Cambodia, Asia

Angkor Wat in December

The most comfortable weather and the busiest month. Book hotels early for Christmas and New Year.

BestDry and pleasant, highs near 87F (31C)

Angkor Wat at sunrise, Cambodia — Angkor WatPhoto: Reinhard Onasch, CC BY-SA 3.0

The straight answer

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Angkor Wat. The most comfortable weather and the busiest month. Book hotels early for Christmas and New Year.

Weather: Dry and pleasant, highs near 87F (31C)
Crowds: 5 of 5
Prices: 5 of 5

What December is like in Angkor Wat

December has the most comfortable weather of the year, with highs near 87F (31C), dry days, and cool mornings. It is also the busiest month. The Angkor Wat International Half Marathon runs through the temple park in early December, filling hotels that weekend.

This month suits first-timers and families on winter break. Book hotels early, especially for Christmas and New Year. If you want fewer crowds, come in November. Christmas week is the busiest of the year, so book temple guides and drivers early too. Families should plan half-day visits with a midday break.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Angkor Wat this month.

Angkor Wat International Half Marathon

Runners race through the temple park in early December.

Perfect sunrise weather

Clear skies and cool mornings make sunrise at Angkor Wat spectacular.

Banteay Srei

Go early to see the finest carvings in Angkor in soft light.

What to pack for December

Light clothes that cover shoulders and knees
A light layer for cool mornings
A headlamp
Sunscreen

Our timing tip

Avoid the half marathon weekend unless you are running, since hotels in Siem Reap fill up that weekend.

Book Angkor Wat for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Angkor Wat
Opens a hotel search for Angkor Wat in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
Vacation rentals. Vrbo
Vacation rentals in Angkor Wat
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
Rentals on Vrbo
Tours and tickets. Expedia
Tours and tickets in Angkor Wat
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Angkor Wat for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Angkor Wat International Half Marathon

Early December

Runners race through the temple park. Hotels fill that weekend.

Things to do in Angkor Wat

Full guide

Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Arrive before 5:30am to find a spot by the lotus ponds. For a quieter view, walk to the back of the temple after sunrise while everyone else leaves for breakfast.

Tickets and tours →

The Bayon and Angkor Thom

The face towers are best in soft morning or late afternoon light. The Terrace of the Elephants is right next door.

Tickets and tours →

Ta Prohm

The tree-root temple. Go right at opening or in the last hour to avoid the tour groups.

Tickets and tours →

Banteay Srei

Small pink sandstone temple with the finest carvings in Angkor, about 45 minutes out. Go early before it heats up.

Tickets and tours →

Beng Mealea

A collapsed jungle temple about 90 minutes from Siem Reap. Uncrowded and atmospheric, especially in the green season.

Tickets and tours →

Tonle Sap floating villages

Water levels change dramatically by season. Visit in the wet season when the lake swells, and choose community-run tours.

Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Buy a multi-day pass and spread the temples out. Do the big three (Angkor Wat, Bayon, Ta Prohm) at off-hours instead of cramming them into one crowded day.
Most tour groups follow the same loop. Reverse it: do Ta Prohm at opening, Angkor Wat at midday when the sunrise crowd is gone, and the Bayon in late afternoon.
Go to Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea early to beat the heat and the tour buses.
Consider the green season from June to August: morning temple visits are quiet, the landscape is lush, and hotel prices drop.

Know before you go

Angkor passes are sold for one, three, or seven days at the official ticket center and online through Angkor Enterprise. You need a photo pass to enter any temple.
Angkor Wat and some temples open early for sunrise; most others open around 7:30am and close in the late afternoon. Check current hours.
Upper levels of some temples, including Angkor Wat's central tower (Bakan), close on certain Buddhist holy days and have dress-code checks (shoulders and knees covered).
During Khmer New Year and Pchum Ben, some local restaurants and shops close as families return to their home provinces.

Angkor Wat in December, quick answers

Is December a good time to visit Angkor Wat?

December is one of the best months of the year to visit Angkor Wat. The most comfortable weather and the busiest month. Book hotels early for Christmas and New Year.

What is the weather like in Angkor Wat in December?

Dry and pleasant, highs near 87F (31C).

Is Angkor Wat crowded in December?

December is peak crowd season in Angkor Wat; expect lines at the headline sights.

What is happening in Angkor Wat in December?

Angkor Wat International Half Marathon (early december).