Cambodia Weather in January, Where to Go in January

Are you planning a trip to Cambodia in January? Read our article for the weather in January in Cambodia, including average temperatures and rainfall, as well as travel tips on what to wear, travel costs, and best places to visit in January.

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The Weather in January: Overview
City Weather in Cambodia
The 5 Best Places to Visit
Crowds and Cost in January
What to Wear in January

Cambodia Weather in January: Overview

Average temperature range: 21–31°C (70–88°F)
Average rainfall: 10 mm (0.4 inches)
Average rainy days: 1
Average sunny days: 22

It is quite warm in January with the average temperature ranging from 21 to 31°C. January is one of the best months of the year to visit Cambodia. Trips are convenient and comfortable in January, when the days in Cambodia are warm, sunny, and dry.

Cambodian Major Cities' Weather in November

Location	Min. Temp. (ºC)	Max. Temp. (ºC)	Rainfall (mm)
Phnong Penh	21	31	10
Battambang	21	30	5
Siem Reap	21	31	4
Sihanoukville	26	29	45
Koh Rong	23	31	104

Phnom Penh: January is hot in the daytime and becomes warm in the evening throughout Phnom Penh and southern Cambodia. It is warm at night with low temperatures of around 22°C (72°F). It gets hot in the afternoon with temperatures reaching an average high of 32°C (90°C).

Battambang and Siem Reap: Similar to Phnom Penh, you can expect warm/hot and sunny days in Siem Reap and Battambang during January. In the mountainous areas, the temperature at night can drop to 19°C (66°F). Desert-level rainfall of less than 5 mm (0.2 inches) is extremely scarce in Siem Reap and Battambang in January.

Kampot and Sihanoukville: The west coast area is pleasant and comfortable in January. Average temperatures in coastal areas, such as Kampot and Sihanoukville, range from 24°C to 31°C (75–88°F), and it usually only rains on 1 day of the month, which makes it a good time for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

5-Day Siem Reap Tour in Depth Ankgor Wat Complex,Kbal Spean, Kompong Khleang Floating Village

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The Best Places to Visit in Cambodia in January

January is in the peak tourist season in Cambodia. You can visit all parts of Cambodia in this month without weather disruptions. Cambodia has become a popular destination for travelers from Europe to spend their New Year holiday. Historical sites and attractions are crowded during the whole month.

1. Angkor Wat

As the most popular attraction in Cambodia, Angkor Wat a must-visit. Built between 802 and 1432, Angkor Wat was the largest temple city in the world during the medieval period. It was used as the Khmer kings' seat of power. The construction of the temple is so marvelous that it alone attracts thousands of travelers to visit Cambodia. It deserves a good portion of your time in order for you to understand the Angkorian period's architectural achievements and religious culture. Read more on Things to Do in Angkor Wat.

2. Kampot

If you are looking for a slow pace of life and a peaceful vacation destination, Kampot is a good place for you. Located in the south of Cambodia, Kampot attracts tourists from all over the world for its beautiful scenic landscape and old colonial buildings. There you can spend time to explore the French hill station of Bokor National Park to learn more about its history. Explore the ancient ruins at the Kampot Kampong Trach caves, or just wondering around French-colonial and Chinese-style shop houses. You can also take a small boat on the Kampot river to cruise through the small town.

3. Koh Rong Samloem

There are many beautiful islands scattered along the southern coast of Cambodia. One of the most popular islands is Koh Rong Samloem. The clean and less-crowded beaches of Saracen Bay are favorite places for travelers to enjoy the ocean views and beach time. Scuba diving, snorkeling, surfing, and other water activities are available in Koh Rong Samloem.

4. Phnom Penh

As the cultural center and capital of Cambodia from the 20th century, Phnom Penh should be on your list of places to see in Cambodia. Representing modern Cambodia and the ancient Khmer kingdom, Phnom Penh is rich in historical sites.

There you can explore the Royal Palace complex to appreciate the beauty of its architecture and learn more about the history of Cambodia.

Spend some time at the Killing Fields of Choeung Ek and Tuol Sleng Museum (the infamous S-21 detainment camp) to appreciate the terror this nation suffered under Khmer Rouge rule. Read more about the numerous fun things to do and see in Cambodia's capital city.

5. Siem Reap

Travelers come to Siem Reap for its (Angkor Wat) temple ruins and historical heritage. As the most-visited destination in Cambodia, the ancient city offers many interesting things to do.

If you are tired of visiting the numerous temples of Siem Reap, take a dirt bike tour on the red dirt roads of Siem Reap to view the countryside of Cambodia.

You can also take a boat tour on Tonle Sap Lake to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

The Angkor Pottery Center and Old Markets are good places to look for some souvenirs to take back home. Read more about Things to Do in Siem Reap.

Crowding and Costs in January

Thanks to its warm/hot and dry weather, January is one of the best months of the year to do various outdoor activities in Cambodia. However, it is much more crowded and busier than other less-pleasant months at its major tourist attractions, especially at Angkor Wat. Hotels prices are much higher during the high travel season. Try to book your hotels in advance as hotels' capacities fill up quickly.

11-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour

12-Day Best of Thailand and Cambodia Tour

Clothes to Wear in January

The temperature in January is warm/hot in most parts of Cambodia, although the temperature can drop to around 20°C (68°F) at night and in highland areas.

So, shorts, skirts, light trousers, T-shirts, and other light clothes are good for this month. It is recommended to pack some slightly warmer clothing, such as a jacket or jeans to avoid getting cold at night or when staying in highland areas.