Cambodia in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Climate Map for December
Average temperature across Cambodia in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Phnom Penh | 31° | 22° | 41 mm | extreme | Warm |
| Takeo | 30° | 22° | 40 mm | very high | Warm |
| Siem Reap | 30° | 19° | 14 mm | very high | Warm |
| Battambang | 30° | 20° | 18 mm | very high | Warm |
| Poipet | 31° | 19° | 9 mm | very high | Warm |
| Kampong Chhnang (city) | 30° | 22° | 32 mm | very high | Warm |
| Sihanoukville | 32° | 23° | 25 mm | very high | Hot |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Siem Reap & Northwest (Angkor, Battambang)
Late December is peak season: cool, dry, and bright with early morning temperatures near 18-20°C and daytime highs in the mid-20s. Angkor is crowded for holiday travel, so plan temple runs at first light and reserve guided tours in advance. This is a great month for combining temple visits with countryside cycling, but bring sunscreen and a hat for intense midday sun.
Tonle Sap & Central Plains (Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Thom)
December is drier and cooler, with clear skies and comfortable daytime temperatures that make Phnom Penh’s waterfront parks crowded and lively on weekends. The receded lakeshore means easier road access to riverside villages and Kampong Thom’s ancient temples are pleasant to visit. Pack sunscreen for bright days and a light layer for cooler early mornings along the Mekong.
Southern Coast & Islands (Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Kep)
December is high season on the southern coast: warm sunshine, low humidity and steady seas ideal for island-hopping, diving and fishing. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem host an influx of international and domestic tourists, so book boat crossings ahead. Evenings can be pleasantly cool with onshore breezes; bring a hat for daytime sun and reef shoes for coral beaches.
Cardamom Mountains & Southwest (Koh Kong, Cardamom range, Bokor, Botum Sakor)
December is a prime month for exploring the Cardamoms: dry trails, cooler temperatures in the highlands, and calmer seas for coastal boat trips. Birdwatching and canopy tours run regularly and roads to Botum Sakor and Koh Kong are in good shape. Bring sturdy hiking boots for rocky trails and a light jacket for foggy hilltop mornings.
Northeast Uplands (Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri - highlands, waterfalls, ethnic villages)
December sees cool, crisp mornings and moderate daytime temperatures that make panoramic rides along the Phnom Aural foothills particularly pleasant. Tourist numbers rise slightly around holiday periods but many remote lodges are still quiet; road access is reliable. Bring a light jacket for evenings and insect repellent for dusk visits to forest edges.
Events & Festivals in December
There are no major festivals or events in Cambodia during December to be aware of.