Phnom Penh in December
Great time to visit
December offers Phnom Penh's most comfortable weather with cool nights and sunny days. Holiday crowds push prices up, but the perfect conditions make it worth every extra dollar.
Weather
December delivers peak dry season perfection with cool, comfortable temperatures and virtually no rain. Humidity drops to pleasant levels around 60% and gentle breezes make even midday heat bearable. Nights become genuinely cool.
30°C high21°C low2 rain days
Crowds & Cost
high crowds
~$70/day average
Events & Festivals
- •Christmas celebrations
- •New Year preparations
December Tips
- •Book accommodation 6-8 weeks ahead for Christmas/New Year
- •Pack a light sweater for surprisingly cool evenings
- •Perfect weather for Mekong Delta day trips
All Months
November through March brings the sweet spot - dry weather and temperatures that won't melt you. Expect highs around 85°F instead of the brutal 95°F+ from April to October. December and January see the most tourists, so book accommodation early and expect higher prices. February and March offer the best balance: good weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable rates. The rainy season (May-October) isn't terrible if you don't mind afternoon downpours. Hotels drop prices by 30-40%, and the city looks greener. But some rural day trips become impossible due to flooded roads. April is hell - hot, humid, and dusty before the rains start. Locals call it the suicide month for good reason.
Phnom Penh Scores
Solo
7/10
Couples
5/10
Families
5/10
Adventure
6/10
Budget
9/10
Luxury
4/10
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