December might be the single best month to fall in love with Cambodia. The rain eases off, the air turns crisp in the mornings, and the whole country slips into its most comfortable, most photogenic season. Whether the plan is watching the sun rise over Angkor Wat, gliding across Tonle Sap Lake, or sinking bare feet into the sand on Koh Rong, this is the month that makes it all effortless.
Before diving into an itinerary, it helps to know what December actually feels like on the ground, region by region, and where a little local know-how (and the right private transport, guide, or hotel) makes the difference between a good trip and an unforgettable one. Here is everything worth knowing about visiting Cambodia in December.
What is the Weather in Cambodia in December?
December sits right at the start of Cambodia’s dry season, which stretches from November through February. Rainfall drops dramatically compared to the wet months, humidity eases up, and the sun tends to shine for most of the day without becoming unbearable. It is the kind of weather that makes long days of sightseeing feel like a pleasure rather than an endurance test, and it is one of the biggest reasons private tours book out early this time of year.
That said, Cambodia is not one climate zone. Siem Reap in the north cools down noticeably at night, sometimes dipping into the high teens Celsius, which makes sunrise visits to the temples genuinely brisk. Phnom Penh holds onto its warmth a little longer after dark, while the southern coast barely cools at all, staying warm around the clock and perfect for beach days. Knowing which region will be chilly and which will be balmy helps enormously when packing, and it is one of the small details a good private guide will already have covered.
Temperature and Rainfall by Region
A quick regional snapshot makes planning far easier:
- Siem Reap: Daytime highs around 30 to 32°C, dropping to roughly 19 to 22°C overnight, with very little rain
- Phnom Penh: Daytime highs around 30 to 33°C, overnight lows near 22 to 23°C, and low rainfall
- Sihanoukville and the southern coast: Daytime highs around 29 to 30°C, warmer nights near 23 to 26°C, and minimal rain
These numbers make one thing clear: layers matter in the north, while the south stays comfortably warm from sunrise to sunset.
What December Feels Like Across the Country
In the temple towns of the north, mornings carry a genuine chill that makes an early start at Angkor Wat feel refreshing rather than exhausting. Head toward the capital, and the air stays warmer, ideal for wandering riverside promenades or exploring museums without needing a sweater. By the time the coast comes into view, December feels like pure summer, with warm water, gentle sea breezes, and barely a cloud in sight. For travelers moving between all three, a private transfer or driver who understands these shifts can help with everything from what to pack in a day bag to when to schedule outdoor time.
Is December a Good Time to Visit Cambodia?
For most travelers, the answer is a confident yes, though it comes with a few things worth knowing in advance. December combines dry skies, comfortable temperatures, and some of the best sightseeing conditions of the year, which is exactly why it draws such a crowd.
On the plus side, rain is rare, the paths through Angkor stay dry and easy to walk, and both the temples and the beaches are at their most inviting. Roads are easier to travel too, since the wet season’s flooding and mud are long gone. Add in a festive buzz around Christmas and New Year in the bigger tourist hubs, and December starts to feel like Cambodia showing off its best side.
The trade-off is that everyone else has noticed the same thing. December is peak season, so:
- Angkor Wat and other major sites see their busiest crowds of the year
- Hotel and tour prices climb noticeably higher than in the quieter months
- Christmas and New Year week fills up fast, especially for popular hotels and cruises
- Islands and beach resorts can sell out well ahead of the date
None of this needs to be a dealbreaker. It simply means that booking early, and leaning on a private guide or a tailor made itinerary rather than a fixed group schedule, goes a long way toward avoiding the crowds while still enjoying everything December has to offer.
Best Places to Visit in December in Cambodia
Cambodia’s December weather is kind enough to make almost the entire country worth visiting at once, from ancient temple complexes to quiet island beaches. The trick is choosing the right combination and giving each stop enough time to actually enjoy it. Here are the destinations that shine brightest this month.
Siem Reap with Marvelous Angkor Complex
Siem Reap is where most Cambodia trips begin, and December gives it a serious advantage. Cooler mornings turn sunrise at Angkor Wat into something genuinely comfortable, rather than a race against the heat, and dry paths make it easy to wander through Bayon’s carved stone faces or the tree roots swallowing Ta Prohm without a hint of mud underfoot.
