Visiting Angkor Wat in December Will Change How You See Temples Forever

October 28, 2025
8:00 am

Visiting Angkor Wat in December – Cooler mornings, clearer skies, and the easiest walking days of the year all await you!

Your December Angkor Wat Quick Guide

Visiting Angkor Wat in December and What to Expect means stepping into Cambodia’s prime temple season with perfect weather conditions. You’ll experience daytime temperatures between 68°F and 86°F (20°C to 30°C), minimal rainfall averaging just 10-17mm, and clear skies December Cambodia delivers consistently. The trade-off? December brings peak tourist crowds to Angkor Wat, especially around sunrise viewing spots. But here’s the thing: Visiting Angkor Wat in December and What to Expect isn’t just about managing crowds – it’s about capitalizing on the year’s absolute best walking weather, most reliable sunshine, and temple exploring conditions that make every humid rainy-season day look miserable by comparison.

Visiting Angkor Wat in December and What to Expect

Visiting Angkor Wat in December and What to Expect typically involves experiencing Cambodia’s premier temple exploration conditions during peak tourist season. December sits squarely within the Cambodia dry season December period, bringing exceptional weather characterized by minimal rainfall (10-17mm monthly average), comfortable Angkor Wat temperatures December ranging from 21°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F), low humidity levels, and approximately 8 hours of daily sunshine. This combination creates optimal conditions for temple exploration, sunrise photography at Angkor Wat, and extended outdoor activities across the vast archaeological complex.

Visiting Angkor Wat in December means navigating Angkor Wat peak tourist season December realities while enjoying superior weather conditions. You’ll encounter larger crowds at popular temples like Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, and Bayon, particularly during sunrise hours (5:30-7:00 AM) and late afternoons. Transport options include private guided tours with air-conditioned vehicles, tuk-tuks, bicycles, and e-bikes – all readily available through advance booking or same-day arrangements. Accommodation and tour prices typically increase 20-40% compared to low season months, with mid-range hotels ranging $50-150 per night and guided tours $35-120+ depending on itinerary complexity.

Key Features of Visiting Angkor Wat in December:

• Perfect Weather Conditions: Siem Reap December weather delivers the year’s most comfortable temple-exploring climate. Morning temperatures start around 19-21°C (66-70°F) – cool enough for sunrise viewing without freezing – then warm to pleasant 28-30°C (82-86°F) afternoons. Rainfall becomes nearly non-existent with less than 20mm for the entire month, meaning you can confidently plan multi-day temple itineraries without weather backup plans.

• Peak Season Crowd Reality: Angkor Wat crowd levels December reach yearly highs, especially December 20-January 5 during holiday periods. Popular sunrise viewing spots at Angkor Wat’s reflection pools fill by 5:15 AM. Main temple circuits see 2-3x more visitors than shoulder season months. Smart strategy: book tours visiting lesser-known temples or schedule main temple visits during midday hours when tour groups break for lunch.

• Exceptional Sunrise and Sunset Opportunities: Sunrise at Angkor Wat December benefits from clear skies December Cambodia conditions, with cloud-free mornings occurring 25+ days monthly. The dry atmosphere creates sharper silhouettes and more defined reflections in the lotus ponds. December sunrises occur around 6:00-6:15 AM, with optimal pre-dawn lighting starting 5:30 AM. Sunset times (5:30-5:45 PM) provide equally stunning golden hour photography at Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng temples.

• Extended Comfortable Exploring Hours: Temple visits in December Angkor allow 8-10 hour exploration days without heat exhaustion risks common in hot season months. The moderate Angkor Wat temperatures December mean you can maintain energy from early morning through late afternoon – something impossible during 35-40°C April-May periods. This extended stamina lets you cover grand circuit temples, small circuit highlights, and remote sites like Beng Mealea in single multi-day passes.

• Optimal Physical Activity Conditions: December’s low humidity (60-70% vs. 80-90% in rainy season) makes climbing temple stairs, walking between ruins, and cycling temple circuits genuinely enjoyable. You’ll sweat less, need less frequent water breaks, and recover faster between temple visits. This matters when you’re scaling Angkor Wat’s steep galleries or climbing Ta Keo’s intimidating staircases.

• Higher Accommodation and Tour Costs: Siem Reap accommodation cost December reflects Cambodia travel high season December pricing. Budget guesthouses ($15-25) increase to $25-40. Mid-range hotels ($50-80) jump to $80-150. Tours experience similar inflation: private full-day Angkor tours that cost $40-50 in low season reach $60-100+ in December. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for better rates and availability.

