Cambodia Phnom Penh Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Phnom Penh is very-high
December is very-high for Phnom Penh.
December is full dry-season + the year's second peak tourist crush (lighter than Bangkok). Christmas-New Year week (Dec 22-Jan 2) brings elevated hotel pricing (+30-40% above shoulder). Phnom Penh never reaches the holiday-crush levels of Bangkok. Weather conditions return to near-peak January quality: 3 rainy days, 25mm rainfall, sunshine 9 hours, Mekong River fully clear and calm. Royal Palace morning light at peak, Killing Fields + S-21 outdoor visits comfortable, Mekong sunset cruise visibility maxed. The trade-off is real but modest: moderate pricing premium + moderate crowds in exchange for ideal weather + festive atmosphere. December 1-19 is the smart-money window — dry-season weather at pre-Christmas pricing, before the holiday crush. The Raffles Le Royal Christmas Eve dinner ($150-250) + Pan Pacific NYE gala ($200-350) are the canonical luxury celebrations.
Travel score
Dry season peak + moderate Christmas-NYE bump
December Weather at a Glance
December averages 86°F / 30°C highs and 70°F / 21°C lows with 3 rainy days and 25mm of rain — full dry season. Humidity 65%. UV 9. Sunshine 9 hours. Evenings noticeably cool (21°C).
December Travel Advice
Christmas-NYE week (Dec 22-Jan 2): book 3-4 months ahead, expect +30-40% premium. Dec 1-19 is the smart window — same weather, normal pricing. Raffles Le Royal Christmas Eve dinner + Rosewood Sora NYE rooftop are the canonical luxury celebrations. Quieter than Bangkok or Singapore holiday week.
Flying In from Overseas
Year's second peak inbound — Australian summer vacation, UK + Europe Christmas escape, Korean winter vacation, East Asia broadly. Direct via Bangkok $500-900 NYE week. Second-most expensive flight window after Khmer New Year April.
December Pricing Trends
Year's second peak pricing Dec 22-Jan 2: boutique $80-200/night, Raffles $450-700, Rosewood $400-700, Sofitel $280-500. Flights $500-900 via Bangkok. Dec 1-19 is 30-40% less expensive than holiday week.
Phnom Penh December Weather Stats
Avg High
30°C
Avg Low
21°C
Rainy Days
3
25mm total
Sunshine
9h
Daily avg
Humidity
65%
comfortable
UV Index
9
Very high
Wind
6 km/h
Gusts 14
Sea Temp
27°C
Mekong River clear + calm
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
35 μg/m³
PM10
60 μg/m³
Status
moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
31°C
Nighttime
20°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
6 km/h
Max gust 14 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Dry season peak weather
- Mekong River fully calm + clear
- Christmas + NYE moderate festive atmosphere
- Cheaper than Bangkok or Singapore holiday week
Cons
- Elevated pricing Dec 22-Jan 2 (+30-40%)
- Year's second tourist crush
- Christmas-New Year competition with Bangkok travelers
December Events & Festivals
- Christmas-New Year secondary peak (Dec 22-Jan 5 elevated prices)
- Western winter escape destination
- Dry season peak weather + Mekong River fully calm
- Year's second-busiest tourist period
Phnom Penh in December — Full Picture
December is full dry-season + the year's second peak tourist crush (lighter than Bangkok). Christmas-New Year week (Dec 22-Jan 2) brings elevated hotel pricing (+30-40% above shoulder). Phnom Penh never reaches the holiday-crush levels of Bangkok. Weather conditions return to near-peak January quality: 3 rainy days, 25mm rainfall, sunshine 9 hours, Mekong River fully clear and calm. Royal Palace morning light at peak, Killing Fields + S-21 outdoor visits comfortable, Mekong sunset cruise visibility maxed. The trade-off is real but modest: moderate pricing premium + moderate crowds in exchange for ideal weather + festive atmosphere. December 1-19 is the smart-money window — dry-season weather at pre-Christmas pricing, before the holiday crush. The Raffles Le Royal Christmas Eve dinner ($150-250) + Pan Pacific NYE gala ($200-350) are the canonical luxury celebrations.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Dry season peak + Christmas-New Year secondary peak. Days 30°C / 86°F + nights 21°C / 70°F — diurnal range 9°C. Short sleeve days + light long-sleeve evenings. Pack like a temperate spring/autumn destination. SPF 30-50 + sunglasses + hat. December 22-31 honeymoon + holiday travel peak.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
35°C
25°C
7.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
32.3°C
25°C
17.7/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
31°C
23.7°C
15/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current31.3°C
22°C
1.7/mo
Phnom Penh Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 31° | 22° | 1d·10mm | 9h | 65% | 9 | Very busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 33° | 23° | 1d·10mm | 9.5h | 60% | 10 | Very busy | Peak |
| 35° | 24° | 3d·35mm | 9h | 65% | 11 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 36° | 26° | 6d·75mm | 8.5h | 70% | 12 | Busy | Peak | |
| 34° | 25° | 13d·145mm | 7.5h | 75% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 33° | 25° | 16d·200mm | 6.5h | 80% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 32° | 25° | 18d·220mm | 6h | 82% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 19d·220mm | 6h | 82% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 25° | 19d·250mm | 6h | 82% | 9 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 31° | 24° | 17d·240mm | 7h | 80% | 9 | Moderate | Low season | |
| November (Best) | 30° | 22° | 9d·100mm | 8h | 70% | 9 | Very busy | Peak |
| December (Best) | 30° | 21° | 3d·25mm | 9h | 65% | 9 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Phnom Penh December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh in December is very-high. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Phnom Penh in December?
Phnom Penh December averages a high of 30°C and a low of 21°C.
Does it rain much in Phnom Penh in December?
Phnom Penh December averages 25mm of rainfall over about 3 rainy days.
What should I wear in Phnom Penh in December?
Dry season peak + Christmas-New Year secondary peak. Days 30°C / 86°F + nights 21°C / 70°F — diurnal range 9°C. Short sleeve days + light long-sleeve evenings. Pack like a temperate spring/autumn destination. SPF 30-50 + sunglasses + hat. December 22-31 honeymoon + holiday travel peak.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Phnom Penh in December?
Phnom Penh December sunrise is 06:25 and sunset is 17:40, with 11h 15min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Phnom Penh in December?
Phnom Penh December air quality (AQI) averages 70, rated Moderate. PM2.5 averages 35μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Phnom Penh in December?
In December, Phnom Penh is great for Christmas Eve Raffles dinner, NYE Top Banana Sky Bar or Sora Lounge, Royal Palace sunrise + Mekong sunset.
Is December peak season in Phnom Penh?
Phnom Penh December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Phnom Penh
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.