Siem Reap in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Siem Reap
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Dry season finale means comfortable temple exploration with temperatures peaking at 33°C (91°F) - hot but manageable before June's intense heat arrives
- Minimal rainfall with only 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) makes outdoor activities reliable, though brief afternoon showers provide cooling relief
- Shoulder season pricing with accommodation rates 20-30% lower than December-February peak, plus fewer crowds at Angkor Archaeological Park
- Perfect conditions for sunrise temple visits - clear skies 85% of mornings and comfortable 26°C (79°F) pre-dawn temperatures
Considerations
- Rising heat and 70% humidity create energy-draining conditions during midday hours (11am-3pm), requiring strategic activity planning
- Dust from dry conditions can irritate respiratory systems, especially problematic around Angkor's unpaved temple paths
- Brief but intense afternoon thunderstorms on 10 days can disrupt outdoor plans, typically lasting 30-45 minutes between 2-4pm
Best Activities in May
Angkor Archaeological Park Dawn Exploration
May offers ideal conditions for sunrise temple visits with 26°C (79°F) pre-dawn temperatures and clear skies 85% of mornings. The dry season's low humidity makes the 5am wake-up call comfortable, while reduced crowds mean better photography opportunities. Afternoon temple visits become challenging due to heat, making early morning essential.
Tonle Sap Lake Floating Villages
May's low rainfall means Tonle Sap reaches its dry season minimum, offering unique access to stilted villages normally unreachable. Water levels drop 3-4 m (10-13 ft), revealing fascinating seasonal adaptations of floating communities. Morning tours (7-10am) avoid afternoon heat while providing optimal bird watching opportunities.
Countryside Bicycle Tours
May's dry conditions create perfect cycling weather before June's intense heat. Rural roads are dust-covered but passable, offering authentic village experiences. Early morning departure (6-7am) provides comfortable temperatures around 27°C (81°F) and golden light photography. Afternoon storms on 30% of days require flexible timing.
Phnom Kulen National Park Hiking
May offers excellent hiking conditions with minimal rainfall making trails accessible, though temperatures reach 35°C (95°F) at midday. Waterfalls maintain good flow from earlier wet season. The 487 m (1,598 ft) elevation provides marginally cooler temperatures and impressive Angkor plain views. Sacred sites experience fewer crowds.
Siem Reap Food Walking Tours
May's evening temperatures around 28°C (82°F) create perfect conditions for street food exploration. Dry weather means consistent vendor operations and outdoor seating availability. Local seasonal fruits like mangoes and rambutans reach peak quality. Night markets operate comfortably without rain disruptions.
Beng Mealea Temple Adventures
May's dry conditions make the 65 km (40 mile) journey to this jungle-covered temple complex comfortable via tuk-tuk. Lower humidity reduces mosquito activity while maintaining atmospheric jungle feel. Fewer tourists mean peaceful exploration of this 'Indiana Jones' temple experience. Clear weather ensures reliable day-trip conditions.
May Events & Festivals
Visak Bochea (Buddha Day)
Cambodia's most important Buddhist celebration honoring Buddha's birth, enlightenment, and death. Locals visit pagodas for merit-making ceremonies, candlelight processions, and traditional food offerings. Angkor Wat hosts special dawn ceremonies with hundreds of monks chanting.
Royal Plowing Ceremony (Pithi Chrat Preah Nengkal)
Ancient agricultural ritual held in Cambodia but celebrated nationwide with local ceremonies in Siem Reap temples. Monks bless seeds and farming tools to ensure good harvests. Traditional performances and local market celebrations follow the ceremonies.