Things to Do in Cambodia in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Cambodia

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

160mm (6.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Green season beauty - Rice paddies are emerald green and waterfalls are at full flow, creating Cambodia's most photogenic landscape conditions
Fewer crowds at Angkor Wat - Tourist numbers drop 40% compared to peak season, meaning better photo opportunities and shorter temple queues
Lower accommodation rates - Hotel prices decrease by 25-35% as high season hasn't begun, with mid-range hotels averaging $35-50 instead of $60-80
Perfect Mekong conditions - River levels are ideal for boat trips with comfortable temperatures in early morning (26°C/79°F) and late afternoon

Considerations

Afternoon rain interruptions - Daily showers between 2-4pm last 30-45 minutes and can disrupt outdoor temple exploration schedules
High humidity levels - 70% humidity makes midday activities feel exhausting, especially when climbing temple stairs at Angkor complex
Muddy rural roads - Countryside excursions and remote temple access can be challenging due to unpaved road conditions after rainfall

Best Activities in September

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Tours

September offers the best temple visiting conditions of the rainy season. Morning temperatures (26-28°C/79-82°F) are comfortable for climbing steep temple stairs, crowds are 40% smaller than peak season, and the surrounding jungle is lush green. Afternoon rains typically end by 4pm, perfect for sunset temple visits.

Booking Tip: Book sunrise tours 3-5 days ahead through licensed guides. Tours typically cost $45-65 for full-day private guides including transport. Temple passes must be purchased on-site ($37 for one day, $62 for three days). Reference booking widget for current guided tour options.

Mekong River Floating Village Tours

September water levels are perfect for accessing Kompong Phluk and Chong Kneas floating villages. The river is high enough for comfortable boat navigation but not at flood stage. Early morning departures (7am) avoid afternoon rain and offer the best lighting for photography of stilt houses.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost $25-35 per person including boat transport. Book 2-3 days ahead during September as some operators reduce schedules. Look for tours that include both floating villages and flooded forest sections. Check current availability in booking section below.

Siem Reap Cooking Class Experiences

Indoor cooking classes are perfect September activities during afternoon rain periods. September brings peak season for local ingredients like fresh river fish, young rice, and tropical fruits. Classes typically include morning market tours before 10am when temperatures are coolest (26°C/79°F).

Booking Tip: Half-day classes cost $35-55 per person and should be booked 5-7 days ahead. Choose classes that include market visits and hands-on preparation of 5-6 dishes. Many offer pickup from hotels in Siem Reap center. See current class options in booking widget below.

Phnom Penh Historical and Cultural Tours

Capital city touring works well in September with indoor attractions like Royal Palace, Silver Pagoda, and Tuol Sleng Museum providing air-conditioned relief. Cyclo tours are comfortable in early morning (7-9am) before heat builds up, and riverside areas offer evening breezes.

Booking Tip: Full-day city tours typically cost $40-60 including transport and entrance fees. Book 2-3 days ahead and choose tours that balance indoor/outdoor activities. Look for operators offering flexible scheduling around afternoon weather. Current tour options available in booking section.

Kampot Pepper Farm and Countryside Tours

September is harvest preparation season for Kampot's famous pepper, offering unique farm visit opportunities. The countryside is intensely green, and cool early mornings (24-26°C/75-79°F) are perfect for cycling between organic farms and traditional villages.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Siem Reap cost $85-120 or stay overnight in Kampot (2 hours drive). Farm tours cost $15-25 per person. Book 1 week ahead as some farms limit September visitors during harvest prep. Transportation and current farm tour options in booking widget.

Battambang Bamboo Train and Bat Cave Tours

The famous bamboo train operates in all weather, and September's lush scenery makes the 7km (4.3 mile) journey through rice paddies spectacular. Evening bat cave visits at Phnom Sampeau coincide with cooler temperatures (28°C/82°F) and dramatic sunset lighting.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost $55-75 from Siem Reap or $25-35 if staying in Battambang. Bamboo train rides cost $5 per person, bat caves $2 entrance. Book transport 3-4 days ahead during September. Combined tour packages available through booking widget below.

September Events & Festivals

Mid to Late September

Pchum Ben Festival

Cambodia's most important religious festival honoring deceased ancestors. Locals gather at pagodas before dawn to offer food to monks and make merit for departed relatives. This is the best opportunity to witness authentic Cambodian Buddhist traditions with respectful observation welcomed at major temples.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry hiking pants - Essential for temple climbing and afternoon humidity, regular jeans become uncomfortable in 70% humidity

Compact umbrella and light rain poncho - Afternoon showers are intense but brief, plastic ponchos tear easily on temple stones

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - Avoid polyester which traps moisture, pack 2-3 extra as laundry takes longer to dry

Closed-toe shoes with good grip - Temple stairs are slippery when wet, flip-flops are dangerous on ancient stone steps

SPF 50+ sunscreen and hat - UV index reaches 8 even through clouds, reapply every 2 hours during outdoor activities

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - Mosquitoes are active after rain, especially around Angkor's water features

Power bank and waterproof phone case - Humidity can affect electronics, many temples lack charging facilities for 3-4 hour visits

Cash in small bills - Many vendors can't change large notes, temple donations expected in 500-1000 riel notes

Modest clothing for temples - Shoulders and knees must be covered, lightweight long pants and sleeves for 32°C (90°F) heat

Electrolyte tablets or powder - Sweating in humidity depletes salts faster than dry climates, crucial for full-day temple touring

Insider Knowledge

Visit temples 6-8am when temperature is 24-26°C (75-79°F) and lighting is golden - most tour groups arrive after 8:30am creating crowds

Book accommodations near Pub Street in Siem Reap for September - many riverside hotels flood during heavy rains and offer steep discounts

Cambodian students have university entrance exams in September creating different local energy - great time to visit campus areas and student cafes

Local markets close early (2pm) before afternoon rains - morning shopping tours offer better selection and cooler temperatures for bargaining

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning full outdoor itineraries without rain contingencies - book indoor activities like museums and cooking classes for afternoon backup

Underestimating temple climbing difficulty in humidity - allow 30-40 minutes per major temple instead of rushed 15-minute visits

Wearing white or light colors to temples - muddy paths and splashing tuk-tuks make darker colors more practical during rainy season