Siem Reap in October

October weather, activities, events & insider tips

October Weather in Siem Reap

30°C (86°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

End of rainy season means lush green temples with minimal tourist crowds - Angkor Wat sees 40% fewer visitors than December-January peak season
Perfect sunrise conditions at Angkor Wat with morning temperatures at 24°C (75°F) and clear skies 80% of mornings before 7am
Water festivals and post-harvest celebrations create authentic cultural experiences that tourists rarely witness during high season
Hotel rates are 30-50% lower than peak season with excellent availability at premium properties around Old Market and Pub Street areas

Considerations

Afternoon humidity reaches 85% making temple climbing uncomfortable between 11am-3pm, requiring strategic timing of outdoor activities
Brief but intense rainfall 10 days per month can disrupt tuk-tuk transportation and outdoor dining plans with 20-30 minute downpours
Some remote temples may have muddy access roads from recent rains, limiting motorbike exploration to main temple circuit routes

Best Activities in October

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Tours

October's post-monsoon conditions create the most photogenic temple experiences with moss-covered stones and reflecting pools at full capacity. Morning temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make the 4km (2.5 mile) Grand Circuit comfortable before noon heat. Afternoon light through humid air creates dramatic photography conditions locals call 'golden mist season'.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise tours 2-3 days ahead through licensed operators at ៛40,000-60,000 ($10-15) including transport. Purchase 3-day Angkor passes for ៛240,000 ($60) to avoid rushed single-day visits. Reference booking widget for current guided tour options with certified archaeological guides.

Tonle Sap Floating Village Excursions

October's water levels are optimal for accessing traditional stilted communities - 2-3 meters (6.6-9.8 feet) higher than dry season allows deeper penetration into village areas. Post-harvest fishing activities provide authentic cultural interactions without the tourist boat congestion of peak months.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost ៛100,000-140,000 ($25-35) through community-based operators. Morning departures at 8am avoid afternoon heat and wind. Book through operators supporting local communities rather than mass tourism vessels. Check current options in booking section below.

Countryside Cycling Adventures

Rural roads are firm after monsoon drainage but surrounded by peak-green rice paddies ready for harvest. October's variable cloud cover provides natural shade for 15-25km (9.3-15.5 mile) routes through traditional villages. Morning rides at 7am start in comfortable 24°C (75°F) temperatures before humidity peaks.

Booking Tip: Full-day cycling tours range ៛120,000-180,000 ($30-45) including quality mountain bikes and village lunch stops. Book with operators providing helmets and support vehicles. Avoid afternoon starts due to humidity. See current tour providers in booking widget below.

Traditional Khmer Cooking Classes

October coincides with harvest season providing access to fresh ingredients like newly harvested jasmine rice and seasonal vegetables. Indoor cooking environments offer respite from afternoon humidity while learning authentic techniques from local families rather than tourist-focused venues.

Booking Tip: Half-day classes cost ៛80,000-120,000 ($20-30) including market visits and ingredient procurement. Morning classes starting at 8am use fresh market ingredients. Book with family-run operations for real feels. Current class options available through booking section.

Banteay Srei and Outer Temple Circuits

Less crowded outer temples like Banteay Srei (32km/19.9 miles from town) benefit from October's clear post-rain air improving visibility and reducing dust. Kbal Spean's underwater carvings are visible with optimal water levels after monsoon season but before dry season drops.

Booking Tip: Full-day outer temple tours typically ៛160,000-240,000 ($40-60) including transport and guide. Start early at 7am to complete circuit before afternoon heat. Licensed guides mandatory for remote sites. Check availability through booking widget for current operators.

Phnom Kulen National Park Hiking

October offers peak conditions for the sacred mountain's waterfalls and river carvings - water levels ideal for swimming in natural pools while avoiding dry season crowds. The 487m (1,598ft) elevation provides 2-3°C cooler temperatures and fresh air after humid lowland temple visits.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ៛200,000-280,000 ($50-70) including park entrance and mountain road transport. Book with operators using proper 4WD vehicles for steep access roads. Swimming gear recommended for waterfall pools. Current tour options in booking section below.

October Events & Festivals

Early October

Pchum Ben Festival

Cambodia's most important Buddhist festival honoring ancestors through temple offerings and merit-making ceremonies. Locals gather at pagodas throughout the country offering food to monks and celebrating deceased relatives. Experience authentic cultural traditions rarely witnessed by tourists during peak season.

Mid to Late October

Post-Harvest Water Blessings

Rural communities perform traditional ceremonies blessing the season's rice harvest and local water sources. Village-level celebrations include traditional music, community feasts, and Buddhist blessing rituals connecting visitors to authentic Khmer agricultural traditions.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight merino wool or bamboo fiber shirts - synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable in 70% humidity conditions

Quick-dry rain jacket with ventilation - afternoon showers are brief but intense, lasting 20-30 minutes

SPF 50+ mineral sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 even through cloud cover and humid conditions

Moisture-wicking undergarments - cotton retains sweat in humid temple environments

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - temple stones remain slippery from morning condensation until 10am

Portable fan or cooling towel - essential for 3pm-5pm outdoor activities when humidity peaks at 85%

Waterproof phone case - protect electronics during sudden downpours and humid temple exploration

Light cotton scarf - covers shoulders for temple dress codes while providing sun protection during 4km+ walks

Electrolyte supplements - replace minerals lost through increased sweating in humid conditions

Antifungal foot powder - prevent issues in constantly damp footwear from humidity and occasional puddles

Insider Knowledge

Temple sunrise tours start at 4:30am in October due to later sunrise times - many operators still use high-season schedules, causing rushed experiences

Local restaurants switch to harvest season menus in October featuring fresh-harvested rice varieties and seasonal vegetables unavailable during tourist peak months

Tuk-tuk drivers reduce rates by 20-30% in October to maintain income during low season - negotiate confidently but respectfully with starting prices around ៛15,000 for short distances

ATMs frequently run low on cash during Pchum Ben festival period as locals withdraw money for temple offerings - withdraw extra cash before festival dates

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling temple visits during 11am-3pm when humidity reaches 85% and stone surfaces become uncomfortably hot to touch - optimal times are sunrise until 10am or after 4pm

Packing only synthetic clothing which becomes clingy and uncomfortable in high humidity - natural fibers perform significantly better in October conditions

Assuming all outdoor activities are cancelled during brief afternoon rains - most rainfall lasts only 20-30 minutes and provides cooling relief from humidity