When to go · Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur in January
Good month. Drier; Thaipusam and Chinese New Year crowds some years.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Temperature
- 32°C90°F / 23°C73°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 14
- Crowds
- Medium
- Malaysia overall
- Prices
- Medium
- Malaysia overall
Verdict
Drier; Thaipusam and Chinese New Year crowds some years.
Weather in January
- Kuala LumpurHighs around 32 °C, lows around 23 °C, rain on about 14 daysHighs around 90 °F, lows around 73 °F, rain on about 14 days
- West coast, Malaysia · Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Penang, Ipohfine
Hot and humid all year (31–34 °C); afternoon storms, heaviest Apr and Oct–Nov; haze from Sumatra fires possible Jun–Sep.Hot and humid all year (88–93 °F); afternoon storms, heaviest Apr and Oct–Nov; haze from Sumatra fires possible Jun–Sep.
Dry spell season
The driest weather and festivals.
Watch: Crowds at Thaipusam and Chinese New Year.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Thaipusam check
January or February (check) · Batu Caves
Huge crowds and road closures.
Chinese New Year
January or February (dates move)
Many Chinese-run shops close for days; Chinatown is lit up.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Malaysia overall
- Medium
- Prices · Malaysia overall
- Medium
Malaysia overall: West coast fine; east-coast islands closed; Thaipusam and Chinese New Year may fall here (check).
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast