Last updated: August 21, 2025
In December, Phnom Penh experiences warm temperatures with daily highs averaging 34°C (94°F) and lows around 19°C (67°F), contributing to a comfortable average temperature of 27°C (81°F). The city enjoys a relatively low precipitation total of 40 mm (1.6 in) over about 5 rainy days, allowing residents and visitors alike to bask in the sunshine while maintaining a humid atmosphere with 76% humidity. This blend of warmth and mild rainfall creates an inviting climate, perfect for exploring the vibrant culture and history of Cambodia's capital.
In December, Phnom Penh experiences a delightful shift in temperatures, making it one of the most pleasant months to visit the city. With minimums dipping to a comfortable 19°C (67°F) and daily averages around 27°C (81°F), the weather is ideal for outdoor explorations. The maximum temperature, reaching 34°C (94°F), still offers warmth but is notably milder than the scorching heat of the preceding months. This transitional climate marks the end of the rainy season, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant streets and local sights under clear blue skies. As a result, December serves as a wonderful time to immerse oneself in the rich culture and history of Cambodia without the intense heat typical of earlier months.
In December, Phnom Penh experiences a significant drop in precipitation, with 40 mm (1.6 in) of rain over just five days. This lightweight rainfall marks a notable transition from the heavy deluges of the preceding months, where May through October often see totals exceeding 150 mm and numerous rainy days. After the tumultuous wet season characterized by August and September's peak levels of 197 mm and 246 mm, December ushers in a drier phase. The skies become clearer, offering a refreshing respite and an enjoyable climate, perfect for outdoor activities before the new year begins. Overall, December's precipitation serves as a gentle reminder of the region's tropical climate, marking the end of the monsoon cycle while hinting at a return to drier times ahead.
In December, humidity in Phnom Penh sees a notable decline, averaging around 76%, which is significantly lower than the peak levels experienced during the monsoon months. From June to August, the city faces its highest humidity levels, soaring to an uncomfortable 88%, as the rainy season grips the region. However, as the year draws to a close, the humidity begins to ease, reflecting the transition into the cooler, drier period. This shift is a relief for many residents and visitors, offering a reprieve from the heavy, moisture-laden air of the preceding months. The gradual drop in humidity throughout the latter part of the year underscores the dynamic climate of Phnom Penh, setting the stage for more comfortable conditions as January approaches.
In December, Phnom Penh experiences a slight dip in the UV Index, reaching 10, which falls into the very high exposure category, allowing for a burn time of 15 minutes. This marks a shift from the preceding months, where the UV Index consistently hovered at extreme levels of 14-15, demanding careful sun protection during brief exposures. As the year draws to a close, the trend suggests a gradual easing of the intense sun intensity felt earlier, though caution remains essential for outdoor activities. For more detailed insights on sun safety and UV exposure, visit Phnom Penh UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
As December unfolds in Phnom Penh, the city enjoys a delightful 307 hours of sunshine, marking a trend of consistent brightness as the year draws to a close. This month stands out with a notable increase compared to the cloudy days of September and October, highlighting a gradual shift towards sunnier skies throughout the latter part of the year. The sunshine hours in December are part of an upward trajectory that begins in January, peaks around March, and maintains a robust presence through the months that follow. With its blend of warm temperatures and radiant days, December in Phnom Penh offers both locals and visitors a perfect opportunity to bask in the sun's glow, making it an ideal time to explore the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Cambodia's capital.
In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, the chances of experiencing sunny weather in December stand at a moderate 36%, reflecting a notable recovery from the preceding months. As the year winds down, the sunshine probability mirrors the more favorable rates of January, creating a promising window for outdoor activities. This slight uptick follows a significant drop in the summer months, particularly in July and August, when sunny days were scarce. With November offering only 19% chance of sunshine, December's conditions hint at a welcome transition toward brighter skies, making it an appealing time for visitors and locals alike to enjoy the city's vibrant attractions.
In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, December brings a return to shorter days, with 11 hours of daylight—a continuation of the trend observed in January and February. As the year progresses from March to October, the city experiences a slight elongation of daylight, peaking at 12 hours during the middle months. This consistent pattern highlights a tropical rhythm, where daylight duration remains relatively stable, only dipping in the late fall and early winter. With the arrival of December, residents and visitors can embrace the charm of the city's festive season amidst these gentle fluctuations in daylight.
As December rolls into Phnom Penh, a notable shift in the wind brings refreshing gusts that rise to an average speed of 3.1 m/s (7 mph), marking the month's distinction as the breeziest of the year. This increase follows a gradual upward trend in wind speeds observed from November, and it stands in contrast to the generally calmer conditions earlier in the year, particularly during the sweltering months of April and May when the wind barely reached 1.8 m/s. With these invigorating December winds, the city experiences a delightful blend of cooler temperatures and heightened energy, encouraging both locals and visitors to embrace the outdoors and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of Cambodia's capital.
Weather in Phnom Penh varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Phnom Penh, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December and January in Phnom Penh showcase a transition in weather, with January experiencing slightly warmer conditions. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), accompanied by an average of 27°C (81°F) and higher humidity levels at 76%. Precipitation is moderate, with about 40 mm (1.6 in) over approximately five days. In contrast, January sees a slight increase in the maximum temperature, peaking at 36°C (96°F), while the average temperature remains similar at 27°C (82°F). Rainfall decreases significantly to 19 mm (0.8 in) over just three days, and the humidity drops to 62%. For more details on the weather during this month, visit Phnom Penh weather in January.
In December, the weather in Phnom Penh is warm and humid, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F). This month sees a fair amount of rainfall, with about 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 5 days and humidity levels sitting around 76%.
