Cambodia, Asia

Angkor Wat in March

Heat builds fast. The spring equinox sunrise, when the sun rises over the central tower, draws a crowd around March 20 to 21.

Quiet valueHot and dry, highs near 95F (35C)

Angkor Wat at sunrise, Cambodia — Angkor WatPhoto: Reinhard Onasch, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Angkor Wat. Heat builds fast. The spring equinox sunrise, when the sun rises over the central tower, draws a crowd around March 20 to 21.

Weather: Hot and dry, highs near 95F (35C)
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What March is like in Angkor Wat

March is hot and dry, with highs near 95F (35C), and the heat builds quickly. Crowds and prices ease from the peak. Around March 20 to 21, the spring equinox sunrise puts the sun directly over Angkor Wat's central tower, and a crowd gathers to see it.

This month suits travelers who can handle heat and plan around it. Families should do temples only in the early morning and late afternoon and avoid midday entirely. For more comfortable weather, November to February is best. If you want the equinox, come on the right days and arrive very early.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Angkor Wat this month.

Spring equinox sunrise

Around March 20 to 21, the sun rises right over the central tower of Angkor Wat. Arrive well before dawn.

Thinner crowds

After the peak months, temple paths are noticeably calmer.

Softer prices

Hotels start to drop from their high-season rates.

What to pack for March

Very light clothes that cover shoulders and knees
Electrolyte packets
A wide hat and sunscreen
A cooling towel

Our timing tip

Start temple visits at dawn and be back at your hotel pool before 11am, when the heat becomes punishing.

Book Angkor Wat for March.

Sponsored links to Expedia and Vrbo. We may earn a commission; it never changes a verdict.

Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Angkor Wat
Opens a hotel search for Angkor Wat in March, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for March
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Angkor Wat
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Angkor Wat
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Angkor Wat for March. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in March

Spring equinox sunrise

Around March 20 to 21 every year

The sun rises directly over Angkor Wat's central tower. It also happens around the September equinox, often hidden by rain clouds.

Things to do in Angkor Wat

Full guide

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.

Tickets and tours →

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.

Tickets and tours →

Ta Prohm

The tree-root temple. Go right at opening or in the last hour to avoid the tour groups.

Tickets and tours →

Banteay Srei

Small pink sandstone temple with the finest carvings in Angkor, about 45 minutes out. Go early before it heats up.

Tickets and tours →

Beng Mealea

A collapsed jungle temple about 90 minutes from Siem Reap. Uncrowded and atmospheric, especially in the green season.

Tickets and tours →

Tonle Sap floating villages

Water levels change dramatically by season. Visit in the wet season when the lake swells, and choose community-run tours.

Tickets and 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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Angkor Wat?

March is a quiet, good-value month to visit Angkor Wat. Heat builds fast. The spring equinox sunrise, when the sun rises over the central tower, draws a crowd around March 20 to 21.

What is the weather like in Angkor Wat in March?

Hot and dry, highs near 95F (35C).

Is Angkor Wat crowded in March?

Crowds in Angkor Wat are moderate in March; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Angkor Wat in March?

Spring equinox sunrise (around march 20 to 21 every year).