Siem Reap has a tropical monsoon climate. The rainy season is from May to November; there is often seasonal flooding in late-July and early-August. The most pleasant season is the cool season from November to December. The hottest months are March, April and May.

Bring lightweight cotton clothes that can be layered. Short and long-sleeved shirts (for the evenings), light trousers and lengthy dresses or skirts are advised. Rainwear is essential during the rainy season; rain jackets can be bought inexpensively at local markets.

Suggested Packing List:

• Comfortable walking shoes and sandals
• Short and long sleeved cotton or linen shirts
• Long pants/skirts - Shorts are worn only by tourists
• Mosquito repellent (can be bought here inexpensively)
• Plastic fold-away rain coat (with hood)
• A Swiss army knife
• Sunscreen (30 SPF)
• Sunglasses
• Flashlight/headlamp
• A small basic first-aid kit
• Any prescription medicine you may need
• Spare contacts and supplies (the dust destroys contacts very quickly)
• Bathing suit (Whatever you feel comfortable in - local women swim fully clothed in dresses and pants! The men and children can be seen sometimes swimming in underwear.)
• USB flash drive or jump drive. Very useful if planning to give presentations or do computer work.
• Laptop computer (not necessary, but very important unless you want to spend large amounts of time waiting for the shared computers)
• 6 passport photos
• Reading material for those rainy days. Also, the other expats will also appreciate new novels.