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)90°F (32°C) / 23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 14
- Crowds
- Medium
- Malaysia overall
- Prices
- Medium
- Malaysia overall
Verdict
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
- Kuala LumpurHighs around 32 °C (90 °F), lows around 23 °C (73 °F), rain on about 14 daysHighs around 90 °F (32 °C), lows around 73 °F (23 °C), 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.Hot and humid all year (88–93 °F (31–34 °C)); 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)90 °F (32 °C)
Feb: 33 °C (91 °F)91 °F (33 °C)
Night low
Jan: 23 °C (73 °F)73 °F (23 °C)
Feb: 23 °C (73 °F)73 °F (23 °C)
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