Month guide · Kuala Lumpur · Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur in January
What January is really like in Kuala Lumpur: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Kuala Lumpur. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), lows of 23°C (73°F), about 11 rainy days and roughly 12 hours of daylight. One of the drier months, with Chinese New Year and Thaipusam often falling in late January or February.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 32°C (90°F) / 23°C (73°F)
- Rainy days
- About 11
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in January
January is the 6th-warmest month in Kuala Lumpur: days average 32°C (90°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 23°C (73°F). Rain falls on roughly 11 of its 31 days. Compared with December (32°C (90°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 33°C (91°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 07:24
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 19:21
- Daylight
- About 12 hours
Second inter-monsoon (October–November). The wettest period, with frequent storms and occasional flash floods; plan indoor sights for afternoons.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in July). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in January
- Thaipusam — devotees carry kavadi up the steps of Batu Caves (January or February)
- Chinese New Year — lanterns at Thean Hou Temple and in Chinatown (late January or February)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
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Museum · Perdana Botanical Garden
Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
Allow time for the architecture models gallery, and have lunch at the museum restaurant before walking to the National Mosque next door.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Art
- Rainy day
- Architecture
- History
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Market · Chinatown (Petaling Street)
Central Market (Pasar Seni)
An art deco market hall from 1937, painted pale blue, now filled with craft and souvenir shops selling batik, songket weaving, pewter, wood carvings and Malaysian art, plus a food court upstairs.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Shopping
- Rainy day
- Art
Aquarium · KLCC
Aquaria KLCC
Combine it with KLCC Park and the Suria KLCC mall for an easy family day out of the heat.
- Time needed
- 1.5–2 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Kids
- Rainy day
- Nature
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Museum · Brickfields and KL Sentral
National Museum (Muzium Negara)
Built in the style of a traditional Malay palace, the National Museum traces Malaysian history from prehistory and the Melaka Sultanate through colonial rule to independence, with outdoor displays of vintage locomotives and cars.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- History
- Rainy day
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 32°C, lows near 23°C and 11 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a packable rain jacket for showers; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Kuala Lumpur?
One of the best months to visit Kuala Lumpur, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are February and June–July. Compare every month.
Kuala Lumpur in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Kuala Lumpur?
It is one of the best months to visit Kuala Lumpur. One of the drier months, with Chinese New Year and Thaipusam often falling in late January or February.
+How warm is Kuala Lumpur in January?
Average highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 23°C (73°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Kuala Lumpur in January?
Expect rain on about 11 days of the month.