Month guide · Penang · Malaysia
Penang in March
What March is really like in Penang: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Asiadetailfeed, CC BY-SA 3.0
Quick answer
March is one of the best months to visit Penang. Expect average highs of 32°C (90°F), lows of 25°C (77°F), about 11 rainy days and roughly 12.1 hours of daylight. Hot and still mostly dry, with occasional afternoon showers starting late in the month.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 32°C (90°F) / 25°C (77°F)
- Rainy days
- About 11
- Daylight
- About 12.1 hours
- Sea temperature
- 30°C (86°F)
- Crowds
- Moderate
- Hotel prices
- Average
Weather in March
March is the 3rd-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 25°C (77°F). Rain falls on roughly 11 of its 31 days. Compared with February (32°C (90°F)), March is about as warm; by April highs stay near 32°C (90°F).
- Sunrise (15 March)
- About 07:25
- Sunset (15 March)
- About 19:31
- Daylight
- About 12.1 hours
- Sea
- 30°C (86°F)
Dry season (December–March). The sunniest, least rainy months, with Chinese New Year and Thaipusam festivals and peak hotel prices.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, March rates 3 for crowds (the peak is January at 4) and 3 for hotel prices (highest in January). Prices sit in the middle of the year's range.
Events in March
- Qing Ming tomb-sweeping festival (early April or late March)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in March
With frequent rain, plan around indoor sights and keep outdoor time flexible.
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
Market · Gurney Drive and Pulau Tikus
Gurney Drive Hawker Centre
Penang's best-known hawker centre comes alive in the evening at the end of the seafront promenade, with dozens of stalls selling char kway teow, asam laksa, rojak, oyster omelette and lor bak at shared tables.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Food
- After dark
Religious site · Gurney Drive and Pulau Tikus
Wat Chayamangkalaram and Dhammikarama
Remove shoes before entering the halls and visit both in one stop; entry is free.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Architecture
- History
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 30°C (86°F) — warm enough to swim. Best beaches near Penang.
What to pack
For highs near 32°C, lows near 25°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 March 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 December–February. Compare every month.
Penang in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is March a good time to visit Penang?
It is one of the best months to visit Penang. Hot and still mostly dry, with occasional afternoon showers starting late in the month.
+How warm is Penang in March?
Average highs are around 32°C (90°F) and lows around 25°C (77°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Penang in March?
Expect rain on about 11 days of the month.