Siem Reap, Cambodia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links.
Traveling to Siem Reap, Cambodia? If you're planning to go to Siem Reap, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Siem Reap
- Important essentials for Siem Reap
- Activities for Siem Reap
- Siem Reap in January: weather and what to pack
- Siem Reap in February: weather and what to pack
- Siem Reap in March: weather and what to pack
- Siem Reap in April: weather and what to pack
- Siem Reap in May: weather and what to pack
- Siem Reap in June: weather and what to pack
- Siem Reap in July: weather and what to pack
- Siem Reap in August: weather and what to pack
- Siem Reap in September: weather and what to pack
- Siem Reap in October: weather and what to pack
- Siem Reap in November: weather and what to pack
- Siem Reap in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Siem Reap, Cambodia
Based on the climate and weather in Siem Reap, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Siem Reap, Cambodia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Siem Reap, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly product.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often wear away. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to take a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, C and G. This one works in most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Siem Reap. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
What to wear/what to pack for Siem Reap, Cambodia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January here can be very hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
February
If you vacation in Siem Reap during February, you will probably find that it can be sweltering and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
March
Traveling to Siem Reap in March, you will notice that it can be sweltering and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
April
April can be sizzling. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to help you stay cool and include UV protection.
-
UV protecting legwear
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
-
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Personal cooling fan
-
Thin short sleeve shirts
You should bring additional, since these easily get wet or dirty.
-
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are engineered to cool you:
-
Light linen shorts
-
Lightweight 'harem' pants
-
Insulated water bottle
Bug bite relief
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
May
If you are traveling to Siem Reap in May, you will notice that it is extremely hot. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 90s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
June
June in Siem Reap is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to low 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
July
If you visit Siem Reap during July, you might see that it is really hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We suggest:
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
August
If you are traveling to Siem Reap in August, you will notice that it is consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
September
If you vacation in Siem Reap during September, you might notice that it can be sweltering and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
October
October in this region is constantly hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We recommend:
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
November
November in Siem Reap is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We suggest:
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
December
If you vacation in Siem Reap during December, you may find that it can be very hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
If you see a temple, such as Wat Thmei Temple & Stupa Memorial to the Killing Fields, wear:
If you see the Angkor National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Activities for Siem Reap, Cambodia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Siem Reap.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Aran Islands, Ireland, Jijoca de Jericoacoara, Ceará, Brazil, Cumilla, Bangladesh, Nalchik, Russia, Moss Vale, New South Wales, Australia, Napier, New Zealand, Đakovo, Croatia, Sidi Ifni, Morocco, Antofagasta, Chile, Bihar, India, and Horn Island, Queensland, Australia.