Cambodia Siem Reap Weather in January — Climate Guide
January in Siem Reap is very-high
January is very-high for Siem Reap.
January is statistically Siem Reap's best month — only 1 rainy day, 10mm rainfall, 32°C highs, and 21°C cool dawns ideal for the Angkor Wat sunrise. The trade-off is the year's peak pricing (hotels triple) and the largest tourist crowds at the temples.
Beach conditions don't apply (Siem Reap is landlocked), but the Tonle Sap floating villages are at perfect viewing height (water levels mid-cycle), and outer temples like Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei are crowd-free in the cool early morning.
Travel score
Peak dry season — best month of the year for Angkor + Tonle Sap
January Weather at a Glance
January averages 32°C / 90°F highs and 21°C / 70°F dawns with only 1 rainy day and 10mm rainfall. Humidity 60%, clear skies 90% of days, and sunrise at 6:30 AM with a 5:30 AM blue hour over the Angkor Wat reflecting pool. The single best month for Angkor temple sunrise photography. Sunset at 17:55 means early evening Phnom Bakheng visits.
January Travel Advice
Book Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor / Park Hyatt / Belmond La Résidence 2-3 months ahead — peak season demand. Pre-book Angkor 3-day pass online + tuk-tuk for sunrise. Arrive at the north reflecting pool by 4:30 AM. Phnom Bakheng sunset caps at 300 visitors — arrive 15:30 to secure entry. Pre Rup is the canonical alternative if Phnom Bakheng is full.
Flying In from Overseas
Northern Hemisphere winter escape destination — peak inbound from Europe (Christmas-New Year tail), Australia, and South Korea. Direct flights from Bangkok (1h, $30-80), Singapore (2.5h, $150-300), Kuala Lumpur (2h, $100-250). No direct from US/UK — connect via Bangkok or Singapore (total 20-26h). 30-day e-Visa $36 online or visa-on-arrival $30 cash at REP/SAI.
January Pricing Trends
Year's highest pricing: Raffles Grand Hotel d'Angkor $400-800/night, Park Hyatt Siem Reap $300-600, FCC Angkor by Avani $150-300, Onederz Hostel $10-25. Angkor 3-day pass $62 (fixed). Tuk-tuk full day $20-30. Cuisine Wat Damnak tasting $40-60. Phare Circus $18-38.
Siem Reap January Weather Stats
Avg High
32°C
Avg Low
21°C
Rainy Days
1
10mm total
Sunshine
9h
Daily avg
Humidity
60%
moderate
UV Index
10
Very high
Wind
8 km/h
Gusts 18
Sea Temp
0°C
no swimming
Crowds
Very busy
At attractions
January Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
35 μg/m³
PM10
55 μg/m³
Status
moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
34°C
Nighttime
22°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
8 km/h
Max gust 18 km/h
Activities Recommended for January
January Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Cool dry ideal Angkor — 21°C dawns + 32°C days
- Crystal-clear sunrise visibility (no clouds)
- Tonle Sap floating villages fully visible
Cons
- Hotels triple in price ($300-1,500 at 5-star Raffles/Park Hyatt)
- Tourist crush at Angkor Wat sunrise (200+ at the pool)
- Phnom Bakheng sunset 300-person cap fills by 16:00
January Events & Festivals
- Peak dry season — best weather of the year for Angkor
- Western Christmas-New Year tail (book accommodation 2-3 months ahead)
- Chinese + Lunar New Year approaches late month
Siem Reap in January — Full Picture
January is statistically Siem Reap's best month — only 1 rainy day, 10mm rainfall, 32°C highs, and 21°C cool dawns ideal for the Angkor Wat sunrise. The trade-off is the year's peak pricing (hotels triple) and the largest tourist crowds at the temples.
Beach conditions don't apply (Siem Reap is landlocked), but the Tonle Sap floating villages are at perfect viewing height (water levels mid-cycle), and outer temples like Beng Mealea and Banteay Srei are crowd-free in the cool early morning.
For sunrise photography: arrive at the Angkor Wat north reflecting pool by 4:30 AM — by 5:00 AM there will be 200+ photographers around the pool edge. Pre-book tuk-tuk pickup ($20-30/day) and Angkor 3-day pass online to skip the morning queue.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Tropical light — t-shirts, shorts, dress, sandals year-round. Bring a light evening jacket for the 21°C dawn during Angkor sunrise excursions. Modest temple cover-up mandatory (cover shoulders + knees + closed shoes). SPF 50+ sunscreen + sunglasses + hat for the full day.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
35.7°C
24.3°C
6.7/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
33.3°C
25°C
15/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
31.7°C
23.3°C
13.7/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current32°C
21°C
1.3/mo
Siem Reap Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 32° | 21° | 1d·10mm | 9h | 60% | 10 | Very busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 33° | 21° | 1d·5mm | 10h | 55% | 10 | Very busy | Peak |
| March (Best) | 35° | 23° | 3d·25mm | 9h | 55% | 11 | Busy | Shoulder |
| 37° | 25° | 4d·50mm | 9h | 60% | 11 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 35° | 25° | 13d·175mm | 7h | 75% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 34° | 25° | 14d·175mm | 6h | 80% | 11 | Moderate | Low season | |
| 33° | 25° | 15d·200mm | 6h | 80% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 33° | 25° | 16d·225mm | 6h | 80% | 10 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 32° | 24° | 18d·275mm | 5h | 85% | 10 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 32° | 24° | 16d·230mm | 6h | 80% | 9 | Moderate | Low season | |
| November (Best) | 31° | 22° | 7d·70mm | 7h | 70% | 9 | Busy | Shoulder |
| December (Best) | 31° | 21° | 2d·15mm | 9h | 60% | 9 | Very busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Siem Reap January Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is January a good time to visit Siem Reap?
Siem Reap in January is very-high. Tourist crowds are very busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Siem Reap in January?
Siem Reap January averages a high of 32°C and a low of 21°C.
Does it rain much in Siem Reap in January?
Siem Reap January averages 10mm of rainfall over about 1 rainy days.
What should I wear in Siem Reap in January?
Tropical light — t-shirts, shorts, dress, sandals year-round. Bring a light evening jacket for the 21°C dawn during Angkor sunrise excursions. Modest temple cover-up mandatory (cover shoulders + knees + closed shoes). SPF 50+ sunscreen + sunglasses + hat for the full day.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Siem Reap in January?
Siem Reap January sunrise is 06:30 and sunset is 17:55, with 11h 25min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Siem Reap in January?
Siem Reap January air quality (AQI) averages 80, rated Moderate. PM2.5 averages 35μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Siem Reap in January?
In January, Siem Reap is great for Angkor Wat sunrise, Bayon Temple, Ta Prohm.
Is January peak season in Siem Reap?
Siem Reap January crowds are very busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Siem Reap
View Other Months
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.