Things to Do in Cambodia in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Cambodia

30°C (86°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

45 mm (1.8 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with only 3 rainy days and 45mm (1.8 inches) rainfall - perfect for Angkor temple exploration and outdoor activities
Coolest temperatures of the year at 22-30°C (72-86°F) with 65% humidity, making long walks and cycling comfortable from sunrise to sunset
Crystal clear skies provide optimal photography conditions at Angkor Wat, with stunning sunrises and golden hour lighting lasting longer due to dry air
Tourist numbers drop 40% after Christmas week, creating peaceful temple experiences while weather remains perfect through New Year

Considerations

Accommodation prices peak 60-80% higher during Christmas/New Year weeks (Dec 20-Jan 2), with best hotels booking out 3+ months ahead
Dusty conditions from months of dry weather require daily face washing and can irritate sensitive sinuses, especially on dirt roads to remote temples
UV intensity reaches dangerous levels (index 8) with minimal cloud cover - sunburn happens in 15 minutes without SPF 50+ protection

Best Activities in December

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Cycling

December's cool mornings (22°C/72°F) make cycling between temples comfortable until 10am. Dry roads mean no mud, and clear skies create perfect lighting for photography. The 25km (15.5-mile) grand circuit is actually enjoyable in December's weather, unlike the sweltering heat of hot season.

Booking Tip: Rent quality mountain bikes (typically $8-12/day) from operators near Angkor entrance. Start at 6am for sunrise at Angkor Wat, cycle during cool morning hours. Book temple passes online to skip queues. See current guided cycling tours in booking section below.

Tonle Sap Lake Floating Village Tours

December's low water levels reveal the lake's seasonal transformation - floating houses sit on stilts, and you'll see how communities adapt. Comfortable 28°C (82°F) temperatures and minimal rainfall make the 2-3 hour boat trips pleasant, with excellent visibility for wildlife spotting.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost $25-35 including transport. Choose morning departures (8am) for cooler temperatures and better light. Avoid tours during 11am-2pm heat. Book through licensed operators - see current options in booking section below.

Phnom Penh Historical Walking Tours

The capital's intense heat becomes manageable in December's cooler weather. Walking tours covering Royal Palace, S21, and Russian Market are comfortable in morning/late afternoon. December's clear skies provide dramatic lighting for the sobering historical sites, and reduced humidity means less exhaustion during emotional visits.

Booking Tip: Book walking tours for early morning (7-10am) or late afternoon (3-6pm) to avoid midday sun. Group tours typically cost $15-25, private tours $40-60. Combine indoor sites (S21, National Museum) during 11am-2pm heat peak.

Kampot Province Countryside Exploration

December's dry season opens rural roads impassable during rains. Cool mornings perfect for cycling through pepper farms, and low humidity makes Bokor Mountain's 1,000m (3,280ft) elevation comfortable. The Kampot River is at ideal levels for kayaking, with gentle currents and clear water.

Booking Tip: Base yourself in Kampot town - guesthouses $15-25/night in December (book 2 weeks ahead). Motorbike rentals $5-7/day, bicycle rentals $2-3/day. Multi-activity day tours typically $30-45. Check current tour options in booking section below.

Siem Reap Food Market Tours

December's comfortable temperatures make hot street food enjoyable again. Local markets like Phsar Leu and Old Market are less stifling in 65% humidity vs. rainy season's 85%. Traditional hot pot and BBQ dishes - avoided in hot season - become appealing in December's cooler evenings.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours (5-8pm) capture dinner culture when locals eat hot dishes. Group tours typically $25-35, include 6-8 food stops. Morning market tours (7-10am) focus on ingredients and cooking techniques. Book with operators offering small groups (max 8 people).

Koh Rong Island Day Trips

December brings Cambodia's clearest seas - visibility reaches 15m (49ft) for snorkeling. Calm waters and consistent breezes make the 1-hour boat ride from Sihanoukville comfortable. Beach temperatures of 30°C (86°F) are perfect for swimming, and minimal rainfall means reliable ferry schedules.

Booking Tip: Day trips typically cost $35-50 including transport and lunch. Book ferry tickets ($10-15 each way) separately for flexibility, or join organized tours. December ferries rarely cancel due to weather. See current island tour options in booking section below.

December Events & Festivals

December 31

New Year's Eve Celebrations at Angkor Wat

Special midnight access to Angkor Wat for New Year's Eve countdown with traditional Apsara performances and fireworks. December's clear skies create perfect conditions for this once-yearly temple celebration with locals and visitors.

Early December

Bon Om Touk Follow-up Festivals

Regional water festivals continue into early December in provinces like Kampot and Battambang, featuring dragon boat races and traditional games. These smaller celebrations offer authentic experiences without Phnom Penh's overwhelming crowds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours - UV index 8 causes burns in 15 minutes on clear December days

Lightweight long pants for temple visits - shorts not permitted at Angkor Wat, and pants protect from dust on dirt roads

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - temple stones can be slippery from morning dew despite dry season

Light scarf or shawl for covering shoulders at religious sites and protection from dusty tuk-tuk rides

Portable water bottle (1-2 liters) - dehydration happens quickly in 30°C (86°F) heat even with low humidity

Cash in small US dollar bills ($1, $5) - ATMs often dispense $20s but street vendors need smaller denominations

Dust mask or bandana for rural temple visits and unpaved roads - December's dry conditions create significant dust clouds

Lightweight rain jacket for occasional brief showers and air-conditioned indoor spaces

Power bank for phone/camera - long temple days drain batteries, and charging opportunities are limited

Insect repellent for dawn/dusk temple visits - mosquitoes active during golden hour photography times

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by October 1st for Christmas/New Year weeks - rates triple and availability disappears. Consider arriving Dec 15-20 or Jan 5+ for 50% savings.

Start temple visits at 5:30am in December - you'll have 90 minutes of comfortable temperatures and magical lighting before tour groups arrive at 7am.

Eat lunch at local markets between 11am-1pm when temples become uncomfortably hot. Khmer curry and noodle soups cost $1-2 vs. $8-15 at tourist restaurants.

December's dry roads allow motorbike access to remote temples like Beng Mealea - rent quality bikes ($7-10/day) and follow locals to avoid tourist pricing on tours.

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating December sun intensity - clear skies mean stronger UV than cloudy months. Tourists get severe burns assuming 'winter' means weaker sun.

Booking only Christmas week accommodation then arriving to find everything closed Dec 26-28 - many family businesses shut down completely for Khmer holidays.

Wearing dark clothing for temple visits - black shirts become unbearably hot by 9am even in December's cooler weather. Choose light colors and breathable fabrics.