routes to stilted villages impossible during rainy months.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours range $25-45 USD including quality mountain bikes and local guide. Book morning departures to avoid afternoon heat. Ensure operators provide helmets and first aid - ask about alternative transport if cycling becomes too hot.

Tonle Sap Floating Village Expeditions

March water levels are optimal - high enough for comfortable boat access but low enough to see traditional stilt houses and floating structures clearly. Morning mist creates atmospheric conditions for photography, and fishing activity peaks as communities prepare for April's water recession.

Booking Tip: Choose morning tours (8am-12pm) before afternoon heat makes boats uncomfortable. Tours cost $35-55 USD including boat transport and village visits. Select operators supporting community tourism rather than exploitative visits.

Traditional Khmer Cooking Workshops

Peak season for fresh ingredients as March brings seasonal vegetables and fruits unavailable other months. Morning market tours showcase ingredients at their finest, and indoor cooking provides perfect midday escape from 34°C (93°F) heat. Harvest celebrations influence special dishes taught this month.

Booking Tip: Book 4-hour experiences including market visits for $40-65 USD. Morning classes (9am-1pm) capture best market atmosphere and avoid afternoon heat. Look for family-run schools rather than hotel programs for authentic techniques.

Artisan Workshop Tours

March showcases traditional crafts at their finest - silk weaving, silver smithing, and stone carving workshops operate at full capacity during dry season tourist peak. Comfortable indoor temperatures provide relief from midday heat while supporting local communities.

Booking Tip: Half-day artisan tours cost $30-50 USD including multiple workshops and transportation. Book afternoon tours (2pm-6pm) when temple visits become uncomfortable. Verify workshops employ local artisans and offer fair wages.

Kulen Mountain Sacred Site Exploration

Dry season access to remote temples and waterfalls normally inaccessible during rains. March temperatures at 500m (1,640 ft) elevation provide relief from lowland heat. Sacred sites see special ceremonies during this auspicious month, and waterfall pools offer refreshing swimming opportunities.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $65-85 USD including 4WD transport up mountain roads. Book 1 week ahead as daily permits are limited to 100 visitors. Ensure operators include lunch and plenty of water for the physical hiking required.

March Events & Festivals

Mid March

Meak Bochea Buddhist Festival

Major Buddhist celebration marking Buddha's final sermon, featuring candlelit processions around temples and traditional blessing ceremonies. Locals dress in white and bring lotus flowers to temple offerings, creating exceptional cultural photography opportunities.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - avoid polyester in 70% humidity as it traps heat and moisture against skin

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 during peak temple visiting hours with minimal shade at ancient sites

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for 6+ hours of outdoor temple exploration in direct sun

Lightweight rain jacket - brief afternoon showers occur 10 days per month lasting 20-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - temple stairs are steep and uneven stone surfaces

Electrolyte powder packets - crucial for replacing minerals lost sweating in 34°C (93°F) heat

Sarong or long pants for temple visits - required covering for legs at sacred sites, lightweight cotton recommended

Portable fan or cooling towel - provides relief during midday temple breaks when shade is limited

Insect repellent with DEET - mosquitoes remain active despite dry conditions, especially at dawn and dusk

Quick-dry towel - useful for waterfall visits and managing sweat during hot weather temple tours

Insider Knowledge

Temple pass offices open at 5am - purchase your Angkor pass before sunrise to skip morning crowds and secure better sunrise viewing positions

Local markets close for afternoon rest 11am-2pm during March heat - plan morning shopping at Psar Chaa or Psar Leu before temple visits

Tuk-tuk drivers charge 30% premium during March peak season - negotiate fixed daily rates of $18-25 USD rather than per-trip pricing

Restaurant reservations essential for dinner - March brings highest tourist numbers, book morning for evening tables at popular venues

Avoid These Mistakes

Attempting full-day temple touring without midday breaks - afternoon heat becomes dangerous, plan 2-3 hour morning blocks with hotel rest periods

Booking accommodation less than 3 weeks ahead - March occupancy reaches 90%+ and prices increase daily as availability shrinks

Wearing dark colors for temple visits - black shirts absorb heat and become uncomfortable quickly in direct sun and high humidity