Siem Reap in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Siem Reap

30°C (86°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

0.0 mm (0.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only brief 20-30 minute afternoon showers on 10 days, making temple exploration ideal from 6am-4pm
Comfortable morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) perfect for sunrise temple visits and cycling before crowds arrive at 8am
Crystal clear skies for photography - December offers the best lighting conditions for Angkor Wat shots with 85% cloud-free mornings
Cool season festivals including Bon Om Touk water festival aftermath and local pagoda celebrations with traditional boat races on Siem Reap River

Considerations

Peak tourist season means Angkor Archaeological Park sees 8,000+ daily visitors vs 3,000 in low season, requiring 6am temple starts
Accommodation prices increase 40-60% compared to shoulder season, with mid-range hotels jumping from $35 to $55+ per night
Afternoon heat reaches 30°C (86°F) with 70% humidity making outdoor activities uncomfortable between 11am-3pm

Best Activities in December

Angkor Archaeological Park Dawn Exploration

December's clear mornings and comfortable 22°C (72°F) temperatures make sunrise temple visits spectacular. The dry season ensures accessible remote temples like Beng Mealea without muddy paths. Start at 5:30am to beat both crowds and heat.

Booking Tip: Purchase 3-day passes for ₹4,500-5,200 ($62-72) directly at ticket office. Book tuk-tuk drivers through guesthouses for ₹1,800-2,200 ($25-30) daily. Avoid midday tours - morning slots fill quickly in peak season.

Tonle Sap Floating Village Tours

December's low water levels reveal authentic village life as communities adapt to dry season conditions. Witness traditional fishing techniques and stilt house living. The comfortable humidity makes boat trips enjoyable vs sweltering hot season.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost ₹1,200-1,800 ($16-25) through licensed operators. Morning departures at 8am avoid afternoon heat. Book 2-3 days ahead during peak season through registered tour counters on Pub Street area.

Countryside Cycling Adventures

December's dry paths and cool mornings create perfect cycling conditions through rice paddies and rural villages. Farmers are harvesting, offering authentic cultural interactions. Morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make 15-20 km (9-12 mile) routes comfortable.

Booking Tip: Full-day guided tours range ₹1,800-2,500 ($25-35) including bike, guide, and lunch. Start at 7am to complete before afternoon heat. Book through guesthouses - they provide better local guides than hotel concierges.

Traditional Cooking Class Experiences

December marks harvest season, ensuring fresh ingredients for authentic Khmer cooking. Indoor activities provide perfect afternoon refuge from 30°C (86°F) heat. Learn seasonal specialties like fish amok with fresh river fish caught during dry season.

Booking Tip: Classes cost ₹1,500-2,200 ($20-30) for 3-4 hours including market visit and meal. Book afternoon sessions (2pm-6pm) to escape peak heat. Most cooking schools offer pickup from central accommodations.

Phnom Kulen Sacred Mountain Treks

Dry season access to remote waterfalls and hilltop temples impossible during rainy months. December's clear skies offer panoramic views over Angkor from 487m (1,598 ft) elevation. Cool morning temperatures make the uphill hike manageable.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost ₹2,800-3,500 ($38-48) including transport and entrance fees. Depart at 7am for 10-hour excursion. Book through licensed operators only - unlicensed guides risk park access denial. Minimum 2 people for most tours.

Night Market and Street Food Tours

December's comfortable evening temperatures of 24°C (75°F) make this destination exploration pleasant. Harvest season brings fresh ingredients to street vendors. The dry weather ensures consistent market operations without rain cancellations.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours cost ₹1,200-1,800 ($16-25) for 3-4 hours covering 6-8 food stops. Self-guided options cost ₹300-600 ($4-8) per meal. Markets operate 5pm-midnight with peak activity 7pm-9pm.

December Events & Festivals

Early December

Bon Om Touk Festival Celebrations

Traditional water festival aftermath continues through early December with local boat races on Siem Reap River and pagoda ceremonies. Experience authentic Khmer culture with traditional music and local food offerings.

Mid to Late December

Royal Ploughing Ceremony Preparations

Farmers begin ceremonial field preparations for upcoming planting season. Witness traditional agricultural rituals in rural villages outside Siem Reap with buffalo blessing ceremonies.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella - afternoon showers occur 10 days but only last 20-30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 with intense morning temple sun exposure

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity, pack layers for 8°C (14°F) temperature variations

Comfortable walking shoes with grip - temple stones become slippery when wet from brief showers

Light cardigan or long sleeves - early morning temple visits at 22°C (72°F) feel cool, evenings comfortable for covering shoulders in temples

Insect repellent with DEET - dry season concentrates mosquitoes around water sources and evening outdoor dining

Power bank and waterproof phone case - long temple days drain batteries, protect electronics during sudden showers

Cash in small denominations - many vendors don't accept cards, tipping culture requires ₹300-500 notes

Electrolyte supplements or rehydration salts - 70% humidity and temple climbing causes rapid dehydration

Quick-dry towel and wet wipes - essential for freshening up between temple visits and outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by October - December rates increase 40-60% and central locations sell out, especially between Christmas and New Year when prices double

Temple pass photos are taken on-site - arrive at ticket office by 4:45am for sunrise passes, avoid long queues that form after 5:15am during peak season

Local restaurants close 2pm-5pm for afternoon rest during hot season - plan lunch before 1:30pm or wait until evening, street food vendors operate continuously

Tuk-tuk drivers expect full-day bookings during peak season - negotiate ₹1,800-2,200 ($25-30) for 8-hour temple circuits, cheaper than hourly rates of ₹300-400 per trip

Avoid These Mistakes

Starting temple visits after 8am - December crowds peak by 9am at major temples, making photography difficult and increasing wait times for popular spots like Angkor Wat reflection pools

Booking accommodation less than 6 weeks ahead - December is peak season with 70% hotel occupancy, forcing last-minute bookers into expensive options 8+ km (5+ miles) from temple areas

Wearing revealing clothing to temples - December heat tempts shorts and tank tops, but temple dress codes require covered shoulders and knees, bring lightweight cover-ups to avoid entry denial