• Reliable Tour Availability with Advanced Booking Required: December Cambodia travel tips for Angkor prioritize advance planning. Popular tours like Angkor Wat sunrise experiences and 2-day temple highlights with sunrise and sunset fill completely during December 15-January 10. However, December’s peak season means maximum tour operator availability – every company runs full schedules with experienced guides and well-maintained vehicles.

• Vibrant Festive Atmosphere: Siem Reap’s holiday season energy peaks in December. Pub Street bustles with international travelers, night markets expand offerings, and restaurants operate extended hours. The cosmopolitan atmosphere creates natural networking opportunities with fellow temple explorers. Cultural events, traditional dance performances, and seasonal celebrations add layers beyond temple sightseeing.

• Countryside and Floating Village Excellence: Beyond Angkor’s temples, December weather makes Siem Reap countryside tours and Tonle Sap Lake visits exceptionally pleasant. Lower water levels from dry season expose more shoreline areas, providing better floating village access and clearer views of stilt houses and daily life. The comfortable climate makes half-day countryside cycling tours genuinely enjoyable rather than endurance tests.

Tour Options Available for Visiting Angkor Wat in December:

Classic Sunrise Tours (Budget-Friendly): Starting at $35-55 per person, standard sunrise tours include 5:00 AM hotel pickup, Angkor Wat sunrise viewing from main causeway or reflection pool positions, followed by Angkor Thom complex (Bayon Temple, Baphuon, Terrace of Elephants) and concluding at jungle-engulfed Ta Prohm. These tours typically return to hotels by 12:00-1:00 PM, perfect for travelers wanting afternoons free. December’s reliable sunrise conditions make these tours high-value investments.

Comprehensive Multi-Day Temple Packages (Premium Experience): Ranging $180-350 for 2-3 day packages, tours like Exclusive Temple Highlights with Sunset and Sunrise maximize December’s extended comfortable exploration hours. These itineraries cover main temples, remote complexes like Banteay Srei and Beng Mealea, and multiple sunrise/sunset experiences at different temples. Premium inclusions: private air-conditioned transport, experienced English-speaking guides, cold towels and water, and flexibility for photography stops.

Sunset-Focused Alternatives (Crowd-Avoiding Strategy): Angkor Wat sunset tours and dedicated sunset experiences offer smart alternatives to packed sunrise viewing. Starting around 1:00-2:00 PM, these tours visit main temples during lower-crowd afternoon hours, then position at Pre Rup or Phnom Bakheng for sunset views. December’s dry season guarantees spectacular late-afternoon light without rainfall interruptions. Costs: $40-75 per person.

Countryside and Cultural Combinations: Siem Reap countryside experiences pair perfectly with temple tours, showcasing rural Cambodia December weather at its finest. These tours explore traditional villages, rice paddy landscapes, silk weaving communities, and local markets. December’s dry conditions mean accessible dirt roads, comfortable bike riding, and pleasant outdoor lunch settings. Half-day countryside tours start at $25-40 per person.

Custom Private Itineraries (Maximum Flexibility): December demands personalized scheduling to avoid crowds. Private custom tours ($80-150+ per day depending on group size) let you start temple visits at 7:30 AM (post-sunrise crowds), explore lesser-known sites during peak hours, and visit major temples during late afternoon lulls. This flexibility proves invaluable during Angkor Wat peak tourist season December periods.

What to Expect When Visiting Angkor Wat in December:

Morning Conditions (5:00-10:00 AM): Wake-up calls for sunrise tours start brutally early at 4:30-4:45 AM. December mornings feel genuinely cool at 19-21°C (66-70°F) – you’ll want a light jacket or long-sleeve shirt for pre-sunrise hours. By 7:00 AM, temperatures climb to comfortable 24-25°C and jackets come off. Sunrise viewing spots at Angkor Wat fill completely by 5:30 AM during peak weeks (December 20-January 3). Arrive 5:00-5:15 AM for decent positioning. Morning light remains superb until 9:00 AM, making these hours prime for photography at less-crowded temples.

Midday Reality (10:00 AM-2:00 PM): Temperatures peak at 28-30°C (82-86°F) – warm but far from unbearable thanks to December’s lower humidity. Many guided tours break during these hours, meaning popular temples like Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm actually see reduced crowds 11:00 AM-1:00 PM. This creates counter-intuitive opportunities: visit major temples during “hot hours” when tour groups eat lunch, then explore smaller temples during cooler late afternoons. Temples with tree cover (Ta Prohm, Preah Khan) remain comfortable throughout midday.

