Penang, Malaysia Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Penang
Located in Malaysia, Penang experiences a tropical rainforest climate with steady heat, high humidity and frequent downpours in every month. Afternoon temperatures peak near 85°F (29°C) in March and dip to about 82°F (28°C) in November, with around 127.0 inches (3226 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: March - highs near 85°F (29°C)
- Coldest month: November - highs near 82°F (28°C)
- Record high: 92°F (34°C) · Record low: 70°F (21°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: October (28 rainy days) · Sunniest: March (10.3 h sun/day)
- Climate type: tropical rainforest - steady heat, high humidity and frequent downpours in every month
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on March. Highs average 85°F (29°C) and overnight lows stay near 75°F (24°C). The coolest month is November, with typical highs of 82°F (28°C) and lows around 74°F (24°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 92°F (34°C) and dropped as low as 70°F (21°C).
Rain, sun and snow
October is usually the wettest month. It brings about 16.5 inches (419 mm) of rain over 28 days, while February is the driest. March brings the most sunshine, averaging 10.3 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 83° | 74° | 20 | 5.7 in | 9.4 h/day | 83% |
| February | 84° | 74° | 15 | 4.2 in | 10.2 h/day | 79% |
| March | 85° | 75° | 23 | 6.9 in | 10.3 h/day | 81% |
| April | 84° | 76° | 28 | 12.2 in | 9.6 h/day | 85% |
| May | 84° | 76° | 28 | 15.9 in | 8.8 h/day | 87% |
| June | 83° | 76° | 23 | 8.6 in | 9.3 h/day | 85% |
| July | 83° | 76° | 23 | 7.5 in | 9.4 h/day | 85% |
| August | 83° | 75° | 26 | 11.8 in | 9.2 h/day | 85% |
| September | 82° | 75° | 27 | 12.8 in | 8.4 h/day | 86% |
| October | 82° | 74° | 28 | 16.5 in | 8.2 h/day | 88% |
| November | 82° | 74° | 30 | 16.0 in | 7.8 h/day | 89% |
| December | 82° | 74° | 23 | 8.9 in | 8.4 h/day | 86% |
Penang month by month
Penang weather in January
January brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 20 wet days.
Penang weather in February
February brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 15 wet days - typically the driest month of the year in Penang.
Penang weather in March
March brings highs around 85°F (29°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 23 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Penang.
Penang weather in April
April brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 28 wet days.
Penang weather in May
May brings highs around 84°F (29°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 28 wet days.
Penang weather in June
June brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 23 wet days.
Penang weather in July
July brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), about 23 wet days.
Penang weather in August
August brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 26 wet days.
Penang weather in September
September brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 75°F (24°C), about 27 wet days.
Penang weather in October
October brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 74°F (24°C), about 28 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Penang.
Penang weather in November
November brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 74°F (24°C), about 30 wet days - typically the coldest month of the year in Penang.
Penang weather in December
December brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 74°F (23°C), about 23 wet days.
Seasons in Penang
March through May
March through May in Penang is hot, with daytime highs averaging 84°F (29°C) and nights around 76°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 78 days across the season. With the humidity factored in, afternoons often feel hotter than the thermometer reads - run the numbers through the humidity and dew point converter to see why.
June through August
June through August in Penang is hot, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 76°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 72 days across the season.
September through November
September through November in Penang is hot, with daytime highs averaging 82°F (28°C) and nights around 74°F (24°C); expect showers on roughly 85 days across the season.
December through February
December through February in Penang brings hot afternoons, with daytime highs averaging 83°F (28°C) and nights around 74°F (23°C); expect showers on roughly 58 days across the season.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Penang?
Is Penang hot in summer?
Is Penang cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Penang get in a year?
Best time to visit Penang
The best time to visit Penang is generally April to July and January to February, when these months combine the driest skies with the most comfortable heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 84°F (29°C).
Pack for Penang with a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature; moisture-wicking fabrics to cope with the humidity. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - March nights average 75°F (24°C).
Penang temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.