Are you planning a trip to Laos in January? Read on to learn more about January weather in Laos, clothes to wear for the weather, and best places to visit in Laos in January.
- The Weather in January: Overview
- Major Cities' Weather in Laos
- The 5 Best Places to Visit
- Crowds and Cost in January
- What to Wear in January
- Best Tours In Laos
1. The Weather in January: Overview
- Temperature range: 16–30°C (61–86°F)
- Rainfall: 10 mm (½ inch)
- Rainy days: 2
- Sunny days: 29
January is in the middle of the dry season in Laos. The weather is generally warm and sunny during the daytime and mild at night with an average temperature ranging from 16°C to 30°C. Rainfall is rare in January in most parts of Laos.
It is one of the best months of the year to explore Laos' historical sites and natural attractions.
2. Major Cities' Weather in Laos
Luang Prabang: The weather in Luang Prabang in December is warm during the daytime and mild at night. The minimum temperature drops to 14°C (57°F) on average, and the maximum temperature typically reaches 28°C (82°F). Rainfall is expected for 3 days amounting to around 10 mm (½ an inch). January is a good time to do outdoor activities.
Vientiane: It is warm and sunny in Vientiane in January. The temperature in Vientiane typically ranges from 17°C (62°F) to 29°C (84°F). Rainfall is rare in this month at about 10 mm.
Vang Vieng: The weather in Vang Vieng is quite warm in January. The average daily low temperature is around 13°C (56°F), and high temperatures reach 28°C (82°F) on average. There are about 2 days of rain totaling about 11 mm.
Pakse: The weather in Pakse is quite warm and even hot during the daytime in January. The lowest temperature at night averages 19°C (66°F), and the high temperature typically reaches 32°C (87°F). Rainfall in January averages only 2 mm (0.1 in). You are likely to see no rain at all in Pakse in January.
3. The 5 Best Places to Visit
January is in the peak season for visiting Laos. With its warm weather and sunny skies, lots of Western tourists choose to spend their New Year holidays in Laos.
It is also a good time to come and experience the local New Year celebrations.
Here are some of the recommended places to visit if you go to Laos in January.
If you are visiting the capital city of Laos for the first time, then Patuxai Park should be on your must-visit list. One of the best-known attractions in Vientiane, Patuxai Park is located at the heart of the capital.
There you can walk along the snakelike paths in the park to enjoy free time in beautiful gardens.
Take some photos at the famous Patuxai War Monument in the center of the park. The monument was built in honor of all the people who fought for Laos's independence. It is relaxing to spend an afternoon there and enjoy the warm sunshine.
Buddhism is the main religion in Laos, and it plays an important role in Lao people's lives. Buddha Park is one of the best places to learn more about Laos's Buddhist culture.
This sculpture park has more than 200 religious statues, scattered throughout.
Among them, the huge 40-meter-high (130-foot-high) reclining Buddha statue is the biggest sculpture. Beside the buddha sculpture, there is an amazing Hindu sculpture, which shows the king of Hindu gods riding a three-headed elephant as well as showing other sacred Hindu deities.
January is a good time to climb up Mount Phousi, as Luang Prabang's temperatures are mild/warm and the sky is mostly clear.
The 100-meter-high (300-foot-high) hill is a must-visit place for travelers to Luang Prabang. From the top of the hill, you can get a spectacular overview of the Mekong River and the River Khan running through the beautiful countryside of Laos. It is not difficult to climb up the hill as there are well-paved steps zigzagging up to the top. On the way to the top, you can see some shrines and reclining Buddhas.
On the top, there is a golden Buddha temple called Wat Chomsi, which was built in 1804.
It is a favorite spot for photographers who would like to capture beautiful sunset or sunrise views in Laos.
4. Vang Vieng Elephant Sanctuary
If you are planning to visit Laos with kids, then Vang Vieng Elephant Sanctuary should be on your list. It is a good place to get close to the natural life of Laos, including the beautiful elephants. It is a special experience to trek through the jungle to search for elephants and then feed them with bananas. You can also bathe the elephants in a lake and play water games with them. Interacting with them in this eco-friendly way could be a lifetime memory for you.
5. Mekong Riverside Park, Vientiane (Night Market)
Mekong Riverside Park should be on your list if time allows when you are finishing a Los trip in Vientiane. There you can walk along the Mekong riverside at sunset, then wander around the busy night markets set on both sides.
There are so many great souvenirs that you could buy to bring home including local artifacts, Buddhist statues, sunglasses, Laos T-shirts, and more.
4. Crowds and Cost in January
January is one of the best months of the year to visit Laos. Numerous Western travelers from Europe and America have chosen to spend their New Year holiday in Laos.
Historical and cultural attractions will be more crowded and busier than in other months in January.
The cost of hotels and tours in January is much higher than in other months. Many branded hotels book up quickly in this month.
So, research early to choose the best times to come and places to stay, and book early to secure deals. Or you could simply contact us — we can do all the research and booking for your ideal trip.
5. What to Wear in January
Laos is quite warm in the day in January, but can be a little cool in the evenings. Pack summer clothes — T-shirts, light trousers, shirts, shorts, hats, sunglasses... — with a light jacket / hoodies etc. to put on according to the temperature in the evenings and early mornings. It is quite dry in January. So, bring anything that keeps your skin moisturized. Keep hydrated by drinking more water than you usually would. Rainfall is rare in this month. There is no need to bring umbrellas or raincoats.
6. Best Tours In Laos