If you’re planning a trip to Battambang for Christmas, you’ll get to experience Cambodia’s cooler, drier season. Daytime temperatures usually hover in the mid-80s °F (about 30°C), and nights can dip near 70°F (21°C), so it’s honestly one of the most comfortable times to visit.
December rarely brings rain, so you probably won’t have to worry about downpours ruining your plans.
The sky tends to stay clearer than in the wet season. Lower humidity makes being outside way more enjoyable.
With shorter days, sunsets come earlier, which sets a relaxed mood for evening walks by the Sangker River or wandering the city’s colonial streets.
Christmas lands right in the middle of the dry season, so a lot of travelers show up in Battambang then. You’ll want to plan ahead for transportation and accommodations, especially if you’re also visiting other spots in Cambodia.
Typical Christmas Weather in Battambang
Late December in Battambang brings hot afternoons, cooler nights, low rainfall, and less humidity than the wet season. Outdoor activities get a lot more comfortable and predictable.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime temps around Christmas usually reach 32–33°C (89–91°F). The afternoons feel warm, but it’s not that brutal April heat.
You’ll want to stick with light clothes, seek shade, and drink plenty of water during midday.
At night, it cools down to about 20–22°C (68–72°F). Evenings turn pleasant, so walking the city or along the river feels easy.
If you’re sensitive to cooler air, a light layer does the trick.
You’ll notice the difference between day and night, but it’s not a wild swing. December really hits that sweet spot for both sightseeing and relaxing.
Humidity Levels in December
Humidity drops a lot in December compared to the rainy months. Relative humidity usually sits between 60% and 70%, which feels much less sticky than the monsoon’s 80% or more.
That lower humidity takes the edge off the heat, so it’s easier to handle being outside for long stretches. If you’re temple-hopping or cycling, you’ll appreciate it.
Evenings feel drier and more refreshing. There’s still some moisture in the air, but it’s not overwhelming.
Rainfall and Precipitation Chances
December is deep in Battambang’s dry season. Rainfall averages just 10–20 mm for the whole month, and you might only see a few light showers.
Heavy rain almost never interrupts Christmas plans here.
With rain so rare, you can enjoy outdoor trips, river cruises, and market visits without worrying about the weather. Roads and walking paths stay dry and easy to navigate.
Clouds clear out too, so you get more sunshine during the day and open skies at night. You probably won’t need rain gear, but a small umbrella could come in handy just in case.
Seasonal Climate Overview for December
Battambang in December brings warm but comfortable weather compared to the wetter months. You’ll see lower rainfall, steady sunshine, and cooler nights that make outdoor activities a breeze.
Cool Season Characteristics
December falls during the cool season, though “cool” here still means daytime highs around 31–33°C (87–91°F). Nights drop to about 20–22°C (68–72°F), which feels refreshing after the day’s warmth.
Rain barely shows up, averaging just 3–4 days in the whole month with about 10–20 mm total. December stands out as one of the driest times of the year.
Humidity stays up there, often near 80–85%, but with less rain, it feels more pleasant than during the wet season.
You’ll get long stretches of sunshine, usually 7–8 hours a day. Winds stay light, around 1 m/s, so the air feels calm. These conditions make December a solid time for sightseeing, river trips, and temple visits without weather getting in the way.
Comparison With Other Months
Compare December to earlier months, and the difference is obvious. May through October brings heavy monsoon rains, often topping 200 mm a month. Roads can flood, and humidity soars, which makes travel less appealing.
By November, the rains back off, and December settles into reliably dry weather. January and February stay similar, with maybe slightly cooler nights but the same dry, sunny vibe.
March and April heat up, with daytime highs above 35°C (95°F) and almost no rain. December really stands out as a nice balance—warm, not scorching, and dry without being oppressive. For a lot of travelers, this mix of mild evenings, dry skies, and steady warmth makes December one of the best times to check out Battambang’s climate.
Sunrise and Sunset Times During Christmas
Daylight hours in Battambang around Christmas barely shift from day to day. Mornings start early, and sunsets come before dinner, which makes planning pretty straightforward.
Typical Sunrise Hours
Sunrise usually happens between 5:55 AM and 6:00 AM in late December. The sun comes up fast, and the sky brightens quickly, so you’ve got plenty of time for morning adventures.
Since Battambang sits close to the equator, sunrise times barely change all year. You won’t see those big seasonal swings like in northern countries.
This makes it easy to schedule early tours, temple visits, or market trips. If you like cooler air, just after sunrise is the best time of day.
Morning light is softer too, which photographers really appreciate. Starting early helps you dodge the midday heat.
Typical Sunset Hours
Sunset falls between 6:10 PM and 6:15 PM around Christmas. Once the sun goes down, night comes on fast.
You’ll want to wrap up outdoor activities before sunset, since streets and rural areas get dark quickly. It’s smart to arrange transport ahead of time.
