Siem Reap in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Siem Reap

31°C (88°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

10.2 mm (0.4 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect temple-hopping weather - 24-26°C (75-79°F) mornings from 6-9am before heat peaks, with lower tourist volumes than peak season
Dry season advantage - only 10.2 mm (0.4 inches) of rain means Angkor temple access is reliable with minimal mud on ancient stone steps
Shoulder season pricing - accommodation costs 30-40% less than December-February peak, with room availability at boutique hotels without advance booking
Cultural calendar sweet spot - Post-Pchum Ben festival period means temples are beautifully decorated but tourist crowds have dispersed

Considerations

Afternoon heat intensity - 31°C (88°F) with 70% humidity makes temple climbing exhausting between 11am-4pm, forcing early morning schedules
Dust season conditions - Dry weather kicks up red dust on unpaved temple roads, affecting those with respiratory sensitivities
Limited evening outdoor comfort - High humidity persists after sunset, making rooftop dining less pleasant than cooler months

Best Activities in September

Angkor Archaeological Park Sunrise Tours

September's dry conditions and fewer crowds make this the ideal time for temple exploration. Morning temperatures of 24-26°C (75-79°F) are perfect for climbing steep temple stairs at Angkor Wat and Bayon. Clear skies provide excellent sunrise photography conditions, and you'll share viewpoints with 40% fewer tourists than peak season.

Booking Tip: Book temple passes online 1-2 days ahead to skip lines. Tours typically cost $25-45 USD including transport and guide. Start at 5am to maximize cool morning hours before 11am heat. Look for operators with air-conditioned vehicles and cold towels. See current sunrise tour options in the booking section below.

Countryside Cycling Adventures

September's low rainfall makes rural dirt roads accessible for cycling through rice paddies and traditional villages. Morning rides (6-10am) offer comfortable 24-27°C (75-81°F) temperatures and authentic encounters with farmers preparing for harvest season. Afternoon thunderstorms are rare, providing reliable full-day cycling conditions.

Booking Tip: Half-day cycling tours range $15-35 USD. Book with operators providing quality mountain bikes and helmets. Early morning departures essential to avoid midday heat. Full-day tours should include air-conditioned transport back. Check current cycling tour availability in the booking widget below.

Tonle Sap Floating Village Excursions

September water levels are optimal for floating village access without extreme wet season flooding. Boat rides offer relief from land-based heat, with lake breezes providing natural cooling. This timing catches the transition period when fishing communities prepare for high water season, offering authentic cultural insights.

Booking Tip: Boat tours typically cost $20-40 USD for half-day trips. Choose afternoon departures (1-5pm) to escape peak temple-visiting hours and enjoy cooler water temperatures. Ensure operators provide sun protection and life jackets. Current floating village tours available through booking section below.

Cooking Class Experiences

September's harvest timing brings peak ingredient availability for traditional Khmer cooking classes. Indoor air-conditioned venues provide perfect midday heat escape (11am-3pm) when outdoor activities become uncomfortable. Market tours showcase seasonal produce like fresh herbs and vegetables at their September prime.

Booking Tip: Cooking classes range $25-55 USD including market tour and meal. Book classes with morning market visits starting 8-9am before heat peaks. Afternoon cooking sessions (2-5pm) avoid hottest hours. Look for classes in air-conditioned venues. Browse current cooking class options in the booking section below.

Banteay Srei and Countryside Combination Tours

September's dry roads make the 32 km (20 mile) journey to Banteay Srei temple comfortable and dust-controlled. The pink sandstone temple's intricate carvings are easily accessible without mud concerns, and surrounding palm sugar villages are active with seasonal production activities perfect for cultural immersion.

Booking Tip: Full-day tours cost $35-65 USD including transport and guide. Depart early (7am) to reach Banteay Srei before 10am heat buildup. Combine with nearby Banteay Samre temple for efficient day use. Ensure air-conditioned transport for 1-hour drive. See current Banteay Srei tours in booking widget below.

Traditional Apsara Dance Performances

September evenings remain warm at 27-29°C (81-84°F), making indoor cultural performances ideal entertainment after hot temple days. Traditional dance venues offer air-conditioned comfort while experiencing authentic Khmer culture. September timing often features special post-festival performances with enhanced cultural significance.

Booking Tip: Dinner and show packages range $20-45 USD. Book venues with good air conditioning for comfort during humid evenings. Shows typically run 7-9pm, perfect timing after temple day tours. Some venues offer hotel pickup. Current Apsara performance tickets available through booking section below.

September Events & Festivals

Early to Mid September

Post-Pchum Ben Temple Celebrations

While Pchum Ben festival typically ends in late September, many temples maintain special decorations and continue ancestral ceremonies throughout the month. Locals visit temples with food offerings, creating authentic cultural experiences for respectful visitors.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long-sleeve shirts in cotton or linen - protect from 31°C (88°F) afternoon sun while allowing airflow in 70% humidity

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen - UV index 8 requires reapplication every 2 hours during temple visits

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - ancient temple stones become slippery with morning dew despite dry conditions

Small backpack with insulated water bottle - dehydration risk high in morning temple climbs even at 26°C (79°F)

Portable fan or cooling towel - essential for midday heat breaks when temperatures peak at 31°C (88°F)

Respectful temple clothing - shoulders and knees covered required at all Angkor temples, lightweight pants better than shorts

Cash in small denominations - USD $1, $5, $10 bills needed for temple donations, parking fees, and local purchases

Power bank and multiple charging cables - high usage from photography and navigation in hot conditions drains batteries faster

Anti-dust face mask or bandana - unpaved temple roads create red dust clouds despite low rainfall

Light rain jacket or umbrella - while only 10 rainy days expected, afternoon storms can be sudden and intense

Insider Knowledge

Visit temples on Sunday mornings (6-8am) when Cambodian tourists attend Buddhist ceremonies - real feel but arrive extra early as local crowds peak by 8am

September is palm sugar production season - stop at roadside stands between temples for fresh palm sugar demonstrations, typically 2,000-5,000 riels ($0.50-1.25) per sample

Book spa treatments for 2-5pm daily heat peak - traditional Khmer massage costs 30% less than peak season while providing air-conditioned midday refuge

Eat breakfast at local markets (this destination, Old Market) by 7am - fresh tropical fruits are seasonal peak quality in September, and vendors offer best prices before tourist crowds arrive around 9am

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating morning temple visit importance - starting after 9am means climbing temple stairs in 29°C+ (84°F+) heat with increasing crowds, making afternoon visits nearly unbearable by 2pm

Bringing insufficient cash - many temples, parking areas, and local vendors don't accept cards, and ATMs can be 10-15 km (6-9 miles) away from remote temple sites

Wearing inappropriate footwear - flip-flops are dangerous on steep, ancient stone steps that remain slippery from morning dew even during dry September conditions