Is December the best time to visit Phnom Penh?

December is the dry season in Phnom Penh, which is a good time you can explore exciting outdoor places there. The weather and climate in Phnom Penh divide into two regular seasons: wet (June – October) and dry (November – May). In December, the rainfall is low, and the temperature is warm, helping you immerse yourself in Phnom Penh capital taste easier. That is also the time for the festivals which visitors enjoy their trip fully. 

However, that month, the country also gets crowded as it is one of the best times for tourism. Therefore, you also need to book services earlier before coming here!

December is the best time to visit well-known and exciting spots, especially outdoors activities

How is the Phnom Penh weather in December?

Overview of Phnom Penh weather in December

In December, the average temperature in Phnom Penh ranged from a high of 90°F (32°C) to a low of 72°F (22°C). Some describe it as very warm with a light breeze.

In comparison, the hottest month in Phnom Penh is March, with highs of 100°F (38°C) and lows of 78°F (25°C) on average. December is the coldest month, with highs of 90°F (32°C) and lows of 72°F (22°C).

How much rain falls in December?

On an average day in December, there is a 21% probability of rain in Phnom Penh. And on a typical day when it rains or snows, we receive 0.43 in (10.9 mm) of precipitation. In terms of how much that is, some could describe it as light rain.

The wettest month in Phnom Penh is September, with a 76% chance of precipitation and 0.05 inches (1.2 mm) of precipitation on average, while the dryest month is February, with a 5% chance of precipitation and 0.16 inches (4.0 mm) of precipitation on average. These graphs depict the likelihood of rain/snow in December as well as the amount of rainfall.

Pros & Cons of Phnom Penh weather in December

Pros

• Warm weather makes you feel very comfortable.
• It rarely rains, so you can comfortably participate in outdoor activities.
• The time when many festivals take place in the capital Phnom Penh.

Cons

• Unexpected rains can happen.
• Reasonably high humidity can make you feel uncomfortable.
• During peak hours, the heat can make you exhausted.

Phnom Penh weather in December: where to go?

Your interests and priorities will determine where you decide to travel in Cambodia. Nonetheless, the majority of visitors prefer to spend time in Siem Reap/Angkor, Phnom Penh, and either an outlying island or a beach resort close to Sihanoukville. More time-rich travelers might also spend time in Kampot or Battambang.

This month, the beaches of Cambodia are also very attractive. While neighboring Thailand is more well-known for its beaches, Cambodia’s shoreline is comparable but often less developed (with the exception of a few locations near Sihanoukville).

Although December isn’t the hottest month, many people will still find the weather pleasant for a beach trip because clear sky will be present. The islands of Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Koh Ta Kiev, and Koh have white sands and crystal-clear waters.

Tips for travelling Phnom Penh in December

• Make reservations for all services before December to avoid running out of hotel rooms, air tickets, train tickets, etc.
• Book the hotel near the attractions or the train station for easy transportation.
• Remember to keep an eye on your packs when travelling by public transport.
• Bring necessary items such as water, sunglasses, sunscreen, robes, etc. 

Phnom Penh weather in December is the right time to have a complete vacation because the weather at this time is too suitable for you to enjoy the unique culture here. Suppose you plan to visit Cambodia’s capital in the coming December. Go Travel hopes that the detailed information above will help and assist you with the best trip to Phnom Penh.