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Climate & Weather in Kuala Lumpur

Rain mm/yr
2,845

Updated July 2026 · Sources cited: climatestotravel.com, weather-and-climate.com

Good to Know

  • Kuala Lumpur has no true dry season—rain falls year-round, even during 'drier' months (June–August average ~57mm). Expect tropical afternoon showers any time.
  • Temperatures feel warmer than thermometer readings due to high humidity (73–82% year-round) and urban heat island effect in the city center.
  • Best overall months for comfort are February, June–August: lower rainfall, clearer skies, still warm (26–33°C (79–91°F)). Book accommodation early; these are peak tourist months.
  • November is the worst month: expect frequent thunderstorms, waterlogged streets in low-lying areas, and challenging sightseeing conditions; consider this for budget travel (discounted hotels).
  • Haze from Sumatran fires can affect air quality in August–September, reducing visibility and outdoor activity comfort.
  • Morning outdoor activities recommended before afternoon heat and humidity spike; most rain showers are brief (1–2 hours) and concentrated late afternoon–evening.
  • Always carry a compact umbrella and lightweight rain jacket; sudden downpours are normal even in dry seasons.
  • Air-conditioned indoor attractions (malls, museums) are heavily used during rainy periods and peak midday heat—book ahead in peak months.

Monsoon Seasons

  • Northeast Monsoon (Winter)
    Months
    December–February
    Characteristics
    Heavy rainfall (15–20 rainy days per month), afternoon showers concentrated late in day, temperatures 23–32°C (73–90°F). November marks peak of this season with highest rainfall.
    Peak Intensity Month
    November
  • Southwest Monsoon (Summer)
    Months
    June–September
    Characteristics
    Relatively drier period with 10–15 rainy days per month. Daytime highs 32°C (90°F), nighttime lows 24°C (75°F). August–September may experience haze from Sumatran fires.
  • Inter-monsoon: Spring
    Months
    March–May
    Characteristics
    Transition period; unpredictable weather with fluctuating temperatures and abundant rainfall. Hottest months overall, with highs reaching 33–34°C (91–93°F). March particularly wet.
  • Inter-monsoon: Autumn
    Months
    October–November
    Characteristics
    Transition to northeast monsoon. Unpredictable weather, fluctuating temperatures 25–33°C (77–92°F), frequent afternoon/evening thunderstorms.

Best Months Weather

  • February
    Reason
    One of driest months with lowest rainfall; relatively clear skies and reduced humidity
    Rainfall Context
    Moderate
  • June
    Reason
    Driest month overall with lowest rainfall; good sunshine; part of summer monsoon dry spell
    Rainfall Context
    Lowest annual rainfall
  • July
    Reason
    Generally driest with reliable sunshine; popular for outdoor activities
    Rainfall Context
    Moderate-low
  • August
    Reason
    Continues dry summer pattern; good for sightseeing (note: occasional haze from Sumatran fires)
    Rainfall Context
    Moderate-low

Worst Months Weather

  • November
    Reason
    Wettest month of year with intense, almost daily afternoon and evening showers/thunderstorms; highest humidity (89.6%)
    Rainfall Context
    Peak rainfall (356mm)
  • December
    Reason
    Heavy rainfall continues; part of northeast monsoon peak season
    Rainfall Context
    High rainfall
  • March
    Reason
    Beginning of inter-monsoon; unpredictable weather with abundant rainfall and high temperatures creating discomfort
    Rainfall Context
    High rainfall

Rainfall

Driest Month
June
Wettest Month
November
Annual Total Mm
2845
Annual Total Inches
112
Driest Month Rainfall Mm
146
Wettest Month Rainfall Mm
356
Driest Month Rainfall Inches
5.7
Wettest Month Rainfall Inches
14
Note
Rain falls year-round; no month is truly dry. Afternoon showers are common across all seasons.

Snowfall

None. No significant snowfall recorded; city is equatorial and located at 3°N latitude.

Temperature

Peak Hot Months
March–May
Note
Temperatures remain relatively stable throughout the year with minimal seasonal variation (around 1.2°C (34°F) total). Urban heat island effect intensifies perceived warmth in central city areas.

Peak Temp Range

Daytime Celsius
33
Nighttime Celsius
24
Daytime Fahrenheit
91
Nighttime Fahrenheit
75

Year Round Average

Daytime Celsius
32
Nighttime Celsius
24
Daytime Fahrenheit
90
Nighttime Fahrenheit
75

Climate Type

Tropical rainforest (equatorial); hot and humid year-round with no true dry season

AI-generated estimateData refreshed July 2026

These are the sources cited in this climate & weather research for this city. Individual figures may not each trace to one of them.

  1. 1.climatestotravel.com
  2. 2.weather-and-climate.com
  3. 3.traveloka.com
  4. 4.weather-atlas.com
  5. 5.forevervacation.com
  6. 6.redbus.my
  7. 7.intrepidtravel.com
  8. 8.tradingeconomics.com

Data last updated July 2026 · Verify anything important.