Things to Do in Cambodia in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Cambodia

31°C (88°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

7mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

60% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 2 rainy days average and 7mm (0.3 inches) total precipitation means temple visits and outdoor activities proceed uninterrupted
Perfect temperatures 22-31°C (72-88°F) with 60% humidity make long walks through Angkor Archaeological Park comfortable from sunrise to sunset
Cool mornings ideal for sunrise at Angkor Wat - temperatures around 22°C (72°F) at 5:30am make the early wake-up call bearable without heavy layers
Shoulder tourist season pricing - accommodation costs 20-30% less than February-March peak while weather remains excellent, plus shorter queues at major temples

Considerations

Harmattan winds bring occasional dust and haze that can reduce photography visibility at distant temples and create respiratory irritation for sensitive travelers
Very low humidity can cause dehydration faster than expected - you'll need 3-4 liters (0.8-1 gallon) of water daily for temple touring
Strong UV index of 9 requires constant sun protection - temple stones reflect additional heat making midday visits uncomfortable despite air temperatures

Best Activities in January

Angkor Archaeological Park Temple Tours

January's dry weather and cool mornings create perfect conditions for extensive temple exploration. With only 2 rainy days average, you can plan multi-day temple circuits without weather disruptions. Morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) make sunrise visits comfortable, while midday shade-hopping between temples remains manageable. Fewer crowds than February-March peak season mean better photo opportunities at iconic spots.

Booking Tip: Book 7-14 days ahead through licensed guides. Day passes cost $37, 3-day passes $62. Morning tours (5:30am-11am) offer best lighting and temperatures. Look for guides certified by Apsara Authority. See current tour options in booking section below.

Mekong River Floating Village Tours

January's low water levels provide unique access to stilted communities normally harder to reach. Dry season reveals more of the village structures and daily life activities. Comfortable temperatures and minimal rain make full-day river excursions pleasant, with clear skies perfect for photography of traditional fishing methods and floating markets.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours typically cost $35-55 including boat transport. Book through operators with proper life jackets and insurance. Morning departures (7am-8am) offer best village activity viewing. Tours run from Chong Kneas or Kampong Phluk dock.

Cycling Tours Through Rice Paddies

Post-harvest January reveals golden stubble fields and active village life as farmers prepare for dry season crops. Cool morning temperatures 22-25°C (72-77°F) make cycling comfortable, while dry paths eliminate mud concerns. Perfect visibility for photography of traditional farming methods and rural architecture without rain interference.

Booking Tip: Full-day cycling tours cost $25-45 including bike rental and guide. Book with operators providing quality mountain bikes and helmets. Start early (7am-8am) to avoid midday heat. Routes typically cover 15-25km (9-15 miles) through villages.

Phnom Penh Historical Walking Tours

January's comfortable temperatures and dry conditions make extensive city walking tours manageable. Clear weather ensures outdoor memorial sites like Choeung Ek remain accessible, while reduced humidity makes indoor museum visits more comfortable. Excellent air quality most days provides clear views from Wat Phnom and riverside locations.

Booking Tip: Walking tours typically cost $15-35 per person for 4-6 hours. Book through certified guides familiar with sensitive historical sites. Include Royal Palace, S-21 Prison, and Central Market. Afternoon tours (2pm-6pm) avoid morning heat buildup.

Kampot Pepper Farm and Cave Exploration

Dry season provides perfect conditions for rural Kampot province exploration. January's minimal rainfall means cave access remains safe and pepper farms showcase post-harvest processing. Cool mornings ideal for farm walks, while stable weather ensures reliable transport to remote locations like Bokor National Park.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Kampot cost $40-65 including transport and guide. Book through operators with 4WD vehicles for rural access. Combine pepper farm visits with Phnom Chhnork caves. Tours typically run 8am-5pm covering 60-80km (37-50 miles).

Koh Rong Beach Island Hopping

January offers calm seas with minimal monsoon influence, perfect for boat transfers and snorkeling. Dry weather ensures reliable ferry schedules and beach activities proceed uninterrupted. Water temperature around 27°C (81°F) with excellent visibility for underwater activities. Lower tourist numbers than peak season provide quieter beaches.

Booking Tip: Ferry tickets cost $25-30 return, speedboat transfers $45-60. Book accommodation 2-3 weeks ahead as limited options fill quickly. Day trips typically cost $55-85 including lunch and snorkeling gear. Check weather forecasts as sea conditions can change rapidly.

January Events & Festivals

January 7th

Victory over Genocide Day

National holiday on January 7th commemorating the fall of the Khmer Rouge in 1979. Ceremonies at Choeung Ek Killing Fields and Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum provide profound historical context. Many Cambodians visit memorials, creating opportunities to witness local remembrance traditions.

Throughout January

Chaul Chnam Thmey Preparations

Although Khmer New Year occurs in April, January sees temple preparation activities and decoration crafting. Monks begin intensive meditation retreats, and pagodas showcase traditional art restoration. Excellent time to observe religious practices without New Year crowds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen and zinc stick - UV index reaches 9 and temple stones create additional reflection

Wide-brimmed hat with chin strap - essential for long temple walks and protects neck from intense morning sun

Lightweight long-sleeve cotton shirts - protects from sun while remaining cool in 60% humidity, required for temple entry

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - temple stones can be smooth and uneven, expect 8-12km (5-7 miles) daily walking

Large water bottle (2+ liters/0.5+ gallons) - dehydration occurs quickly in dry conditions despite moderate temperatures

Dust mask or scarf - harmattan winds create dusty conditions that can irritate respiratory systems

Power bank and waterproof phone case - long days out require backup power, occasional dust protection needed

Light jacket for early mornings - temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) for sunrise temple visits starting 5:30am

Moisturizer and lip balm - very low humidity causes skin and lip drying faster than expected

Cash in small denominations - many rural activities and temple donations require USD $1-5 bills

Insider Knowledge

Temple pass photos are taken on-site - arrive at ticket booth looking presentable as the photo stays on your pass for multi-day visits

Rent bicycles from guesthouses rather than tourist operators - local rates are $2-3/day versus $8-12 from tour shops, same quality bikes

Markets open earliest 5am-6am in January's cool weather - visit Psar Chaa or Russian Market early for best produce selection and fewer crowds

Download offline maps before rural excursions - cell coverage drops significantly outside main tourist routes, GPS essential for pepper farms and remote temples

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating water needs - dry January air and temple walking requires 3-4 liters (0.8-1 gallon) daily, more than typical tropical destinations

Planning too many temples per day - even in perfect January weather, quality temple visits require 45-60 minutes each plus transport time

Wearing flip-flops to temples - uneven ancient stones and required removal/replacement at each site makes sturdy slip-on shoes essential