Things to Do in Cambodia in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Cambodia
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season means virtually zero rain - January averages just 7 mm (0.3 inches) across the entire month, so you can plan temple visits and countryside excursions without checking weather forecasts constantly
- Coolest temperatures of the year make Angkor Wat exploration actually comfortable - mornings start at 21°C (70°F) before the crowds arrive, and even midday heat peaks at 32°C (90°F) rather than the brutal 38°C (100°F) you'd face in April
- Rice paddies are brilliant green from November rains but fields are dry enough for easy access - the countryside looks spectacular for photography and cycling, which is why you'll see so many locals organizing weddings in January
- Lower humidity at 65% compared to 85% in rainy season means you're not constantly drenched in sweat, cameras don't fog up, and that 3-hour Angkor circuit actually feels doable without wanting to collapse
Considerations
- This is absolute peak tourist season - Angkor Wat sees 8,000-10,000 daily visitors in January versus 3,000 in September, so expect crowds at sunrise spots and popular temples between 9am-2pm, plus accommodation prices run 40-60% higher than low season
- Dust becomes a real issue by mid-January as dry season intensifies - unpaved roads around temples and countryside kick up red dust that gets into everything, and Siem Reap air quality noticeably deteriorates, especially if you're sensitive to particulates
- Book everything minimum 6-8 weeks ahead or pay premium prices - decent guesthouses in Siem Reap that cost 25 USD in August jump to 55-75 USD in January, and popular cooking classes or Tonle Sap tours fill up fast, leaving you with whatever's left
Best Activities in January
Angkor Archaeological Park temple exploration
January offers the absolute best conditions for tackling Angkor's massive temple complex. The 21°C (70°F) morning temperatures mean you can do the classic sunrise at Angkor Wat without melting, then continue through Bayon and Ta Prohm before the real heat kicks in around 11am. The dry ground makes exploring remote temples like Beng Mealea actually accessible without mud, and low humidity means your energy lasts through a full-day pass. Crowds peak between 9am-2pm, so smart visitors do sunrise until 10am, break during midday heat, then return 3pm-sunset when tour groups have left. The clear skies also mean those iconic sunrise photos actually work - no rain clouds blocking the view.
Tonle Sap floating village visits
January water levels on Tonle Sap are actually ideal - not too high like October when villages are dispersed, not too low like April when boats struggle. The lake sits at a comfortable mid-level, making access to communities like Kampong Phluk and Kompong Khleang straightforward. The dry weather means calm water and better visibility for seeing how these floating communities actually function. You'll see fishing activity in full swing since this is prime season before the lake starts shrinking in March. Morning visits between 7-9am offer the best light and catch daily life before tourist boats arrive. The cooler temperatures also make the 45-60 minute boat rides much more comfortable than the sweltering heat of hot season.
Countryside cycling through rice paddy regions
The post-harvest countryside in January is stunning - rice paddies are still green from the wet season but fields are dry enough to actually cycle through without getting stuck in mud. Temperatures stay manageable for cycling if you start by 7am and finish before noon, with that pleasant 21-22°C (70-72°F) morning coolness. Routes between Siem Reap and villages like Preah Dak or around Banteay Srei pass through landscapes that look exactly like the Cambodia you imagined - sugar palms, wooden houses on stilts, water buffalo, and farmers working fields. January is also peak wedding season, so you'll likely spot elaborate tent setups and processions. The dry roads mean even basic rental bikes handle fine, unlike rainy season when you need serious mountain bikes.
Phnom Penh city exploration and history sites
The capital is much more manageable in January's drier weather - walking between Royal Palace, National Museum, and riverside doesn't leave you completely soaked in sweat. The Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum and Choeung Ek Killing Fields require emotional energy, and the cooler temperatures make these difficult visits slightly more bearable. January's clear weather also means the riverside promenade and Sisowath Quay are pleasant for evening walks, with sunset around 6pm creating good light for the Tonle Sap and Mekong river confluence. The city's rooftop bars and restaurants are actually enjoyable rather than suffocatingly hot. Street food markets operate in full swing without rain disruptions, particularly the night markets around Street 130 and Russian Market area.
Battambang bamboo train and countryside exploration
This western town sees fewer tourists than Siem Reap but offers authentic Cambodian countryside experience, and January weather makes it perfect for the outdoor activities here. The famous bamboo train runs along old colonial tracks through rice fields - it's touristy but genuinely fun and the dry season means smooth operation. The surrounding villages specializing in traditional crafts like rice paper making and bamboo sticky rice are accessible on dry-season roads. Phnom Sampeau mountain with its bat caves and killing field memorial is a steep but manageable climb in January's cooler temperatures - attempted in April heat would be brutal. The town itself has a relaxed vibe with French colonial architecture and a growing food scene that's worth 2-3 days.
Koh Rong and southern islands beach time
Cambodia's southern islands hit their absolute peak in January - calm seas, clear visibility for snorkeling, and virtually zero rain make this the best month for beach activities. Koh Rong and Koh Rong Samloem offer white sand beaches without the overdevelopment of Thai islands, and January's weather means reliable boat schedules from Sihanoukville. Water temperature sits around 28°C (82°F), perfect for extended swimming and snorkeling. The clear conditions also make this ideal for diving around nearby sites, with visibility reaching 15-20 m (50-65 ft). Sunsets are reliably spectacular without cloud cover. That said, these islands are firmly on the backpacker trail now, so don't expect deserted paradise - but January weather makes the beach experience actually work unlike rainy season when boats get cancelled and beaches flood.
January Events & Festivals
Khmer New Year Wedding Season
While Khmer New Year itself happens in April, January through February represents peak wedding season in Cambodia. Families consider these dry, cool months most auspicious for marriages, and you'll see elaborate wedding tents set up in villages and even city neighborhoods throughout the month. These multi-day celebrations feature traditional music, ceremonial dress, and significant feasting. While you obviously can't crash random weddings, the sheer number happening means you'll likely witness processions, tent setups, and celebrations if spending time in countryside areas. Some homestays and cultural centers can arrange attendance at weddings where tourists are welcomed, though this requires advance coordination.
Meak Bochea Day
This Buddhist holiday falls on the full moon of the third lunar month, which typically lands in late January or early February depending on the lunar calendar. The day commemorates Buddha's spontaneous sermon to 1,250 enlightened monks. Cambodians visit pagodas for prayers and candlelit processions happen at temples after sunset. Major temples in Phnom Penh and Siem Reap hold ceremonies that visitors can respectfully observe. It's not a massive tourist spectacle but offers genuine insight into Cambodian Buddhist practice. Expect some businesses to close or operate reduced hours, and dress respectfully if visiting temples during observances - covered shoulders and knees, remove shoes.