Best time to visit · Penang · Malaysia
The best time to visit Penang
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Mohammed Al-Naser, CC BY 2.0
Quick answer
The best time to visit Penang is December to March, when the weather is driest and slightly less humid, though Chinese New Year (late January or February) brings crowds and higher prices along with spectacular lanterns at Kek Lok Si. April to August is hot with afternoon storms but still fine for sightseeing. September to November is the wettest period, with heavy storms most afternoons, but prices are at their lowest.
Key facts
- Best months
- December–March
- Shoulder season
- April–August
- Warmest month
- January (avg high 32°C (90°F))
- Coldest month
- June (avg high 31°C (88°F))
- Rainiest month
- October (~21 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- September–November
Seasons
Penang is hot and humid all year, with daytime highs around 31–32°C and nights around 24–25°C. December to February is the driest period; rain increases from April, and September to November is the wettest stretch, with heavy afternoon storms. Haze from regional fires can affect air quality in some years, usually between June and September.
December–March
Dry season
The sunniest, least rainy months, with Chinese New Year and Thaipusam festivals and peak hotel prices.
April–May
Hot season
The hottest, most humid period, with afternoon thunderstorms building and Wesak Day processions.
June–August
Southwest monsoon
Mixed sunshine and showers, durian season, school-holiday crowds and possible haze from regional fires.
September–November
Wet season
The rainiest stretch, with heavy storms most afternoons, the Mid-Autumn Festival and Deepavali, and the lowest prices.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Sea | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 24°C | 7 | 29°C | 11.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 32°C | 24°C | 7 | 29°C | 11.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 32°C | 25°C | 11 | 30°C | 12.1 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 32°C | 25°C | 15 | 30°C | 12.2 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 32°C | 25°C | 15 | 30°C | 12.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| June | 31°C | 25°C | 13 | 30°C | 12.4 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| July | 31°C | 24°C | 13 | 29°C | 12.4 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| August | 31°C | 24°C | 15 | 29°C | 12.3 h | 4/5 | 3/5 |
| September | 31°C | 24°C | 19 | 29°C | 12.1 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 31°C | 24°C | 21 | 29°C | 12 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| November | 31°C | 24°C | 18 | 29°C | 11.9 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| December | 31°C | 24°C | 12 | 29°C | 11.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Chinese New Year — Kek Lok Si lit with lanterns (late January or February); Thaipusam procession to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple (January or February) |
| February | Chap Goh Meh — oranges thrown into the sea at Gurney Drive (15th day of Chinese New Year) |
| March | Qing Ming tomb-sweeping festival (early April or late March) |
| May | Wesak Day — Buddhist processions and temple ceremonies (usually May) |
| June | Durian season in Balik Pulau (usually June–August) |
| July | George Town World Heritage Day celebrations (7 July); George Town Festival — arts and performance events (usually mid-year) |
| August | Hungry Ghost Festival (usually August or September); Merdeka Day — national day (31 August) |
| September | Mid-Autumn Festival — lanterns and mooncakes (September or early October) |
| October | Deepavali — Little India decorated with lights and stalls (October or November) |
| November | Deepavali celebrations (some years) |
| December | Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations along the Esplanade (late December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in September–November, and the sights are quietest in September–November.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Hot season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Southwest monsoon | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Wet season | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; A compact umbrella and waterproof shoes — rain is frequent; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Penang?
The best time to visit Penang is December to March, when the weather is driest and slightly less humid, though Chinese New Year (late January or February) brings crowds and higher prices along with spectacular lanterns at Kek Lok Si. April to August is hot with afternoon storms but still fine for sightseeing. September to November is the wettest period, with heavy storms most afternoons, but prices are at their lowest.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Penang?
Usually in September–November. Among the wettest months, with heavy afternoon and evening storms; mornings are often clear.
+What is the rainiest month in Penang?
October, with about 21 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Penang get?
The warmest month, January, averages highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F).