Afternoon and Sunset (2:00-6:00 PM): Temperatures drop slightly to 26-28°C with increasing golden-hour light quality. Afternoon crowds build again around 3:00 PM as tour groups resume. Sunset viewing platforms at Pre Rup and Phnom Bakheng fill 4:30-5:00 PM. December sunsets occur 5:30-5:45 PM – plan to reach sunset temples by 4:45 PM latest. Post-sunset temple complex closure happens 5:30-6:00 PM, enforced more strictly during peak season.

Crowd Management Strategies: Angkor Wat crowd levels December require tactical planning. Skip overcrowded sunrise at Angkor Wat’s main causeway – instead book tours visiting Srah Srang reservoir sunrise (peaceful, equally beautiful) or start at 7:00 AM when sunrise crowds depart. Visit Angkor Wat itself 8:00-10:00 AM or 2:00-4:00 PM for better crowd ratios. Explore Ta Prohm before 9:00 AM or after 3:30 PM. Book multiple-day passes to avoid rushed itineraries cramming too many temples into single days.

Physical Demands and Pacing: Even with December’s favorable Siem Reap December weather, temple exploration demands physical readiness. You’ll walk 3-6 miles daily across uneven stone surfaces, climb steep staircases (Angkor Wat’s upper galleries = 70° angle stairs), and navigate around tour groups. The comfortable temperatures mean you CAN do full-day 8-10 hour temple itineraries, but pace yourself – visit 4-6 major temples daily maximum rather than rushing through 8-10. Schedule rest breaks at temple cafes (available at Angkor Wat, Ta Prohm, Bayon).

Photography Conditions: December’s clear skies December Cambodia create photographer’s paradise conditions. Sunrise silhouettes appear sharp against cloudless eastern skies. Midday harsh light remains harsh regardless of season – shoot architectural details in shade, save wide-angle shots for golden hours. Late afternoon front-lighting (3:00-5:00 PM) brings out sandstone colors beautifully. Bring polarizing filters to manage tropical sun intensity even in cooler months.

Hydration and Sun Protection: Don’t let comfortable temperatures fool you – December’s dry climate and 8 hours daily sunshine demand serious sun protection. Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen every 2 hours, wear wide-brimmed hats or sun-protective clothing, and drink water constantly. Dehydration happens insidiously in low-humidity environments because sweat evaporates quickly. Carry 2-3 liters water daily for full-day temple tours. Most major temples have drink vendors, but prices increase inside temple grounds.

Things to Consider for December Angkor Wat Visits:

Budget Implications: December prices impact total trip costs meaningfully. Example budget breakdown for 3-day Angkor visit:

Angkor pass (3-day): $62 (fixed year-round)
Accommodation (3 nights mid-range): $300-400 (vs. $150-240 low season)
Guided tours (2 full days): $150-200 (vs. $80-120 low season)
Meals and extras: $100-150
December total: $612-812 vs. Low season: $392-522

The $220-290 premium buys guaranteed good weather and maximum tour operator quality. Worth it? For most travelers, yes – but September-October shoulder season offers 80% of December’s weather benefits at 60% of the costs. Consider your budget flexibility and crowd tolerance levels.

Booking Timeline Requirements: December Cambodia travel tips for Angkor emphasize advance planning. Optimal booking windows:

Accommodation: 6-8 weeks ahead for mid-range, 3-4 months for luxury properties
Guided tours: 4-6 weeks minimum, 8-10 weeks for December 20-January 5
Angkor passes: Purchase upon arrival (no advance booking needed)
Restaurants: Popular spots require 1-2 days advance reservations in peak season

Last-minute December arrivals find options, but expect higher costs and less desirable tour times (midday starts, sunset-only tours).

Fitness and Mobility Considerations: December’s comfortable climate doesn’t eliminate physical demands. Temple exploration requires:

Moderate fitness for 3-6 miles daily walking
Ability to navigate uneven stone steps and surfaces
Stamina for 8-10 hour exploration days
Climbing capability for steep temple stairs (avoidable if needed – many temples have ground-level features)

Travelers with mobility limitations should book private tours allowing flexible pacing and focus on accessible temples (Angkor Wat main level, Bayon ground-floor faces, Ta Prohm central areas). Wheelchairs and mobility aids handle main temple pathways but struggle with ancient staircases and uneven stones.

Angkor Pass Options: Choosing between 1-day vs 3-day Angkor passes impacts December itineraries. December’s comfortable weather and extended daylight favor multi-day passes:

1-day pass ($37): Sufficient only if seeing Angkor Wat, Bayon, and Ta Prohm satisfies you
3-day pass ($62): Sweet spot for thorough exploration over 3-5 calendar days
7-day pass ($72): Necessary only for photography-focused or extremely thorough visits

Most December visitors opt for 3-day passes, using comfortable weather to explore beyond main circuit temples.

