1 January
New Year's Day
Official public holiday, observed nationwide.
Month by month
Cambodia in January
Dry, relatively cool and reliably sunny: January is classic high season, and one of the most comfortable months of the Cambodian year.
- Siem Reap highs
- ~31°C
- Rainy days (SR)
- 3
- Crowds
- Busy
- Public holidays
- 2
The short answer
What January is really like
January sits in the heart of the dry season. Siem Reap averages just 3 rainy days all month and daytime highs around 31°C, hot at noon, genuinely pleasant in the morning and evening. The countryside is dusty gold rather than green, rivers are low, and outdoor plans rarely get cancelled.
It suits first-time visitors best: temples, city wandering and the islands all work at once. The trade-off is company, international arrivals are near their annual peak, so Angkor at sunrise and the better hotels fill up. Book the places you care about ahead rather than walking in.
The numbers
January weather, destination by destination
Ten-year averages, not brochure promises: computed from the same ERA5 climate dataset that powers our weather tool.
| Destination | Avg. daily high | Rainfall | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Siem Reap | 31°C | 16 mm | 3 |
| Phnom Penh | 31°C | 18 mm | 4 |
| Battambang | 32°C | 21 mm | 4 |
| Kampot | 30°C | 38 mm | 8 |
| Kep | 30°C | 40 mm | 9 |
| Koh Rong (islands) | 28°C | 61 mm | 13 |
| Mondulkiri | 27°C | 14 mm | 4 |
International crowds this month
Busy, January ranks level 3 of 4 for international arrivals in the Siem Reap region (quartiles on Ministry of Tourism monthly data).
Dates that shape the month
Holidays & festivals in January
7 January
Victory Over Genocide Day
Official public holiday, observed nationwide.
Our picks
Where to go in January
Angkor & Siem Reap
Prime conditions for long temple days: dry paths, clear skies, bearable mornings. Start early: the crowds arrive with the heat.
Siem Reap guideThe islands
Calm seas and some of the driest weeks of the year on Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem: this is what the postcard weeks look like.
Koh Rong guideMondulkiri
Highland mornings drop noticeably cooler than the plains: around 27°C daytime highs and next to no rain. Bring a light layer for dawn.
Mondulkiri guidePractical
Tips for January
- Book Angkor sunrise, boutique hotels and island bungalows ahead: this is peak season.
- Mornings can feel almost cool, especially in Mondulkiri and Battambang: pack one light layer.
- Sunscreen and a hat matter more than a rain jacket this month.
- City evenings are at their best: plan rooftop and riverside time.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is January a good time to visit Cambodia?
One of the best. It is dry season across the country (Siem Reap averages only 3 rainy days in January), with highs around 31°C. The flip side: it is also one of the busiest months for international visitors, so book key hotels and tours ahead.
Is January good for the islands?
Yes. It falls in the calm-sea window (roughly November to April), and Koh Rong is near its driest. Boat crossings are usually smooth and beach days reliable.
How busy is Angkor in January?
Busy: arrivals are near the annual peak. Go at opening time, do the main circuit in reverse, or keep the famous temples for late afternoon when tour groups thin out.
Continue planning
More Cambodia travel info
Visa & Entry Requirementse-Visa, visa on arrival, e-Arrival card and entry rules.How Many Days & Itineraries3 days to 2 weeks: routes that actually work.Festivals & Public HolidaysOfficial holiday dates: Khmer New Year, Water Festival…Money & PaymentsDollars, riel, KHQR, ATMs and tipping.Getting AroundBuses, boats, flights, trains and city transport.What’s happening todayConcerts, markets, exhibitions and things to do this week.
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