The month in detail
What to expect in January
January is peak dry season in Phnom Penh. The air is warm and humidity more bearable than in the rainy season. Rain is virtually absent (6% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. December (5.9/10) is significantly better if possible.
January ranks 2 out of 12 months in Phnom Penh. Compared to December: 5 pts fewer rainy days, +0.6h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
muggy at times
18°
Daylight
11.4h of daylight
Air quality
fair
AQI 49
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Phnom Penh is December (5.9/10), 0.1 pt higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Phnom Penh
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
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Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Phnom Penh
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · Cambodia
🗣️LanguageKhmer
💶CurrencyRiel cambodgien (៛)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘSafe · 2/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthApril · 35°C
❄️Coolest monthNovember · 30°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘSeptember · 65%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘSeason Nov-Apr
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Phnom Penh ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
CambodiaTropical climate with a 5.9 → 4.4 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
11.56°N · 104.92°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Phnom Penh?
December is the best month with 31.0°C highs, 24.0°C lows, 7.8h of sunshine and 11.0% rainy days.
How many hours of sunshine does Phnom Penh get in December?
Phnom Penh averages 7.8 sunshine hours per day in December. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 5.8/10.
What is the rainiest month in Phnom Penh?
May is the most unfavourable month with May has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Phnom Penh in December?
In December, overnight lows reach 24.0°C, while afternoon highs average 31.0°C.
Is Phnom Penh good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Phnom Penh scores 5.6/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains December with a score of 5.8/10.
When should you avoid Phnom Penh?
May is the most difficult month to visit Phnom Penh, with May has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Do you need sun protection in Phnom Penh in January?
The average UV index reaches 8 in January in Phnom Penh (high), with about 11.4h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.