Cambodia, Asia
Angkor Wat in April
Punishing midday heat. Khmer New Year in mid April is festive but many locals travel home and the temples fill with domestic visitors.
The straight answer
April is a month to think twice about visiting Angkor Wat. Punishing midday heat. Khmer New Year in mid April is festive but many locals travel home and the temples fill with domestic visitors.
- Weather
- Hottest month, highs near 97F (36C), very humid
- Crowds
- 3 of 5
- Prices
- 2 of 5
What April is like in Angkor Wat
April is the hottest month, with highs near 97F (36C) and heavy humidity. Midday heat is punishing and can be dangerous for kids and older travelers. Khmer New Year in mid April is festive, with water fights and games, but many locals travel home, some businesses close, and domestic visitors fill the temples.
We suggest avoiding April if you can. If you do come, plan temple visits for the first hours after sunrise and rest through the afternoon. For comfortable temple days, November through February is far better, and the green season from June to August is cooler and cheaper.
Make the most of April
What is especially good about Angkor Wat this month.
Khmer New Year
Water fights, games, and temple visits across Cambodia in mid April, with festivities at Angkor.
Low prices
Hotels are cheap, and many have pools that become essential.
Early morning temples
Dawn is the only comfortable time to explore.
What to pack for April
- Very light, breathable clothes that cover shoulders and knees
- Electrolyte packets and a large water bottle
- A wide-brim hat
- Clothes you do not mind getting wet during Khmer New Year
Our timing tip
If you come for Khmer New Year, book transport and hotels early, and expect some local restaurants to close.
Book Angkor Wat for April.
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- Hotels for April
Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Angkor WatOpens a hotel search for Angkor Wat in April, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
- Rentals on Vrbo
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Angkor WatWhole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
- Tours and tickets
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Angkor WatTimed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Angkor Wat for April. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
What's on in April
Khmer New Year
Mid April, usually April 13 or 14 for three days
Water fights, games, and temple visits across Cambodia, with festivities at Angkor. Some businesses close and domestic visitors fill the temples.
Things to do in Angkor Wat
Sunrise at Angkor Wat
Arrive before 5:30am to find a spot by the lotus ponds. For a quieter view, walk to the back of the temple after sunrise while everyone else leaves for breakfast.
The Bayon and Angkor Thom
The face towers are best in soft morning or late afternoon light. The Terrace of the Elephants is right next door.
Ta Prohm
The tree-root temple. Go right at opening or in the last hour to avoid the tour groups.
Banteay Srei
Small pink sandstone temple with the finest carvings in Angkor, about 45 minutes out. Go early before it heats up.
Beng Mealea
A collapsed jungle temple about 90 minutes from Siem Reap. Uncrowded and atmospheric, especially in the green season.
Tonle Sap floating villages
Water levels change dramatically by season. Visit in the wet season when the lake swells, and choose community-run tours.
Beat the crowds
- Buy a multi-day pass and spread the temples out. Do the big three (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm) at off-hours instead of cramming them into one crowded day.
- Most tour groups follow the same loop. Reverse it: do Ta Prohm at opening, Angkor Wat at midday when the sunrise crowd is gone, and the Bayon in late afternoon.
- Go to Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea early to beat the heat and the tour buses.
- Consider the green season from June to August: morning temple visits are quiet, the landscape is lush, and hotel prices drop.
Know before you go
- Angkor passes are sold for one, three, or seven days at the official ticket center and online through Angkor Enterprise. You need a photo pass to enter any temple.
- Angkor Wat and some temples open early for sunrise; most others open around 7:30am and close in the late afternoon. Check current hours.
- Upper levels of some temples, including Angkor Wat's central tower (Bakan), close on certain Buddhist holy days and have dress-code checks (shoulders and knees covered).
- During Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben, some local restaurants and shops close as families return to their home provinces.
Angkor Wat in April, quick answers
Is April a good time to visit Angkor Wat?
April is a month to think twice about visiting Angkor Wat. Punishing midday heat. Khmer New Year in mid April is festive but many locals travel home and the temples fill with domestic visitors.
What is the weather like in Angkor Wat in April?
Hottest month, highs near 97F (36C), very humid.
Is Angkor Wat crowded in April?
Crowds in Angkor Wat are moderate in April; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.
What is happening in Angkor Wat in April?
Khmer New Year (mid april, usually april 13 or 14 for three days).
Keep planning Angkor Wat.
The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.
Also at their best in April
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