Alternative December Activities: Don’t let temple-focus blind you to December’s broader Siem Reap opportunities. The pleasant weather perfects:

Countryside cycling tours through rice paddies and villages
Tonle Sap floating village visits with comfortable boat rides
Phnom Kulen National Park waterfall hikes
Banteay Srei’s intricate carvings (40 minutes from main temples)
Cooking classes and cultural workshops
Pub Street and night market explorations in comfortable evening temperatures

Mix temple days with countryside and cultural experiences to avoid ancient ruins fatigue. December’s weather makes everything accessible.

Other December Siem Reap Options to Explore:

Beyond Angkor’s Main Temples: December creates perfect conditions for exploring remote Angkor-era temples that many visitors skip. Beng Mealea (45 minutes east) offers jungle-temple atmospheres with fraction of Ta Prohm’s crowds. Koh Ker pyramid temple (2.5 hours northeast) provides adventurous full-day excursion opportunities. Banteay Chhmar (3 hours north) gives truly off-beaten-path temple experiences. The reliable December weather eliminates concerns about rain-flooded access roads or muddy pathways plaguing these remote sites during wet season.

Siem Reap’s Growing Attractions: Temple-focused itineraries often overlook Siem Reap’s expanding attractions beyond Angkor Wat. December’s pleasant evenings perfect experiences like traditional circus performances, night market browsing, riverside restaurant dining, and cultural village visits. The comfortable weather encourages exploring Siem Reap’s downtown development, art galleries, and social enterprise shops – activities impossible to enjoy when dripping sweat after scorching temple days.

Photography and Creative Tours: December’s consistent lighting conditions favor specialized photography tours and creative temple experiences. Professional photography guides lead small groups through optimal shooting locations during golden hours. Some tours focus exclusively on capturing epic photos at Angkor, teaching composition techniques leveraging December’s reliable clear skies and defined shadows.

Remember These Critical December Visit Details:

Angkor Pass Purchase Logistics: Unlike some articles suggest, you CANNOT buy Angkor passes inside the temple complex. Purchase at Angkor Enterprise ticket counters located on Road 60 between Siem Reap town and temples – open 5:00 AM-5:30 PM daily. December’s crowds mean 15-30 minute purchase waits during early morning peaks (4:45-5:45 AM). Smart strategy: buy passes afternoon/evening before your first temple day, avoiding sunrise-rush lines. Passes include your photo taken on-site. Bring passport (required for ticket purchase). Cost: 1-day $37, 3-day $62, 7-day $72. No discounts for children, but under-12 enters free with adult.

Dress Code Requirements: Angkor Wat and other temple sites enforce dress codes year-round, strictly during peak December season. Requirements:

Shoulders covered (no tank tops, spaghetti straps)
Knees covered (shorts must reach mid-thigh minimum)
No transparent clothing

Many travelers wear light, loose long pants and breathable long-sleeve shirts – comfortable in December’s moderate temperatures while meeting requirements. Carry sarongs as backup cover-ups. Guards stationed at temple entrances turn away improperly dressed visitors.

December Sunrise/Sunset Times: Plan itineraries around December daylight hours:

Sunrise: 6:00-6:15 AM throughout December
Morning golden hour: 6:00-7:30 AM
Harsh midday light: 10:30 AM-2:30 PM
Afternoon golden hour: 3:30-5:30 PM
Sunset: 5:30-5:45 PM
Temple complex closure: 5:30-6:00 PM (enforced strictly)

These hours shift 10-15 minutes across the month but remain relatively stable. December’s dry season means actual sunrise/sunset rarely obscured by clouds.

Money and Payment Tips: Most tour operators accept advance online payments (credit cards, PayPal). On-the-ground expenses favor cash – bring US dollars (widely accepted) or withdraw Cambodian riel from ATMs. Angkor pass purchase requires cash payment only – no cards accepted at ticket counters. December’s peak season means ATM lines and occasional cash shortages – withdraw cash downtown Siem Reap evening before temple visits. Typical daily cash needs: $40-80 depending on meal choices and souvenir shopping.

Quick Take? December = Prime Temple Weather

Visiting Angkor Wat in December delivers the coolest, driest conditions you’ll find all year. Angkor Wat temperatures December hover between comfortable morning lows around 21°C and pleasant daytime highs of 30°C – perfect for climbing steep temple stairs without feeling like you’re melting. This is Cambodia dry season December at its finest.

