Sept Oct in Siem Reap

September and October are two of the wettest months of the year and two of quietest months of the year regarding tourists visiting. It normally rains late afternoon from about 4pm for a few hours or during the night. The good thing about this time of year is it is quiet as there are not many tourists and you will also get low season prices for things especially hotels.

Siem Reap Weather

...not forgetting to mention, that in these months, vegetation is at its peak and that the temples just look the best when surrounded by tropical rainforests which are lush beyond words, when they are covered in moss of the most crazy shades of green, brown and red and not when are not completely drowning in seas of tourists...

Personally I tell friends that the best month to visit is November because Cambodia is dressed in her best range of greens but I would say September and October as also great from that point of view - as long as there has been some rain.

Without doubt the worst months of the year to visit are march and april as it is VERY hot and everything is brown and dry.

Go for it

The rain's not that heavy in these months. July and August are the monsoon months, but towards the end of sept and oct not bad.
Not too many tourists and cheaper accom.

<blockquote>Quote
<hr>The rain's not that heavy in these months.<hr></blockquote> Err, no. September and October are the two wettest months of the year, look it up. That said, I think it's a very good time to visit for the reasons stated by #2 and that the crowds, particularly in September tend not to be too bad. Yes, you do run the risk of having a day turn into one big wash-out but if you have a few days to spend in Siem Reap it would be extremely bad luck to get rained out every day.

grooger is wrong once again. As Gorshar noted, September and October are in fact the wettest months of the year. But I agree with elziax and Gorshar that it is still a good time of year to visit. Great for photographers. The moats and reflecting pools around the temples are full and the surrounding jungle is lush and green. The moisture tends to bring out the color in the stone as the lichens and mosses grow. Not only the temples, but the countryside is absolutely beautiful with full green rice paddies stretching to the horizon. And as others have mentioned, the tourists are a bit fewer and further between. The temples are less crowded and the hotels/guesthouses offer low season prices.

I was in Siem Reap/Angkor in mid September. It rained without fail every late afternoon, but the rest of the day was hot and sticky. Certain roads to more obscure temples were also not passable due to the rain, but there is plenty of greenery and water in the temple moats / reservoirs.

If you really don't mind the rain and visit during the rainy season, don't miss taking a boat ride on the Tonle Sap which would have overflowed into a huge body of water. The aerial view as you fly into Siem Reap is astonishing.

Thankyou for the replies everyone. We'll be going!
Ta

Not sure how long the gang will be hanging in SR, but a place with a pool to cool off and relax, and let the kids be kids, I like the Angkor Star $60 in 2004.

The rooms are comfy, huge baths with showers and old brass footed tubs, a nice cafe though I only had breakfast. Its located on the edge of town between the main road from airport, and the old quarter nightlife district and guide/travel services are located. There is a internet cafe, a massage spa, and cafes all over. Tuk Tuk and Cyclo youts hang on the corner at a local all night sidewalk food stall, great for getting the lowdown, and hiring a driver and licensed guide, if your taxi man does not strike a deal with you.

A enjoyed the local pace there, along the river and also in the main social areas, markets, and the post office etc, There is good to cuisine to be had as well, and vibrant and hip laid back bar scene too, that the kids could be at ease with a tea or a coke...