Month guide · Penang · Malaysia

Penang in December

What December is really like in Penang: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.

Updated 23 October 2026By the AMZBooking editorial team

Photo: This Photo was taken by Supanut Arunoprayote . Feel free to use any of my images, but plea, CC BY 4.0

Quick answer

December is one of the best months to visit Penang. Expect average highs of 31°C (88°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 12 rainy days and roughly 11.8 hours of daylight. Rain eases through the month and the dry season begins; Christmas and year-end holidays fill hotels.

Average high / low: 31°C (88°F) / 24°C (75°F)
Rainy days: About 12
Daylight: About 11.8 hours
Sea temperature: 29°C (84°F)
Crowds: Busy
Hotel prices: High

Weather in December

December is the coolest month in Penang: days average 31°C (88°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 12 of its 31 days. Compared with November (31°C (88°F)), December is about as warm; by January highs stay near 32°C (90°F).

Sunrise (15 December): About 07:20
Sunset (15 December): About 19:09
Daylight: About 11.8 hours
Sea: 29°C (84°F)

Wet season (September–November). The rainiest stretch, with heavy storms most afternoons, the Mid-Autumn Festival and Deepavali, and the lowest prices.

Crowds and prices

On a 1–5 scale, December rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: December is one of the pricier months.

Events in December

Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations along the Esplanade (late December)

Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.

What to do in December

With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.

Museum · George Town Heritage Zone

Pinang Peranakan Mansion

A green mansion built for the Kapitan Cina Chung Keng Quee in the late 19th century, filled with more than 1,000 antiques showing the lavish style of the Straits Chinese (Peranakan): carved gilded screens, beaded slippers, jewellery and porcelain.

Time needed: 1 hour
Cost: Mid-priced

History
Rainy day
Architecture
Art

Zoo · Teluk Bahang

Entopia

Go in the morning, when butterflies are most active, and combine it with the national park or the spice garden.

Time needed: 2 hours
Cost: Mid-priced

Kids
Nature
Rainy day

Historic site · George Town Heritage Zone

Khoo Kongsi

The clan house of the Khoo family, rebuilt in its present form in 1906, is the most elaborate in Malaysia: a temple hall of gilded carvings, painted beams and stone sculpture set in a hidden square of row houses, entered through narrow alleys off Lebuh Cannon.

Time needed: 1 hour
Cost: Low cost

Iconic
History
Architecture
Photo spot

Religious site · Air Itam

Kek Lok Si Temple

Take the inclined lift up to the Kuan Yin statue and walk down through the terraces; visit after dark during the Chinese New Year lighting period.

Time needed: 2 hours
Cost: Low cost

Iconic
Views
Architecture
After dark

The sea averages 29°C (84°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Penang.

What to pack

For highs near 31°C, lows near 24°C and 12 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 December a good time to visit Penang?

One of the best months to visit Penang, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are January–March. Compare every month.

Penang in other months

Questions travellers ask

+Is December a good time to visit Penang?

It is one of the best months to visit Penang. Rain eases through the month and the dry season begins; Christmas and year-end holidays fill hotels.

+How warm is Penang in December?

Average highs are around 31°C (88°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).

+Does it rain a lot in Penang in December?

Expect rain on about 12 days of the month, so pack for wet weather.