Month guide · Siem Reap · Cambodia

Siem Reap in January

What January is really like in Siem Reap: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.

Updated 23 October 2026By the AMZBooking editorial team

Quick answer

January is one of the best months to visit Siem Reap. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), lows of 21°C (70°F), about 1 rainy days and roughly 11.4 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and pleasant, with relatively cool mornings; this is peak season and sunrise at Angkor Wat is very crowded.

Average high / low: 32°C (90°F) / 21°C (70°F)
Rainy days: About 1
Daylight: About 11.4 hours
Crowds: Very busy
Hotel prices: Highest

Weather in January

January is the 7th-warmest month in Siem Reap: days average 32°C (90°F) against a yearly average high of 33°C (91°F), and nights fall to about 21°C (70°F). Rain falls on roughly 1 of its 31 days. Compared with December (30°C (86°F)), January is warmer; by February highs climb to around 34°C (93°F).

Sunrise (15 January): About 06:31
Sunset (15 January): About 17:56
Daylight: About 11.4 hours

Late wet season (August–October). The wettest months, with occasional flooding in town in September, but full reservoirs, dramatic skies and the lake at its highest for floating-village trips.

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

Chinese New Year — busy period with many regional visitors (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 · Angkor Thom

Baphuon

Walk round to the western side to make out the reclining Buddha, which is easy to miss from the front.

Time needed: 45 minutes
Cost: Mid-priced

History
Architecture
Views

Religious site · Grand circuit

Pre Rup

Built in 961 under King Rajendravarman II, this tall temple mountain of brick and laterite glows orange in the evening and is one of the best sunset spots at Angkor.

Time needed: 1 hour
Cost: Mid-priced

Views
Couples
Photo spot
History

Viewpoint · Angkor Archaeological Park

Phnom Bakheng

Climb it in the early morning instead of at sunset for the same view with a fraction of the people.

Time needed: 1 hour
Cost: Mid-priced

Views
Photo spot
Outdoors

Waterfront · West of Angkor Thom

West Baray

This 11th-century reservoir, about 8 km long, is still full of water and is where Siem Reap families come to swim and picnic at weekends.

Time needed: 2–3 hours
Cost: Low cost

Kids
Outdoors
Off the beaten path
Food

What to pack

For highs near 32°C, lows near 21°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 Siem Reap?

One of the best months to visit Siem Reap, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are February and November–December. Compare every month.

Siem Reap in other months

Questions travellers ask

+Is January a good time to visit Siem Reap?

It is one of the best months to visit Siem Reap. Dry, sunny and pleasant, with relatively cool mornings; this is peak season and sunrise at Angkor Wat is very crowded.

+How warm is Siem Reap in January?

Average highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 21°C (70°F).

+Does it rain a lot in Siem Reap in January?

Expect rain on about 1 days of the month, so it is usually dry.