Cambodia in January: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Siem Reap & Northwest (Angkor, Battambang)

Dry, cool mornings make temple walks easy and crowds are high - expect 20-28°C mornings and hot afternoons reaching the low 30s. Humidity is lower than later months, so sunrise at Angkor Wat is comfortable; bring a light layer for dawn and strong sun protection for the day. Boat tours on the Tonle Sap are still operating but water levels are lower than in the wet season.

Tonle Sap & Central Plains (Phnom Penh, Tonle Sap Lake, Kampong Thom)

Dawn on the Tonle Sap lake in January is crisp and calm with abundant birdlife, and Phnom Penh has pleasantly cool mornings before heating into the mid-20s by midday. Water levels are low so floating villages sit on exposed banks - boat schedules for crossing channels are reliable. For city travelers, riverside promenades and museums are comfortable without the oppressive humidity of later months.

Southern Coast & Islands (Sihanoukville, Koh Rong, Koh Rong Samloem, Kep)

January is one of the most pleasant months on the coast: blue skies, low humidity, and sea breezes that keep Sihanoukville and Koh Rong comfortable for beach days and island hopping. Water visibility for snorkeling is generally good and most boat services to islands operate reliably. Expect busy weekend traffic from Phnom Penh, so book transfers ahead and pack reef-safe sunscreen.

Cardamom Mountains & Southwest (Koh Kong, Cardamom range, Bokor, Botum Sakor)

January mornings in the Cardamoms are cooler and fresher than the plains, with mist in the valleys and daytime highs milder - perfect for jungle treks and waterfalls. Trails around Bokor Hill Station are accessible and offer dramatic coastline views; wildlife-spotting tours operate comfortably. Bring a light fleece for dawn in higher elevations and insect repellent for forest walks.

Northeast Uplands (Ratanakiri, Mondulkiri - highlands, waterfalls, ethnic villages)

January’s mornings in Mondulkiri and Ratanakiri are pleasantly cool, especially at higher elevations, and sunsets are clear: perfect for visiting waterfalls like Bou Sra. Daytime temperatures are moderate and humidity is lower than on the plains, so walking in forests and visiting ethnic villages is comfortable. Bring a light sweater for early starts and plan multi-day treks while trails remain dry.