Because December draws such big crowds, timing matters more than usual. Arriving early is less about the light and more about beating the tour buses, and a private guide who knows the quieter routes through the complex can make a huge difference to the experience. Beyond the temples, Siem Reap’s night markets and restaurant scene pick up extra energy this time of year, so evenings are just as rewarding as mornings. For a deeper look at what else the town offers, this guide to Siem Reap tours and five activities beyond Angkor Wat is worth a read before locking in a schedule.
Enjoy a Fascinating Cruise on the Tonle Sap & Mekong River
December arrives just after the rainy season ends, so water levels on Tonle Sap Lake are often still high enough to support boat trips out to the floating villages that call it home. It is one of the most memorable ways to see rural Cambodian life up close, gliding past houses on stilts and small fishing boats going about their day.
Because water levels shift from year to year, it is worth treating a lake cruise as a wonderful seasonal bonus rather than a guaranteed fixture, and checking current conditions before locking in a full day around it. For travelers who want to go further and turn this into a multi-day journey, a proper Mekong River cruise is worth considering alongside the day trip option. A private boat and guide make either far easier to arrange around the rest of an itinerary than trying to fit into a fixed group schedule. For a closer look at what the day-trip experience involves, this guide to Tonle Sap Lake in Cambodia covers it well.
Phnom Penh
Cambodia’s capital rarely gets top billing in December guides, which is a shame given how well it fits into the season. Warm, dry days make it easy to explore the Royal Palace, browse the National Museum’s collection of Khmer sculpture, or simply walk the riverside where the Tonle Sap meets the Mekong.
Phnom Penh also happens to be one of the best places in the country to eat well without much effort, from street food stalls to riverside restaurants. It slots naturally between Siem Reap and the southern coast, making it an easy addition to a longer itinerary with the help of private transport between cities. Travelers looking for something beyond the standard sights should take a look at these unusual things to do in Phnom Penh for ideas that go past the usual checklist.
Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem
Cambodia’s two best known islands both thrive in December’s calm, dry conditions, though each suits a slightly different traveler. Koh Rong has more infrastructure, a livelier social scene, and a wider spread of beaches and activities to choose from, making it the better pick for travelers who want some buzz along with their sand.
Koh Rong Samloem, just next door, moves at a slower pace, with quieter beaches and a more laid-back rhythm that suits anyone looking to properly switch off. Getting between the mainland and either island is simple with the right private boat transfer arranged in advance, especially during December’s busier travel dates. This detailed look at Koh Rong as Cambodia’s paradise island is a good starting point for choosing which beach fits the trip best.
Sihanoukville and the Southern Coast
Sihanoukville remains a useful mainland base for exploring the southern coast, offering easy beach access alongside a wider choice of hotels and restaurants than the smaller islands nearby. December’s dry, sunny weather makes it an easy place to base a few relaxed days, particularly for travelers who want beach time without a boat ride every day.
Nearby Kep offers a quieter alternative, known for its laid back pace, fresh seafood, and some of the best sunset views on this stretch of coast. Both towns pair naturally with a private driver who can move between beaches, seafood shacks, and viewpoints without the hassle of public transport schedules. For a full rundown of what the area has to offer, this guide to Sihanoukville’s best known beaches is worth bookmarking.
Here are must-visit beaches in Cambodia during December for your reference:
- Otres Beach, Sihanoukville: Known for its laid-back vibe and clean waters
- Sokha Beach, Sihanoukville: A private beach with pristine sand and clear water
- Koh Rong Samloem: Offers secluded beaches like Saracen Bay and Lazy Beach
- Kep Beach: A small but charming beach perfect for watching sunsets
- Long Set Beach, Koh Rong: A 7km stretch of white sand and turquoise waters
Cambodia in December: Costs and Crowds
December marks the height of Cambodia’s high season, which significantly impacts both costs and crowd levels. As one of the most popular months for tourism, you can expect:
- Higher prices for accommodations, especially in tourist hotspots like Siem Reap and coastal areas
- Increased rates for tours and activities
- Larger crowds at major attractions, particularly around Christmas and New Year’s Eve
- Busier restaurants, bars, and transportation services
To manage costs and crowds, you should:
- Book accommodations and tours well in advance to secure better rates and availability
- Consider visiting major sites early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds
- Mix popular destinations with less-visited locations for a more balanced experience
- Be flexible with your travel dates; early December might offer slightly lower prices than the holiday period
Despite the higher costs and larger crowds, many travelers find the ideal weather conditions and festive atmosphere of December well worth the trade-off.