In contrast, February brings slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 36°C (98°F) while averaging 28°C (83°F). Precipitation drops significantly to only 10 mm (0.4 in) over just 2 days, and humidity decreases to 61%, resulting in a drier and more comfortable experience. For more details, you can check Phnom Penh weather in February.
In December, the weather in Phnom Penh is typically warm, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) and an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). The month sees about 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over five days, coupled with a relatively high humidity level of 76%. In contrast, March experiences slightly warmer conditions with minimum temperatures of 23°C (74°F) and maximum temperatures reaching up to 39°C (102°F). The average temperature during this month is 30°C (86°F), and while precipitation decreases to 30 mm (1.2 in) over five days, the humidity also drops to 61%. For a more detailed look at March's weather, you can check Phnom Penh weather in March.
In December, the weather in Phnom Penh is generally milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F). This month experiences around 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over approximately 5 days, coupled with a humidity of 76%. In contrast, April sees higher temperatures, with a minimum of 22°C (73°F) and a maximum that can reach up to 39°C (103°F), averaging at 30°C (87°F). Precipitation also increases significantly during this month, totaling 78 mm (3.1 in) over about 14 days, although the humidity decreases to 67%. For a more detailed look at April weather, check out Phnom Penh weather in April.
When comparing the weather between December and May, we see significant differences in temperature and precipitation patterns. December typically enjoys milder temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (67°F), an average of 27°C (81°F), and a maximum of 34°C (94°F). This month also experiences relatively low precipitation, averaging 40 mm (1.6 in) over about five rainy days, and maintains a humidity level of 76%.
In contrast, May brings warmer conditions, featuring a minimum temperature of 24°C (76°F), an average of 30°C (86°F), and a maximum that can soar to 40°C (104°F). This month is notably wetter, with total precipitation reaching 155 mm (6.1 in) across approximately 23 days, and a slightly higher humidity of 78%.
For a detailed look at the weather specifics during May, you can explore Phnom Penh weather in May.
In December, the weather in Phnom Penh is generally warm with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), averaging around 27°C (81°F). This month experiences moderate rainfall, with about 40 mm (1.6 in) over approximately 5 days, and humidity levels are relatively high at 76%.
In contrast, June sees warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and a maximum of 37°C (99°F), averaging 29°C (85°F). Rainfall significantly increases during this month, totaling 155 mm (6.1 in) spread over 24 days, along with even higher humidity levels at 84%. For more detailed information, you can visit Phnom Penh weather in June.
In December, the weather in Phnom Penh is generally milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F). The month experiences less rainfall, totaling around 40 mm (1.6 in) over about 5 days, and humidity levels are relatively comfortable at 76%. In contrast, July brings much warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and a scorching maximum of 38°C (100°F), averaging around 29°C (84°F). This month also sees significantly higher precipitation, with 154 mm (6.1 in) over roughly 25 days, resulting in a more humid environment at 86%. For a closer look at the weather patterns during July, refer to this link: Phnom Penh weather in July.
In December, the weather in Phnom Penh is generally milder, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), and an average temperature of 27°C (81°F). The month experiences less precipitation, totaling 40 mm (1.6 in) over just 5 days, and the humidity is relatively high at 76%. In contrast, August is notably hotter and wetter, with temperatures starting at a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and peaking at 36°C (98°F), leading to an average of 29°C (84°F). This month sees a significant increase in rainfall, with 197 mm (7.7 in) spread across 26 days and a higher humidity level of 88%. For a more detailed look at August conditions, you can explore Phnom Penh weather in August.
In December, the weather in Phnom Penh is generally warmer and drier than in September. The average temperature ranges from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). In contrast, September experiences higher temperatures, with a minimum of 24°C (76°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), along with significantly more rainfall, totaling 246 mm (9.7 in) over 26 days. The humidity is also higher in September at 87%, compared to December's 76%. For a more detailed look at September's weather, you can check Phnom Penh weather in September.
When comparing the weather in December and October, it's clear that December tends to be slightly cooler and drier. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 19°C (67°F) to a maximum of 34°C (94°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). The month experiences only about 40 mm (1.6 in) of precipitation over 5 days, along with a humidity level of 76%. In contrast, October has higher temperatures, with a minimum of 23°C (73°F) and a maximum of 35°C (95°F), along with an average temperature of 28°C (83°F). It is also significantly wetter, with 246 mm (9.7 in) of rain spread across 24 days, and a higher humidity of 84%. For more detailed information, you can check Phnom Penh weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, December experiences slightly lower average temperatures, with a minimum of 19°C (67°F), compared to November's minimum of 22°C (71°F). December's maximum temperature of 34°C (94°F) is also a degree lower than November's peak of 35°C (95°F). Additionally, December sees significantly less precipitation, with only 40 mm (1.6 in) over five days, whereas November experiences much higher rainfall, totaling 121 mm (4.8 in) over 15 days. Humidity also decreases slightly in December to 76%, compared to November's 84%. For more detailed information, visit Phnom Penh weather in November.
As December rolls into Phnom Penh, it brings a delightful change in weather, making it one of the most comfortable months of the year. With average temperatures settling around 27°C (81°F), the heat is less oppressive compared to the sweltering summer months. The relatively low precipitation, averaging 40 mm over just a handful of days, allows for clearer skies and more enjoyable outdoor activities. Humidity, while still present, is notably lower than during the peak rainy season. Overall, December is a wonderful time to explore the vibrant city, and you can learn more about the yearly variations by visiting Phnom Penh Climate.