Cambodia Weather in December 2024, Where to Go and Travel Tips

The Weather in December: Overview
City Weather in Cambodia
The 5 Best Places to Visit
Crowds and Cost in December
What to Wear in December

Cambodia's weather in December is warm/mild, and rainfall is low throughout Cambodia, which makes it a great time to visit. Continue to read for typical weather in December in Cambodia, including average temperatures and rainfall, as well as travel tips on what to wear and best places to visit.

Cambodia Weather in December: Overview

Average temperature range: 23–30°C (73–86°F)
Average rainfall: 10–60 mm (0–2 inches)
Average rainy days: 2–8
Average sunny days: 20–25

It is warm and dry in Cambodia in December. The average maximum temperature is 30°C (86°F) and the average minimum is 23°C (73°F). Rain even dies away on the west coast of Cambodia. You can enjoy warm sunshine on most days of December.

5-Day Siem Reap Tour in Depth Ankgor Wat Complex,Kbal Spean, Kompong Khleang Floating Village

Cambodia's Major Cities' Weather in December

Location	Min. Temp. (ºC)	Max. Temp. (ºC)	Average Rainfall (mm)
Phnong Penh	22	30	10
Battambang	20	30	19
Siem Reap	22	30	12
Sihanoukville	23	31	55
Koh Rong	21	28	127

Phnom Penh: Temperatures are quite warm, ranging from 22–31°C (72–88°F), and the days are mostly sunny in December around Phnom Penh. It is mild in the mornings, which is a good time to plan outdoor activities. And it can get hot in the afternoons, as the sun shines for most of December.

Battambang and Siem Reap: You can expect warm and sunny days in Battambang and Siem Reap. The average temperature range is 21 to 31°C (70–88°F). Rain is extremely rare and most of that happens at night.

Kampot and Sihanoukville: Thanks to the humidity and onshore breezes of the Gulf of Thailand, Cambodia's west coast area is cloudy and warm at around 24–32°C (75–90°F). The dry and comfortable weather conditions make December a good time to visit the historical temples and buildings around the coastal areas.

If you consider a multiple-country trip to SE Asia, you could also see December weather in other Southeast Asian countries>>>

11-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour

12-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour

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The Best Places to Visit in Cambodia in December

As one of the best months to visit Cambodia, December is in the high tourist season. You can visit all parts of Cambodia without risk of adverse weather effects in this month. If you are visiting during New Year's Eve, you can experience Cambodia's local New Year celebrations.

1. Angkor Wat

December is a good time to visit Angkor Wat as the temperature is cool for a walking tour. As a must-visited attraction in Cambodia, it was built between 802 and 1432. Angkor Wat was the largest "temple city" in the world during the medieval age, and it was used as the powerhouse of the Khmer kings. The construction of the temples is so marvelous that it attracts thousands of travelers to visit Cambodia. It deserves a day of your touring time, as it will help you to understand the Angkorian period's architectural achievements and religious culture. Read more about Angkor Wat.

2. Phnom Penh

If you are making your first visit to Cambodia, then Phnom Penh should be on your list. Lying on the banks of the Mekong River, Phnom Penh is a city that represents modern Cambodia and the ancient Khmer kingdom. There you can explore the Royal Palace complex to appreciate the beauty of the structure and learn more about the history of Cambodia. Spend some time at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Museum (notorious prison S-21) to feel the historical terror this nation suffered under Khmer Rouge rule. There are numerous fun things to do and see in the capital city too.

3. Siem Reap

Siem Reap is a good place to celebrate Christmas and New Year as the streets are decorated in December. Famed for its temple ruins and historical heritage, Siem Reap is one of the top-visited destinations in Cambodia. The ancient city is rich in numerous ancient ruins and history-filled museums. If you are tired of visiting temples and ruins, then Siem Reap offers a richness of other touring activities, including amazing nightlife, vibrant old markets, cool bars, and more. You can always find something interesting in this city. Read more about top things to do in Siem Reap.

4. Ratanakiri

Well-known for its waterfalls, minority culture, elephant parks, and numerous national parks, Ratanakiri is good place for you to explore the natural beauty of Cambodia. The endless red-dirt roads and the scattering of minority villages along the roads are another of the highlights of a trip to Ratanakiri. Go for trekking, hiking, and animal viewing at the numerous national parks and nature reserves in Cambodia: Veun Sai-Siem Pang Conservation Area, Virachey National Park, and more.

5. Battambang

Battambang in December is quiet and peaceful. Located in the northwest of Cambodia, Battambang is a beautiful place where you can explore the peaceful countryside scenery of Cambodia. It is interesting to walk through the rice fields and experience local life in the tiny villages surrounding the city. Besides its natural beauty, Battambang is also rich in historical sites and cultural heritage. One of the popular travel activities there is to take a bamboo train, whose "carriages" are made from wood and bamboo to explore Battambang.

Crowding and Costs in December

December is one of the peak months of the high travel season in Cambodia, especially during the "Western" holiday season (the Christmas / New Year's period). Tourist areas get more crowded, and hotel and flight costs are much higher than in other months. So, book early to if you would like to visit Cambodia in December.

Clothes to Wear in December