A December trip through Cambodia rewards a little planning, and that is exactly where our tours come in, built around private transport, handpicked accommodation, and guides who know these regions inside out. First-time visitors may also want to glance through this guide on what you need to know before visiting Cambodia before finalizing a route. Or simply reach out at info@indochinavoyages.com to start shaping Indochina travel packages plan around this month’s best weather.
Christmas and New Year in Cambodia
Christmas is not a traditional Cambodian holiday, but tourist areas have warmed up to it in their own way. Hotels and restaurants across Siem Reap, Phnom Penh, and the coast often put together Christmas dinners, decorations, and small events for visitors, adding a festive touch to an already warm and welcoming month.
New Year, running from December 31 into January 1, gets a bigger public celebration, particularly in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh, where fireworks and parties light up the tourist districts. It is worth keeping in mind that this is separate from Khmer New Year, which falls in April and remains Cambodia’s major traditional celebration.
For travelers whose trip happens to overlap with either holiday, it is worth checking whether any annual events, such as the Angkor Wat International Half Marathon, fall within the travel dates, since the exact scheduling shifts slightly each year. A private guide familiar with the local calendar can flag these details well ahead of arrival, so nothing catches a trip off guard.
Where to Go in Cambodia in December: Suggested Routes
Choosing where to go is one thing, but stitching those destinations into a route that actually flows well takes a bit more planning, especially during a busy month like December. The good news is that Cambodia is compact enough to combine temples, cities, and beaches without feeling rushed, as long as the itinerary is built around realistic travel times between regions.
For travelers who would rather skip the logistics and let a private itinerary handle the details, a few well-tested routes cover most trip lengths:
Each of these routes can be adjusted with private guides, private transport, and handpicked accommodation to match personal interests. Read more about how they break down, or reach out to start building one.
What to Wear in Cambodia in December?
Packing smart for December means preparing for two climates in one trip: cool mornings in the north and warm days almost everywhere. A few essentials cover most of it:
- Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm daytime hours
- A light layer for cooler mornings and evenings around Siem Reap
- Comfortable walking shoes for temple visits and city streets
- Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple sites
- Swimwear for the coast, the islands, and hotel pools
- Sun protection, including a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen
- Light rain protection, just in case, when heading beyond the main tourist areas
A handful of extra habits make a real difference too. Starting Angkor visits early avoids both the heat and the heaviest crowds, while booking Christmas and New Year travel well ahead protects against sold out hotels and cruises. Building in a little extra travel time between regions, rather than packing the schedule too tightly, keeps the whole trip feeling relaxed instead of rushed, especially when moving between temples, the capital, and the coast with private transport in between.
FAQs
Is December a good time to visit Cambodia?
Yes. It is one of the driest, most comfortable months for both temples and beaches, though it is also peak season, so expect higher prices and bigger crowds.
How hot is Cambodia in December?
Daytime highs generally run from 29 to 33°C, with cooler nights, especially in Siem Reap, where temperatures can dip into the high teens Celsius.
Does it rain in Cambodia in December?
Rarely. December falls within the dry season, so rainfall stays low across the country, though the occasional short shower can still happen.
Is Cambodia crowded in December?
Yes. December is high season, and major sites like Angkor Wat, along with popular islands and coastal towns, see far more visitors than during the wet season.
Is Cambodia expensive in December?
Prices for hotels, tours, and cruises run higher than in the low season, climbing further around Christmas and New Year, so early booking helps secure better rates.
Can you go to the beach in Cambodia in December?
Absolutely. Calm seas, low rainfall, and warm temperatures make December one of the best months for Sihanoukville, Kep, and the islands.
Is Cambodia good for Christmas?
It can be. While Christmas is not a traditional Cambodian holiday, tourist areas often mark it with decorations, special menus, and events for a festive touch.
Thuy Dang – From Indochina Voyages
