Siem Reap in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Siem Reap

31°C (88°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Minimal rainfall - Only 2.5 mm (0.1 inches) total with brief afternoon showers that clear quickly, perfect for outdoor temple exploration
Cool season begins - Daily highs of 31°C (88°F) and comfortable 23°C (73°F) nights make sunrise temple visits and evening walks pleasant
Crystal clear skies - Post-rainy season atmosphere provides exceptional photography conditions with dramatic cloud formations and vivid sunsets over Angkor Wat
Low tourist numbers - Between peak dry season crowds, accommodation prices drop 30-40% and major temples feel spacious for that perfect photo

Considerations

Transition weather unpredictability - Some days hit 35°C (95°F) unexpectedly, while others stay cloudy and humid at 85% humidity levels
Dusty temple grounds - End of construction season means temple restoration work creates dusty conditions on many major temple paths
Limited evening entertainment - Many outdoor bars and night markets operate reduced hours due to unpredictable afternoon showers

Best Activities in November

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Cycling

November's 23°C (73°F) morning temperatures make cycling the 25 km (15.5 miles) Grand Circuit ideal before 10am. Afternoon clouds provide natural shade, and minimal rainfall means temple access remains consistent. The 70% humidity feels comfortable while moving, unlike the oppressive conditions of hot season.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes from guesthouses for ฿5-8 per day or book guided cycling tours for ฿40-60 including lunch. Book day passes 2-3 days ahead - November has reduced crowds but popular sunrise spots like Angkor Wat still fill up. See current cycling tour options in the booking section below.

Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village Tours

November marks peak water levels from recent rains, making boat access to all floating villages possible. Water is clear enough for photography, and 31°C (88°F) temperatures with lake breezes feel refreshing. This is the last month before water levels drop and some villages become inaccessible.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost ฿60-100 per person. Book through licensed operators who contribute to village communities - avoid extremely cheap tours that exploit locals. Morning tours (7am-11am) offer best light and cooler temperatures. See current boat tour options in booking section below.

Phnom Kulen National Park Hiking

Post-rainy season waterfalls flow strongly while trails remain accessible. November's cooler mornings allow comfortable hiking to River of 1000 Lingas and waterfall swimming spots. The 15 km (9.3 miles) of trails are manageable in 31°C (88°F) heat with proper timing.

Booking Tip: Entry fee ฿20, motorbike transport ฿25-35 each way. Start by 7am to complete hiking before afternoon heat. Independent visits possible, or join day tours for ฿80-120 including transport and lunch. Book 5-7 days ahead during November's pleasant weather window.

Siem Reap Night Market and Street Food Tours

November evenings at 23°C (73°F) create perfect conditions for walking the night markets. Pub Street and Angkor this destination operate full hours since rainfall risk drops significantly. Local specialties like amok and nom banh chok are freshest during cool season's beginning.

Booking Tip: Independent exploration costs ฿15-25 per meal at markets. Food tours run ฿40-70 per person covering 5-7 stops over 3 hours. Evening tours (6pm-9pm) work best - comfortable walking weather and full vendor selection. Current food tour options available in booking section below.

Banteay Srei and Countryside Temple Loops

November's clear post-rain atmosphere showcases Banteay Srei's pink sandstone carvings in exceptional detail. The 32 km (20 miles) drive through rice paddies reveals green fields before harvest season. Comfortable temperatures allow leisurely exploration of smaller temples like Banteay Samre without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Tuk-tuk day trips cost ฿45-65 for full day including 4-5 temples. Private car with driver runs ฿80-120. Book 2-3 days ahead - November weather makes these distant temples very popular with photographers. See current temple tour options in booking section below.

Kampong Phluk Mangrove Forest Exploration

High water season allows boat access deep into mangrove channels impossible during dry months. November's moderate humidity makes the enclosed forest environment comfortable, and wildlife viewing peaks as birds concentrate near water sources. Traditional stilt houses appear to float on endless water.

Booking Tip: Full day tours including boat and village visit cost ฿70-100. Morning departures (8am) provide best wildlife spotting and cooler temperatures. Book with operators who employ local boat guides - this ensures real feels and supports community tourism initiatives.

November Events & Festivals

Early November

Water Festival Aftermath Celebrations

Local pagodas host smaller festivals following the main Water Festival, featuring traditional boat racing demonstrations and monk blessing ceremonies. These intimate community celebrations offer authentic cultural experiences away from tourist crowds.

Mid to Late November

Rice Harvest Blessing Ceremonies

Villages around Siem Reap perform traditional ceremonies blessing the rice harvest. Visitors can observe ancient rituals and participate in community meals featuring new rice preparations.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants in cotton or linen - Temple dress codes require covered legs, and natural fibers breathe better in 70% humidity

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index of 8 causes burns within 15 minutes on temple terraces

Quick-dry t-shirts in light colors - Dark clothing becomes unbearable in 31°C (88°F) afternoon temperatures

Comfortable closed-toe shoes with good grip - Temple stairs are steep and stone surfaces become slippery with morning dew

Light rain jacket or compact umbrella - 10 rainy days means 30% chance of afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes

Insect repellent with DEET - November mosquitoes are active during cooler morning and evening temple visits

Portable water bottle with electrolyte tablets - Dehydration happens quickly in humid conditions even at moderate temperatures

Small daypack with waterproof liner - Protects camera equipment during unexpected showers while temple hopping

Sarong or lightweight scarf - Required for temple entry and useful as towel for waterfall swimming at Phnom Kulen

Cash in small denominations - Many vendors don't accept large notes, especially in rural temple areas

Insider Knowledge

November construction pause - Temple restoration work stops during transition to cool season, so major temples like Ta Prohm have minimal scaffolding and full access

Local fruit season timing - November brings peak dragon fruit and rambutan harvest, available at markets for ฿2-5 per kilo versus ฿15-20 in tourist areas

Photography golden hour extends - November's atmospheric conditions create longer periods of soft light, with usable light lasting until 6:30pm versus 6pm in other months

Tuk-tuk driver schedules - Drivers prefer longer trips in November's comfortable weather, making day-long temple circuits easier to negotiate at better prices

Avoid These Mistakes

Overpacking warm clothes - Many visitors bring sweaters expecting 'cool season' but 23°C (73°F) nighttime temperatures only require light layers

Booking sunrise tours without considering November cloud cover - Variable conditions mean 40% of mornings have partial cloud cover blocking classic sunrise shots

Assuming all-day outdoor plans work - Despite cooler temperatures, 31°C (88°F) midday heat still requires indoor breaks or swimming stops every 3-4 hours