Things to Do in Siem Reap in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Siem Reap
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak temple exploration season with sunrise temperatures around 22°C (72°F) - you can comfortably climb Angkor Wat's steep stairs before the 30°C (86°F) midday heat sets in, and the low-angle December sun creates spectacular photo conditions on the bas-reliefs
- Practically zero rainfall despite 10 rainy days listed - December marks the heart of dry season, and those occasional showers are brief 15-20 minute afternoon affairs that actually provide welcome relief from the heat rather than disrupting plans
- Tonle Sap Lake reaches its maximum size after monsoon season, making floating villages like Kompong Phluk dramatically more impressive with houses sitting 6-8 m (20-26 ft) above water on stilts - the boat rides through flooded forest are only possible during this high-water period from November through January
- Lower tourist numbers compared to peak January-February crowds but still excellent weather - accommodation prices run 15-20% cheaper than high season, and you'll actually get those iconic Angkor Wat reflection shots without 50 other photographers jostling for position at 5:30am
Considerations
- The 70% humidity makes the actual temperature feel considerably warmer - that 30°C (86°F) afternoon heat feels more like 35°C (95°F), and you'll be changing shirts twice daily if you're doing serious temple exploration between 11am-3pm
- December sits in the transition between shoulder and high season, so prices start climbing after December 20th as holiday travelers arrive - book before mid-November to lock in shoulder season rates, otherwise expect to pay 30-40% more for the same hotel room during Christmas week
- Dust becomes a real issue during dry season - the red laterite roads around remote temples kick up fine powder that gets everywhere, and if you're sensitive to air quality, the combination of dust and occasional agricultural burning can be irritating, particularly for those with respiratory issues
Best Activities in December
Angkor Archaeological Park temple circuits at dawn
December offers the sweet spot for temple exploration - sunrise temperatures around 22°C (72°F) mean you can tackle the steep climbs at Angkor Wat, Pre Rup, or Phnom Bakheng without being drenched in sweat by 7am. The dry conditions also mean the ancient sandstone isn't slippery, and the lower sun angle from late November through January creates dramatic shadows across the intricate apsara carvings and bas-reliefs. The Grand Circuit temples like Ta Som and Preah Khan are particularly stunning in December morning light, and you'll have them nearly to yourself if you arrive by 7:30am. Worth noting that December crowds are manageable - you'll share Angkor Wat sunrise with maybe 200-300 people instead of the 800+ you'd see in February.
Tonle Sap floating village boat tours
December through January is actually the only time to see Tonle Sap at its most dramatic. The lake quadruples in size during monsoon season, and by December the water level stabilizes at its annual peak - houses in Kompong Phluk sit 6-8 m (20-26 ft) above water on stilts, and you can boat through the flooded mangrove forest, which is completely dry and inaccessible by March. The fishing activity is intense during this period as families harvest before water levels drop. The experience is genuinely eye-opening rather than touristy if you go with smaller operators who visit working villages rather than the heavily commercialized Chong Kneas. Morning tours around 8-9am offer better light and cooler temperatures than afternoon trips.
Countryside bicycle routes through rice paddies
December marks the rice harvest season, and the countryside around Siem Reap transforms into a hive of activity - you'll see families cutting rice by hand, threshing grain, and spreading it to dry on roadside mats. The landscape is golden rather than the bright green of growing season, which might be less photogenic but the cultural experience is richer. The weather is ideal for cycling - mornings stay around 24-25°C (75-77°F) until 9am, and the dry packed-earth paths between villages are firm and rideable, unlike the muddy mess they become during rainy season. Routes through villages like Krobei Riel or towards Banteay Srei pass through proper rural Cambodia where you'll encounter more water buffalo than tourists.
Phare Cambodian Circus evening performances
This isn't a tourist trap - Phare is a genuine social enterprise training disadvantaged youth in circus arts, and the performances blend acrobatics, theater, and live music to tell Cambodian stories. December evening shows are particularly pleasant because the open-air big top venue cools down to around 25°C (77°F) by the 8pm performance time, unlike the sweltering April-May shows. The 90-minute performances change every few months, and the current December 2026 rotation includes stories about landmine survivors and Khmer Rouge history - it's entertaining but carries real emotional weight. The skill level is legitimately impressive, and it beats another night at Pub Street if you want something with cultural substance.
Banteay Srei and Landmine Museum half-day excursions
Banteay Srei temple, 32 km (20 miles) north of town, features the finest stone carving in the entire Angkor complex - the pink sandstone apsaras and narrative panels are so detailed they look almost three-dimensional. December's dry conditions mean the 45-minute drive on partly unpaved roads is dusty but manageable, and the temple's smaller scale means it never feels crowded even during peak season. The nearby Cambodia Landmine Museum, run by former child soldier Aki Ra, provides essential context about the country's recent history that most tourists miss. Pairing these sites makes sense logistically and creates a more complete cultural experience than temples alone.
Cambodian cooking classes with market tours
December morning markets overflow with dry season produce - fresh lotus stems, water spinach, and the small bitter eggplants essential to Khmer curry. Half-day cooking classes that start with guided market tours around 8am teach you to identify ingredients you'd never recognize otherwise, and the actual cooking happens in outdoor kitchens that are comfortable in December's lower humidity. You'll typically prepare four dishes - fish amok, green mango salad, Khmer curry, and either spring rolls or lok lak beef. The classes are genuinely hands-on rather than demonstration-style, and you leave with recipes and shopping lists you can actually use at home.
December Events & Festivals
Angkor Wat International Half Marathon
Typically held in early December, this race takes runners through the Angkor Archaeological Park on a course that passes Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm. The 21 km (13 mile) half marathon and 10 km (6.2 mile) fun run start at dawn when temperatures are still tolerable. Even if you're not running, the atmosphere around town becomes festive with international runners, and several hotels host pre-race pasta dinners. The event raises funds for landmine victims and education programs, so it carries genuine charitable purpose beyond the tourist spectacle.
Water Festival aftermath and boat racing culture
While the main Water Festival (Bon Om Touk) happens in November in Phnom Penh, Siem Reap's river communities continue practicing and racing traditional long boats through early December. You might catch informal races on the Siem Reap River, particularly on weekends, as teams prepare for smaller provincial competitions. It's not a formal tourist event, but if you're near the river around Wat Bo area on weekend mornings, you'll see the 40-person boats practicing - the drumbeat and synchronized paddling is mesmerizing.