Why Visiting Angkor Wat in December and What to Expect Matters Right Now

Here’s what nobody tells you about temple season planning: visiting Angkor Wat in December and what to expect shapes your entire Cambodia experience far beyond weather reports. I’ve watched travelers arrive unprepared for December’s crowd intensity, burning through budgets faster than expected, then feeling frustrated when 4:30 AM wake-ups don’t deliver the private sunrise moments Instagram promised. But I’ve also seen December visitors nail the timing – booking smart tours, exploring alternative temples, and leveraging that gorgeous Cambodia dry season December weather into genuinely transformative experiences.

The Siem Reap December weather remains unbeatable. You’re walking temple corridors at 8:00 AM feeling refreshed instead of drenched. You’re climbing Angkor Wat’s upper galleries without feeling like you might pass out. You’re spending 10 hours exploring ruins because the comfortable temperatures actually allow it. That matters more than any crowd-counting calculation. Sure, Angkor Wat crowd levels December reach yearly peaks. Yes, Siem Reap accommodation cost December inflates noticeably. But here’s the truth: trying to save $150 on accommodation by visiting during 95°F humid June means suffering through genuinely miserable temple exploration days. I’d rather share sunrise viewing spots with 200 other photographers during perfect Cambodia travel high season December conditions than have private temples while battling 85% humidity and afternoon thunderstorms.

What actually makes December work? Strategic planning around Angkor Wat peak tourist season December realities. Book those sunrise tours and multi-day temple packages 6-8 weeks ahead. Consider sunset alternatives that dodge packed sunrise viewing platforms. Mix famous temples with countryside experiences when crowds peak hardest. Use December’s extended comfortable exploration hours to visit major temples during midday lulls when tour groups break for lunch.

And look – Angkor Wat temperatures December don’t just make temple visiting comfortable. They make Cambodia accessible. You can ride bikes through rice paddies. You can explore floating villages without feeling like you’re melting inside a boat. You can eat street food at night markets without questioning if the heat will actually kill you. December unlocks Cambodia beyond just making Angkor Wat tolerable… it makes the entire Siem Reap region genuinely enjoyable to experience. That clear skies December Cambodia delivers? That’s not just good for photos. It’s the difference between spending afternoons recovering in air-conditioned hotel rooms versus exploring the incredible cultural and natural environment surrounding those temples.

So yes, visiting Angkor Wat in December means navigating crowds, paying premium prices, and accepting that your sunrise photos will include other tourists. But it also means experiencing Cambodia’s most famous archaeological site under conditions that literally make exploration possible rather than an endurance test. Plan smart, book ahead, embrace the trade-offs, and December becomes exactly what it should be – Cambodia’s temple exploration season for excellent reasons.

Make Your December Angkor Wat Visit Actually Happen

Stop researching and start booking. December’s Cambodia dry season December weather window and clear skies December Cambodia conditions won’t last – January brings cooler nights and increased morning haze, while February shifts toward pre-hot-season temperatures that preview April’s brutal heat. Book your guided temple tours now while December dates remain available. Reserve accommodation 6-8 weeks out for reasonable rates. Most of all: commit to experiencing visiting Angkor Wat in December and what to expect firsthand rather than endlessly reading about it.

The temples have stood for 800 years. They’ll be there whenever you arrive. But December’s combination of comfortable Angkor Wat temperatures December, minimal rainfall, and maximum daylight hours creates a narrow optimal window that rewards travelers who recognize excellent conditions when meteorology and ancient architecture align. Take the 4:30 AM wake-up calls. Share the sunrise viewing spots. Pay the peak season prices. You’re buying weather reliability and extended exploration stamina – advantages worth far more than the premium costs when you’re standing inside Angkor Wat’s galleries under perfect morning light.

Need help planning your December temple exploration? Contact Journey Cambodia for personalized itinerary assistance, updated tour availability, and current December booking guidance.

Relevant Resources for December Angkor Wat Planning:

1. Which Month is Ideal for Visiting Angkor Wat? – Month-by-month comparison helping you understand why December ranks among top three temple-visiting months for weather, crowds, and overall experience quality.

2. Best Time to Visit Siem Reap – Comprehensive seasonal guide covering dry season advantages, wet season trade-offs, and shoulder season opportunities beyond just Angkor Wat temple visits.

3. Is it Better to Visit Siem Reap in Dry or Rainy Season? – Detailed weather comparison with temperature charts, rainfall data, and honest crowd assessments helping you choose optimal travel timing for your priorities.