Month guide · Kuala Lumpur · Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur in May
What May is really like in Kuala Lumpur: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Alexey Komarov, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
May is a shoulder-season month. Expect average highs of 33°C (91°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 14 rainy days and roughly 12.3 hours of daylight. Hot and humid with frequent storms; a good time for indoor sights in the afternoon.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 33°C (91°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 14
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in May
May is the 4th-warmest month in Kuala Lumpur: days average 33°C (91°F) against a yearly average high of 32°C (90°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 14 of its 31 days. Compared with April (33°C (91°F)), May is about as warm; by June highs stay near 33°C (91°F).
- Sunrise (15 May)
- About 07:01
- Sunset (15 May)
- About 19:17
- Daylight
- About 12.3 hours
Northeast monsoon (December–March). Kuala Lumpur is sheltered from the worst of this monsoon, and January and February are usually the driest months, busy with Chinese New Year and Thaipusam.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, May rates 3 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 May
May has no major recurring festival in Kuala Lumpur, which usually means easier bookings.
What to do in May
With intense heat, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
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
.jpg){kind=link}
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
Landmark · KLCC
Petronas Twin Towers
Book an evening slot to see the city lights, then watch the towers glow from KLCC Park's lakeside.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Views
- Architecture
- Kids
- After dark
Religious site · Gombak
Batu Caves
A limestone hill 13 km north of the city with Hindu shrines in its caves.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Iconic
- Free
- History
- Photo spot
- Active
What to pack
For highs near 33°C, lows near 24°C and 14 wet days: light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; a compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; comfortable walking shoes.
Is May a good time to visit Kuala Lumpur?
A shoulder-season month. If your dates are flexible, January–February and June–July are better overall. Compare every month.
Kuala Lumpur in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is May a good time to visit Kuala Lumpur?
It is a shoulder-season month. Hot and humid with frequent storms; a good time for indoor sights in the afternoon.
+How warm is Kuala Lumpur in May?
Average highs are around 33°C (91°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Kuala Lumpur in May?
Expect rain on about 14 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.