Month guide · Luang Prabang · Laos
Luang Prabang in January
What January is really like in Luang Prabang: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Luang Prabang. Expect average highs of 28°C (82°F), lows of 14°C (57°F), about 2 rainy days and roughly 11 hours of daylight. Dry and sunny with misty mornings and cool nights; a jacket is useful at dawn for the alms giving. Peak season.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 28°C (82°F) / 14°C (57°F)
- Rainy days
- About 2
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
- Crowds
- Very busy
- Hotel prices
- Highest
Weather in January
January is the 11th-warmest month in Luang Prabang: days average 28°C (82°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 14°C (57°F). Rain falls on roughly 2 of its 31 days. Compared with December (27°C (81°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs climb to around 31°C (88°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:49
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 17:52
- Daylight
- About 11 hours
Late rains (August–October). The wettest weeks give way to clearer weather in October, with full waterfalls, boat races and the festival of lights.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 5 for crowds (the peak is January at 5) and 5 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
January has no major recurring festival in Luang Prabang, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Viewpoint · Old Town centre
Mount Phousi
Sunset is very crowded; sunrise or late afternoon gives the same view with space to breathe.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Low cost
- Views
- Iconic
- Photo spot
- Active
- Kids
Experience · Nam Khan riverside
Nam Khan bamboo bridge
Each dry season, villagers build a temporary bamboo footbridge across the Nam Khan, which is washed away when the river rises in the rains.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- Kids
- Photo spot
- Outdoors
Experience · Mekong riverfront
Mekong sunset cruise
Shared sunset boats are inexpensive; hire a boat privately for a group or a quieter evening.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Couples
- Views
- Kids
- Photo spot
Neighbourhood · Chomphet
Chomphet across the Mekong
A short ferry ride across the Mekong leads to quiet villages and old monasteries such as Wat Long Khoun, where kings traditionally stayed before their coronation, and hillside temples with views back to the old town.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Low cost
- Off the beaten path
- History
- Outdoors
- Views
What to pack
For highs near 28°C, lows near 14°C and 2 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Luang Prabang?
One of the best months to visit Luang Prabang. The other best months are February and November–December. Compare every month.
Luang Prabang in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Luang Prabang?
It is one of the best months to visit Luang Prabang. Dry and sunny with misty mornings and cool nights; a jacket is useful at dawn for the alms giving. Peak season.
+How warm is Luang Prabang in January?
Average highs are around 28°C (82°F) and lows around 14°C (57°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Luang Prabang in January?
Expect rain on about 2 days of the month, so it is usually dry.