Month guide · Penang · Malaysia
Penang in January
What January is really like in Penang: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Azreey, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Penang. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), lows of 24°C (75°F), about 7 rainy days and roughly 11.8 hours of daylight. Dry, sunny and comparatively breezy — one of the best months. Chinese New Year often falls in late January or February, bringing crowds and lanterns.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 32°C (90°F) / 24°C (75°F)
- Rainy days
- About 7
- Daylight
- About 11.8 hours
- Sea temperature
- 29°C (84°F)
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in January
January is the warmest month in Penang: days average 32°C (90°F) against a yearly average high of 31°C (88°F), and nights fall to about 24°C (75°F). Rain falls on roughly 7 of its 31 days. Compared with December (31°C (88°F)), January is about as warm; by February highs stay near 32°C (90°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 07:32
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 19:23
- 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, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in January). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Chinese New Year — Kek Lok Si lit with lanterns (late January or February)
- Thaipusam procession to the Waterfall Hilltop Temple (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
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
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
Viewpoint · Air Itam
Penang Hill
A funicular railway climbs from Air Itam to the top of Penang Hill (Bukit Bendera), more than 800 m up, where the air is a few degrees cooler and terraces look over George Town, the bridges and the mainland.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Views
- Nature
- Kids
- Couples
Nature · Teluk Bahang
Penang National Park
Start early to beat the heat, register at the entrance, carry plenty of water, and arrange a boat back if you walk out.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Nature
- Outdoors
- Active
- Free
Beach · Batu Ferringhi
Batu Ferringhi beach
The island's main beach is a long strip of golden sand backed by resorts, with parasailing, jet-skis and seafood restaurants.
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Kids
- After dark
- Outdoors
The sea averages 29°C (84°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Penang.
What to pack
For highs near 32°C, lows near 24°C and 7 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 Penang?
One of the best months to visit Penang, with 2 notable events on the calendar. The other best months are February–March and December. Compare every month.
Penang in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Penang?
It is one of the best months to visit Penang. Dry, sunny and comparatively breezy — one of the best months. Chinese New Year often falls in late January or February, bringing crowds and lanterns.
+How warm is Penang in January?
Average highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Penang in January?
Expect rain on about 7 days of the month.