Climate
Kuala Lumpur Yearly Weather Summary
Wet or Dry Season?
Kuala Lumpur only has 2 seasons – wet or dry. Having said that, it can and does rain heavily at any time of the year, with most downpours and thunderstorms occurring in the morning.
The wet season lasts from November to March, with November being the wettest month of all. If you visit in November, you can expect it to rain on up to 20 days of the month, with a total rainfall of around 12 inches.
The dry season runs in theory from May to September, with the driest month of the year being June – with “just” 10 rainy days a month, and rainfall of around 4 inches.
Two Monsoons
Kuala Lumpur experiences two monsoon periods, from March to April and from October to November, with the latter being the worst of the two. During monsoon season, the rain tends to switch from the mornings to the late afternoon, and it will rain for an hour or so at a time. However, once the downpour has gone, it’s gone, and it’s not enough to disrupt daily life or to inhibit visitors.
Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur
The temperature in Kuala Lumpur remains at a fairly constant 28-32°C all year round, as is normal for a tropical country close to the equator. Most people prefer to visit during the drier months of June and July, but there’s no particular reason why you shouldn’t enjoy a visit to Kuala Lumpur during the wet season.
During the rainy periods, you’ll have the perfect excuse to explore the city’s indoor attractions and museums.
If you’re hoping to visit some of the area’s natural beauty, however, most tourists will find the drier weather more comfortable. If you want to see the stunning displays of the famous Kuala Selangor fireflies, you’ll need to choose a day without rain as the flies do not “perform” in the rain. The Forest Research Institute of Malaysia, on the other hand, offers a stunning canopy treetop walk which you can take in any weather, affording gorgeous views of the Kuala Lumpur skyline.
The Hindu temple complex at Batu Caves is stunning in the rain, so add this to your list of things to do in Kuala Lumpur on a rainy day!
