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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°C (90°F) / 23°C (73°F)
average high / low
Rain days
14
Crowds
Medium
Malaysia overall
Prices
Medium
Malaysia overall

Verdict

GoodVoykit month rating for Kuala Lumpur

Drier; Thaipusam and Chinese New Year crowds some years.

All twelve months in one grid — weather, crowds and prices, with gaps left as unknown.

Is another month better than January?

January is rated good. These months rate higher:

Weather in January

Long-term averages
  • Kuala LumpurHighs around 32 °C (90 °F), lows around 23 °C (73 °F), rain on about 14 days
  • West coast, Malaysia · Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Penang, Ipohfine

    Hot and humid all year (31–34 °C (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).

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Kuala Lumpur, side by side.

  • Verdict

    Jan: Good

    Feb: Great (better)

  • Daytime high

    Jan: 32 °C (90 °F)

    Feb: 33 °C (91 °F)

  • Night low

    Jan: 23 °C (73 °F)

    Feb: 23 °C (73 °F)

  • Rain days

    Jan: 14

    Feb: 12 (better)

  • Crowds

    Jan: Medium

    Feb: High

  • Prices

    Jan: Medium

    Feb: High

  • Festivals listed

    Jan: 2

    Feb: 2

January: Drier; Thaipusam and Chinese New Year crowds some years.

February: Driest month; Chinese New Year some years.

Kuala Lumpur: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Across Malaysia in January →