diff --git a/interfaces/cython/SConscript b/interfaces/cython/SConscript
index a51f199de..71403a4c4 100644
--- a/interfaces/cython/SConscript
+++ b/interfaces/cython/SConscript
@@ -70,10 +70,16 @@ localenv['py_libdirs'] = repr([x for x in libDirs if x])
 
 # Compile the Python module with the same compiler as the rest of Cantera
 localenv['py_extra_compiler_args'] = repr([])
+localenv['py_extra_link_args'] = repr([])
 if localenv['OS'] == 'Windows':
     if env['CC'] == 'cl':
+        flags = ['/EHsc']
+        if env['debug']:
+            flags.extend(['/Zi', '/Fd_cantera.pdb'])
+            localenv['py_extra_link_args'] = repr(['/DEBUG'])
         compilerOpt = ' --compiler=msvc'
-        localenv['py_extra_compiler_args'] = repr(['/EHsc'])
+        localenv['py_extra_compiler_args'] = repr(flags)
+
     elif env['CC'] == 'gcc':
         compilerOpt = ' --compiler=mingw32'
 else:
diff --git a/interfaces/cython/setup.py.in b/interfaces/cython/setup.py.in
index cc4702d08..c9842037f 100644
--- a/interfaces/cython/setup.py.in
+++ b/interfaces/cython/setup.py.in
@@ -9,7 +9,8 @@ exts = [Extension("cantera._cantera",
                   language="c++",
                   libraries=@py_cantera_libs@,
                   library_dirs=@py_libdirs@,
-                  extra_compile_args=@py_extra_compiler_args@)]
+                  extra_compile_args=@py_extra_compiler_args@,
+                  extra_link_args=@py_extra_link_args@)]
 
 setup(name="Cantera",
       version="@cantera_version@",