Evenings are perfect for dinner or exploring night markets. The early sunset splits the day nicely between sightseeing and relaxing.
If you’re into photography, the hour before sunset gives you warm tones and clear skies—great for landscape shots.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Battambang’s weather around Christmas brings dry season skies, so you’ll see less rain and more stable weather. Fewer storm clouds mean better visibility and clearer views than during the wet season.
Clear Versus Cloudy Days
December falls right in the dry season, so skies usually stay partly cloudy to mostly clear. Rain is rare, and when it does show up, it’s quick and light.
Daytime skies are brighter, with more sunshine than during the monsoon. Sometimes you’ll notice a little haze in the mornings, but it usually burns off as the day warms up.
Cloud cover averages low, often between 20–40%, so blue skies are the norm. That makes sightseeing—whether you’re temple-hopping or cycling—way more fun.
At night, clear skies help temperatures dip into the low 20s °C (around 70s °F). You’ll also get a better look at the stars than in most other months.
Visibility and Air Quality
Visibility in December is generally good to very good. With so little rain, there’s not much moisture to create heavy haze or fog.
You might see some morning mist in rural areas, but it usually disappears quickly.
Local farming practices, like burning fields after harvest, affect air quality more than the weather does. Sometimes this causes smoke and light haze in certain spots.
In town, the air feels drier and less oppressive than during the wet season. Wind speeds stay light, around 1–2 m/s, so smoke or dust can hang around on calm days.
Most visitors find the air comfortable, and you’ll get stable conditions that make sightseeing and outdoor travel easy.
Travel Considerations for Christmas Visitors
You can expect warm, dry, and comfortable weather for Christmas in Battambang. Planning ahead lets you enjoy the city’s outdoor attractions without too much heat, sunburn, or surprise rain.
Best Ways to Prepare for the Weather
December is dry, so rain is rare and humidity drops lower than in other months. Daytime highs usually reach 30–32°C (86–89°F), while nights cool to about 20–22°C (68–72°F).
Mornings and evenings feel great for walking or cycling.
Plan your activities around these temperature swings. Early mornings and late afternoons are best for temples, markets, and exploring the countryside.
Midday can get hot, so that’s a good time to visit indoor spots or just take a break.
The sun is strong even in the cool season. Don’t forget sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses to avoid sunburn. Staying hydrated matters too, since the warm air and walking can dry you out quickly.
Rain is rare, but a light shower could still pop up. Carrying a small umbrella or light rain jacket means you won’t get caught off guard.
Packing Recommendations
Pack light, breathable clothes—cotton or linen works best. Short sleeves and lightweight pants or skirts keep you comfortable during the day.
Throw in a light sweater for cooler evenings or early mornings.
Go for practical footwear. Comfortable walking shoes or sandals are best for uneven paths at temples or in the countryside. Heavy shoes just trap heat and slow you down.
A packing list might look like:
- Light shirts and trousers
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sunscreen)
- Reusable water bottle
- Light sweater for evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
Bring insect repellent, especially if you’ll spend time near rivers or fields. That way, you can enjoy Battambang’s scenery and culture without the bugs getting in the way.
Getting to Battambang During the Holiday Season
Traveling to Battambang at Christmas usually starts with a flight to a nearby international airport, then a road trip. Once you’re in the region, you’ll need to plan how to reach the city center and get around Battambang Province.
Access via Siem Reap International Airport
The closest major airport is Siem Reap International Airport (REP), about 75 km from Battambang. Most international travelers land there before heading on to Battambang.
From the airport, you can take a car, taxi, or bus. Private taxis are the fastest, taking about 2–3 hours depending on traffic.
Buses and shared vans cost less, but they might take longer because of extra stops.
If you want more flexibility, car rentals are available at the airport. Driving yourself lets you stop along the way, but road conditions can vary—though around Christmas, roads are usually dry and travel is smoother.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Option | Travel Time | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Private Car | 2–3 hours | Higher | Direct, most comfortable |
| Bus / Shared Van | 3–4 hours | Lower | Budget-friendly, less flexible |
| Car Rental | 2–3 hours | Moderate | Best for independent travelers |
Local Transportation Tips
Once you arrive in Battambang, you’ll notice several ways to get around. Tuk-tuks pop up everywhere and honestly, they’re the easiest for short trips. You can usually spot them waiting near hotels, markets, or bus stations.
If you’re planning to travel farther within Battambang Province, grab a taxi or hire a private car. It’s just more comfortable, and you’ll get to those rural spots and temples outside the city without much hassle.
Want a bit more freedom? Renting a motorbike is totally doable. It’s cheap, but you really need to feel good about handling local traffic. Most roads are fine, but you’ll hit some rough patches out in the countryside.
Walking actually works great in the city center. A bunch of attractions—think riverside or those colonial buildings—sit close enough to wander on foot.
Before you hop in any ride, make sure you agree on the fare with your driver. It’ll save you from awkward misunderstandings later.