Phnompenh in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Phnompenh

87°F (31°C) High Temp

71°F (22°C) Low Temp

1.3 inches (33 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Comfortable temperatures (71-87°F/22-31°C) make outdoor activities enjoyable without the scorching heat of hot season - perfect for cycling through Angkor Archaeological Park or walking the Riverside promenade
Light rainfall (only 1.3 inches/33 mm) means fewer weather disruptions than rainy season, with brief afternoon showers that actually provide welcome cooling breaks
Lower tourist crowds compared to January-February peak season, resulting in better photo opportunities at Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda, plus easier restaurant reservations
Dry Mekong water levels reveal seasonal beaches and sandbars perfect for picnics and river activities that aren't available during wet season

Considerations

Morning humidity (70%) can feel oppressive until 10am, making early temple visits sticky and uncomfortable despite cooler temperatures
Inconsistent weather patterns mean you might experience both sunny and rainy conditions in a single day, requiring flexible planning and backup indoor activities
Dust levels increase as dry season progresses, affecting air quality and making respiratory conditions more noticeable, especially near construction sites

Best Activities in December

Mekong Delta Day Trips

December's lower water levels create perfect conditions for exploring the delta's floating markets and traditional villages. The comfortable temperatures (71-87°F/22-31°C) make boat rides pleasant, and you'll see unique seasonal activities like rice harvesting. Morning departures avoid afternoon heat and potential brief showers.

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead through licensed river tour operators. Full-day trips typically cost $25-45 USD including lunch and transportation. Look for operators with life jackets and insured boats. See current delta tour options in booking section below.

Angkor Archaeological Park Cycling Tours

December offers ideal cycling conditions with manageable temperatures and minimal rain disruption. Early morning starts (6-7am) take advantage of coolest temperatures and golden light for photography. The drier conditions mean better road access to remote temples like Beng Mealea that become muddy during wet season.

Booking Tip: Reserve bicycle rentals and guided tours 5-7 days ahead. Daily rentals cost $8-15 USD, guided full-day tours $35-60 USD. Choose tours that provide helmets, water, and flexible timing for temple exploration. Check current cycling tour availability in booking widget below.

Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village Excursions

December's receding water levels provide unique access to stilted communities and reveal seasonal fishing techniques not visible during high-water months. Comfortable temperatures make the 45-minute (18 km/11 mile) boat journey pleasant, and you'll witness traditional dry-season activities like net-making and boat repairs.

Booking Tip: Book morning departures (8-9am) to avoid afternoon heat and potential weather changes. Half-day tours cost $20-35 USD including boat transport and village visit. Choose operators supporting local communities. See available floating village tours in booking section.

Phnom Penh Street Food Walking Tours

December's moderate evening temperatures (75-80°F/24-27°C) create perfect conditions for exploring night markets and street food stalls. Vendors serve seasonal specialties like grilled fish with green mango and hot pot variations that are less appealing during hotter months. Lower humidity means food stays fresh longer at outdoor stalls.

Booking Tip: Evening tours (6-9pm) work best when temperatures cool down. Expect to pay $25-40 USD for guided food tours including 6-8 tastings. Book with operators who know vendor hygiene standards and can accommodate dietary restrictions. Current food tour options available in booking widget.

Cardamom Mountains Eco-Tours

December marks the start of optimal trekking season with clear skies for wildlife viewing and comfortable hiking temperatures. The 2-3 hour (65 km/40 mile) journey to trailheads becomes easier on dry roads. This is peak season for bird watching as migratory species arrive, and you'll have better chances of spotting Asian elephants near water sources.

Booking Tip: Multi-day eco-tours require 14-21 days advance booking and cost $80-150 USD per day including meals and accommodation. Choose operators with trained naturalist guides and proper camping equipment. Verify current eco-tour availability through booking section below.

Royal Palace and Cultural Site Tours

December's manageable humidity (70% vs 85%+ in wet season) makes extensive walking through palace complexes and museums more comfortable. The clearer weather provides better photography conditions for the Silver Pagoda's intricate details, and you can spend more time in outdoor courtyards without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Early morning entry (8-9am) offers cooler temperatures and better light. Entry fees are $10 USD for Royal Palace complex. Audio guides cost additional $5-8 USD. Book guided cultural tours 3-5 days ahead for deeper historical context. Check current palace tour options in booking widget.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Water Festival (Bon Om Touk)

Cambodia's most significant festival celebrating the reversal of Mekong River flow, featuring dragon boat races on the Tonle Sap River, elaborate fireworks displays, and traditional performances. The riverside areas become festival grounds with food vendors and cultural exhibitions that showcase Khmer heritage.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight long pants and shirts - temples require covered shoulders and knees, and breathable cotton/linen handles 70% humidity better than synthetic fabrics

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even with cloud cover, and reflection off water during boat trips intensifies exposure

Compact umbrella or light rain jacket - December's 10 rainy days bring brief but intense downpours lasting 20-30 minutes

Closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - temple stairs can be slippery when wet, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily on uneven surfaces

Portable phone charger/power bank - high humidity drains batteries faster, and you'll rely on GPS and translation apps frequently

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - mosquitoes are most active during December's dawn and dusk hours, especially near water

Quick-dry clothing for 2-3 outfit changes - afternoon humidity and brief showers require fresh clothes, and hotel laundry takes 24 hours

Electrolyte tablets or powder - you'll lose more salts than expected in 70% humidity even with moderate temperatures

Waterproof phone case - essential for boat trips and sudden rain showers that can damage electronics

Cash in small denominations ($1, $5 USD bills) - many vendors and tuk-tuk drivers can't change large bills, and ATM fees are $5-8 per transaction

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations 3-4 weeks ahead for December - it's when Cambodian diaspora return for holidays, creating unexpected demand spikes that tourists don't anticipate

Carry both USD and Cambodian riel - while USD is widely accepted, having 500 and 1000 riel notes ($0.12-0.25) gets you better prices at local markets and shows cultural respect

Avoid scheduling important activities between 11am-2pm - this is when brief but intense rain showers are most likely, and locals typically take shelter during this period

Learn basic Khmer greetings like 'choum reap suor' (hello) and 'orkun che ran' (thank you very much) - December coincides with traditional respect-showing season, and effort is genuinely appreciated

Avoid These Mistakes

Expecting consistent weather patterns - December is transitional season, so travelers pack for either dry OR rainy conditions instead of both, leaving them unprepared for daily weather changes

Underestimating December crowds - many assume it's low season, but holiday returnees and regional tourists create unexpected busy periods at popular sites and restaurants

Scheduling too many outdoor activities consecutively - the 70% humidity is deceptive with moderate temperatures, leading to fatigue that ruins later planned activities