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Weather Comparison

Vientiane vs Luang Prabang

Side-by-side weather comparison for January

Vientiane: 27°CLuang Prabang: 27°C219 km apart

January Weather: Vientiane vs Luang Prabang

MetricVientianeLuang PrabangBetter
Average HighHigher is warmer27°C (81°F)27°C (81°F)Tie
Average LowHigher is milder17°C (63°F)16°C (61°F)Vientiane
Rain DaysFewer is drier2 days3 daysVientiane
PrecipitationLess is drier10 mm19 mmVientiane
Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier10h/day9h/dayVientiane
HumidityLower is more comfortable78%78%Tie
UV IndexLower is safer33Tie
Wind SpeedCalmer is better11 km/h7 km/hLuang Prabang

Which City is Better in January?

Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Vientiane edges ahead as the better destination in January. Vientiane offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 2 rain days, while Luang Prabang sees 9 sunshine hours and 3 rain days.

Vientiane sits in the comfortable travel range at 27°C. Luang Prabang is also comfortable at 27°C.

For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Vientiane is the stronger choice in January. Vientiane receives 1 more hour of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Temperature Comparison in January

Vientiane reaches an average high of 27°C (81°F) and drops to 17°C (63°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 10°C, meaning moderate variation throughout the day.

Luang Prabang averages 27°C (81°F) for the high and 16°C (61°F) for the low, with a daily range of 11°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.

Rainfall Comparison in January

Vientiane receives approximately 10 mm of rainfall across 2 rain days during January. Rain is rare this month, so dry conditions are likely.

Luang Prabang sees 19 mm over 3 rain days. That makes Vientiane the drier option by 1 rain day and 9 mm of total precipitation.

Both cities share similar humidity levels at 78%.

What to Pack: Vientiane vs Luang Prabang

Packing for Vientiane in January

Highs of 27°C, lows of 17°C, 2 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Packing for Luang Prabang in January

Highs of 27°C, lows of 16°C, 3 rain days

  • light layers
  • a light jacket for evenings
  • sunscreen
  • moisture-wicking fabrics

Pack for both: light layers, a light jacket for evenings, sunscreen, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during January.

Year-Round Comparison: Vientiane vs Luang Prabang

The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month of the year, helping you find the best time to visit either city.January is highlighted for quick reference.

MonthVientianeLuang Prabang
HighRainHighRain
Jan27°C2d27°C3d
Feb30°C2d30°C2d
Mar32°C6d33°C6d
Apr34°C11d33°C12d
May32°C23d32°C20d
Jun30°C26d31°C22d
Jul30°C28d30°C26d
Aug30°C28d30°C28d
Sep30°C24d29°C22d
Oct29°C11d29°C12d
Nov29°C3d28°C4d
Dec27°C1d26°C3d
27°

Vientiane Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

27°

Luang Prabang Weather in January

Full forecast, packing tips, and activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Vientiane warmer than Luang Prabang in January?
Vientiane and Luang Prabang have the same average high temperature of 27°C (81°F) in January. The average lows are 17°C and 16°C respectively.
Which city gets more rain in January, Vientiane or Luang Prabang?
Luang Prabang gets more rain in January with 3 rain days and 19 mm of precipitation. Vientiane is the drier option with 2 rain days.
Is it better to visit Vientiane or Luang Prabang in January?
It depends on your preferences. Vientiane averages 27°C and 10 hours of daily sunshine with 2 rain days. Luang Prabang averages 27°C with 9 sunshine hours and 3 rain days. If you prefer cooler conditions, choose Luang Prabang. For drier weather, Vientiane is the better pick.
How far apart are Vientiane and Luang Prabang?
Vientiane and Luang Prabang are approximately 219 km (136 miles) apart. Vientiane is located in Laos (Asia) while Luang Prabang is in Laos (Asia).
What is the best month to visit Vientiane and Luang Prabang?
For Vientiane, April tends to be the best month with 11 hours of daily sunshine and a high of 34°C. For Luang Prabang, April is typically ideal with 11 sunshine hours and 33°C highs.

Compare Vientiane and Luang Prabang in Other Months

Climate data sourced from the Open-Meteo Historical Weather API, using ERA5 reanalysis data covering 30-year normals from 1991 to 2020. All temperatures shown in Celsius with Fahrenheit equivalents. Rain days count days with 1 mm or more of precipitation. Sunshine hours represent average daily values. This comparison is generated from long-term climate averages and individual trips may vary.

Vientiane coordinates: 17.98°N, 102.63°E | Luang Prabang coordinates: 19.88°N, 102.13°E