Month guide · Phnom Penh · Cambodia
Phnom Penh in January
What January is really like in Phnom Penh: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Phnom Penh. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), lows of 22°C (72°F), about 1 rainy days and roughly 11.5 hours of daylight. Dry and comparatively mild, with clear skies; one of the most comfortable months for walking the city.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 32°C (90°F) / 22°C (72°F)
- Rainy days
- About 1
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in January
January is the 6th-warmest month in Phnom Penh: days average 32°C (90°F) against a yearly average high of 33°C (91°F), and nights fall to about 22°C (72°F). Rain falls on roughly 1 of its 31 days. Compared with December (30°C (86°F)), January is warmer; by February highs stay near 33°C (91°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:24
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 17:55
- Daylight
- About 11.5 hours
Late rains (September–October). The wettest weeks with occasional flooding, rivers at their highest and the Pchum Ben festival.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Chinese New Year — lion dances and family celebrations (late January or February)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Religious site · Wat Phnom and Central Market
Wat Phnom
Come in the late afternoon, when the park around the hill fills with families and food vendors.
- Time needed
- 45 minutes
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Kids
- Outdoors
Waterfront · Riverside (Sisowath Quay)
Sisowath Quay riverside
The riverside promenade runs along the Tonle Sap near its confluence with the Mekong.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- After dark
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Couples
Experience · Riverside (Sisowath Quay)
Sunset river cruise
Bring your own snacks or choose a boat with drinks included, and sit on the upper deck for views of the palace.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Couples
- Kids
- Views
- After dark
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Palace · Royal Palace and Street 240
Royal Palace
Built from 1866 when King Norodom moved the capital to Phnom Penh, the palace compound faces the river with tiered golden roofs, the Throne Hall used for coronations and manicured gardens.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours with the Silver Pagoda
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Architecture
- History
- Photo spot
What to pack
For highs near 32°C, lows near 22°C and 1 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Phnom Penh?
One of the best months to visit Phnom Penh, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are February and November–December. Compare every month.
Phnom Penh in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Phnom Penh?
It is one of the best months to visit Phnom Penh. Dry and comparatively mild, with clear skies; one of the most comfortable months for walking the city.
+How warm is Phnom Penh in January?
Average highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 22°C (72°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Phnom Penh in January?
Expect rain on about 1 days of the month, so it is usually dry.