What is the best time to visit Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei?
Planning a trip to see the stunning temple ruins of Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei in Cambodia? Wondering when is the ideal time to visit these iconic sites and truly immerse yourself in their mystical beauty?
You’re in luck! In this complete guide, we break down everything you need to know for visiting Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei during the best weather conditions and avoiding the worst crowds.
When’s the best time to visit the spellbinding Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei temples near Siem Reap, Cambodia?
The best time to visit Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei is during the dry season from October to April when temperatures are milder and rainfall is minimal. This peak tourist period offers:
- Comfortable weather for exploring the temple complexes, with average highs of 86-95°F (30-35°C)
- Lower humidity levels around 60-70%
- Mostly sunny, blue skies perfect for photos
- Manageable crowd sizes, outside of the busiest months
The absolute best experience is just after the rainy season in October and November when the landscape is lush and green!
Dodge the Downpours in the Rainy Season
The rainy season from May to September brings frequent, intense downpours that can put a damper on your plans. However, the temples are wonderfully peaceful and you’ll have unobstructed views. Just be prepared with:
- Rain jackets and umbrellas
- Waterproof shoes/sandals with grip
- Small towels for drier temple seating
- Backup plans for torrential rains
Chance of Rain in Siem Reap by Month
| May | June | July | August | September |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 65% | 65% | 65% | 60% | 60% |
Weigh the Pros and Cons by Season
| Dry Season | Rainy Season | |
|---|---|---|
| Crowds | ↑↑↑ Higher | ↓↓ Lower |
| Prices | ↑↑ Higher | ↓ Lower |
| Weather | ✅ Mostly dry | ⚠ Occasional heavy rain |
| Scenery | Lush foliage after rainy season | 🍃 Very lush landscape |
| Travel Tips | Stay hydrated, hat & sunscreen recommended | Bring rain gear, fewer tourists |
Target Sunrise & Sunset For Divine Light
The golden hours around sunrise and sunset cast an ethereal glow over the ancient temples:
- Sunrise (6-7 AM): Arrive early to watch the temples emerge from darkness as the first light peeks over the horizon. Crowds amass so go very early.
- Sunset (5-7 PM): Late afternoon light creates dramatic shadows that accentuate the details of the carved bas reliefs and statues. Far fewer people than sunrise.
Pro Traveler Tip: For beautiful temple photos without the sunrise crowds, arrive at 7 AM right after dawn or in the late afternoon around 4 PM!
Beat the Crowds in the Cooler Hours
The early morning, late morning hours tend to be less crowded at Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei:
- Early Morning (7-9 AM): All the groups are still at Angkor Wat for sunrise, and yet have to other locations.
- Late Morning (11:45 AM-1 PM): Many tour groups head back to Siem Reap for lunch.
Maximize Photography at Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm’s fusion with the jungle makes it incredibly photogenic at different times:
- Sunrise: Misty golden light filtering through trees and temples.
- Late Morning: Soft shadows and beams of light permeate the ruins.
- Afternoon: Rich afternoon light striking the iconic tree roots.
Stay until just before sunset when the structures glow under the spotlit effect of low sideways rays filtering through the canopy!
Helpful Month-by-Month Weather Breakdown
| Month | Avg High Temp | Avg Low Temp | Avg Rainfall |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C / 90°F | 21°C / 70°F | 2mm / 0.1in |
| February | 34°C / 94°F | 22°C / 72°F | 20mm / 0.8in |
| March | 36°C / 96°F | 24°C / 75°F | 30mm / 1.2in |
| April | 37°C / 99°F | 26°C / 79°F | 98mm / 3.9in |
| May | 34°C / 94°F | 26°C / 79°F | 161mm / 6.3in |
| June | 33°C / 92°F | 26°C / 79°F | 136mm / 5.4in |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 243mm / 9.6in |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 246mm / 9.7in |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 314mm / 12.4in |
| October | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 195mm / 7.7in |
| November | 32°C / 89°F | 22°C / 72°F | 48mm / 1.9in |
| December | 30°C / 86°F | 21°C / 70°F | 8mm / 0.3in |
I hope this guide gives you a fuller picture of the ideal times to visit Ta Prohm and Banteay Srei to create lasting memories. With so many factors like weather patterns, sunrise/set views, crowds, events, photography lighting and more, you’re sure to find the perfect moment to experience Cambodia’s Angkor magic.
Let MySiemReapTours.com help craft your custom temple itinerary – contact us to start planning your once-in-a-lifetime adventure today!
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