Phnom Penh vs Ho Chi Minh City

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Phnom Penh edges ahead as the better destination in January. Phnom Penh offers 11 hours of daily sunshine with only 3 rain days, while Ho Chi Minh City sees 11 sunshine hours and 4 rain days.

Phnom Penh can feel quite hot at 32°C, so plan for heat. Ho Chi Minh City runs hot at 31°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Phnom Penh is the stronger choice in January.

Phnom Penh reaches an average high of 32°C (90°F) and drops to 22°C (72°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 10°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Ho Chi Minh City averages 31°C (88°F) for the high and 22°C (72°F) for the low, with a daily range of 9°C. The two cities feel quite similar in terms of temperature.

Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in January.

Phnom Penh receives approximately 15 mm of rainfall across 3 rain days during January. Rain is occasional, so a light rain jacket should suffice.

Ho Chi Minh City sees 23 mm over 4 rain days. That makes Phnom Penh the drier option by 1 rain day and 8 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.