Phnom Penh vs Ho Chi Minh City

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Phnom Penh edges ahead as the better destination in December. Phnom Penh offers 9 hours of daily sunshine with only 5 rain days, while Ho Chi Minh City sees 9 sunshine hours and 9 rain days.

Phnom Penh can feel quite hot at 31°C, so plan for heat. Ho Chi Minh City runs hot at 30°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Phnom Penh is the stronger choice in December.

Phnom Penh reaches an average high of 31°C (88°F) and drops to 23°C (73°F) at night during December. The daily temperature range is 8°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Ho Chi Minh City averages 30°C (86°F) for the high and 22°C (72°F) for the low, with a daily range of 8°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in December.

Phnom Penh receives approximately 26 mm of rainfall across 5 rain days during December. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Ho Chi Minh City sees 62 mm over 9 rain days. That makes Phnom Penh the drier option by 4 rain days and 36 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.