Things to Do in Phnompenh in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Phnompenh
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak dry season comfort - January sits right in the sweet spot with minimal rainfall (just 13 mm or 0.5 inches for the month) and temperatures that hover around 31°C (88°F) during the day, dropping to a pleasant 22°C (71°F) at night. You can actually plan outdoor activities without constantly checking the sky, which is a luxury during other months.
- Festival season overlap - January catches the tail end of Khmer New Year preparations and typically sees temple ceremonies ramping up. The riverfront comes alive in early January with locals celebrating, and you'll see the city at its most festive without the tourist crush that comes later in the year.
- Shoulder season pricing with high season weather - Interestingly, most international tourists haven't caught on that January is actually better weather than December. Accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to Christmas week, but you're getting the same brilliant sunshine and clear skies. Book hotels 2-3 weeks out and you'll find deals that disappear by February.
- Mekong River at ideal levels - The river sits at perfect height in January after the monsoon season has passed but before dry season lows. This means boat trips to Silk Island and sunset cruises run smoothly, and the riverside restaurants have their best views with lush greenery still visible on the opposite bank.
Considerations
- Occasional tourist overlap from regional holidays - Vietnamese and Chinese New Year sometimes fall in late January (in 2026, Chinese New Year is January 29), which means a sudden spike in regional tourists for about 5-7 days. Attractions like the Royal Palace and Central Market get genuinely crowded during this window, and you'll want to visit major sites early morning (before 9am) to avoid the rush.
- Heat builds throughout the day - While mornings are lovely, by 1pm you're dealing with 31°C (88°F) and 70% humidity, which feels more like 35°C (95°F). The UV index hits 8, meaning you'll burn in about 15 minutes without protection. This isn't the month for midday temple exploration unless you enjoy feeling like you're in a sauna wearing long pants.
- Variable weather patterns lately - January used to be bone dry, but the last few years have seen occasional surprise showers pop up, usually lasting 20-30 minutes in late afternoon. Not a dealbreaker, but worth noting that the predictability isn't quite what it was a decade ago. You'll still have mostly sunny days, just with the odd curveball.
Best Activities in January
Mekong River Sunset Cruises and Island Tours
January offers the best river conditions of the year - water levels are stable, visibility is excellent, and the 6pm sunsets happen when temperatures finally drop to comfortable levels around 26°C (79°F). The hour-long sunset cruises from Sisowath Quay are particularly worthwhile now because you're not competing with rain clouds, and the golden hour light on the Royal Palace is genuinely spectacular. Silk Island day trips work well too since the roads are dry and bike riding is actually pleasant in the morning.
Cyclo Tours Through Colonial Architecture Districts
The combination of dry weather and cooler mornings (22°C or 71°F until about 10am) makes January ideal for slow-paced cyclo exploration. The French Quarter and Wat Phnom area are best experienced at cyclo speed, and your driver can navigate the narrow streets around Psar Thmei that tour buses can't reach. The lack of rain means you can actually stop and photograph buildings without worrying about sudden downpours, and the morning light on the yellow colonial facades is perfect between 7-9am.
Tuol Sleng and Killing Fields Historical Site Visits
January's weather makes the emotionally heavy experience of these sites slightly more bearable physically. You'll be outdoors for significant portions, especially at Choeung Ek, and doing this in 31°C (88°F) heat is considerably better than the 35°C (95°F) you'd face in March or April. The sites are also less crowded in January mornings, giving you space for reflection. Plan for 4-5 hours total for both locations, and the dry conditions mean the grounds at Choeung Ek are walkable without mud.
Central Market and Russian Market Shopping Circuits
The covered markets are actually more comfortable in January than you'd expect - the high ceilings and cross-ventilation work reasonably well when outside temperatures are 31°C (88°F) rather than the 35°C (95°F) of hot season. Central Market (Psar Thmei) is spectacular architecturally and less humid inside during dry season. Russian Market (Tuol Tom Poung) is where you'll find better prices on textiles, crafts, and knockoff goods. January means you can walk between them (about 3 km or 1.9 miles) without arriving drenched in sweat if you go before 10am.
Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda Temple Complex Tours
January offers the best compromise for visiting Cambodia's most important royal site - dry weather means the outdoor courtyards are accessible, but you're dealing with dress code requirements (covered shoulders and knees) in 31°C (88°F) heat. The advantage is that early morning temperatures around 24°C (75°F) make the required modest clothing bearable. The complex is genuinely stunning, with the Throne Hall and Silver Pagoda worth the sweat, and January's clear skies mean better photography of the golden stupas.
Riverside Dining and Night Market Evening Circuits
January evenings are genuinely pleasant along Sisowath Quay - temperatures drop to 24-26°C (75-79°F) by 7pm, and the dry weather means outdoor seating is reliable. The night market near the Royal Palace runs 5pm-midnight and is worth browsing, though prices are tourist-oriented. The real advantage in January is that you can comfortably walk the 2 km (1.2 miles) riverside promenade after dinner, something that's less appealing during rainy season. Street food stalls set up along Street 106 and 108 by 6pm with excellent grilled seafood at local prices.
January Events & Festivals
Chinese New Year Celebrations
In 2026, Chinese New Year falls on January 29, and Phnom Penh's significant Chinese-Khmer community goes all out. The area around Psar Kandal and Street 136 fills with red lanterns, lion dances perform outside businesses, and temples like Wat Ounalom hold special ceremonies. It's colorful and festive, but also means increased crowds at major attractions and some restaurants closing for 2-3 days. The riverfront hosts evening celebrations with food stalls and performances.