Penang Weather
A month-by-month look at temperature, rainfall and what to pack in Penang. The annual average is 32°C high / 24°C low — hottest in March (best month) (33°C) and coldest in January (peak dry · Chinese New Year) (24°C).
Penang Weather at a Glance
As of 2026A quick summary of Penang's year-round climate and the best time to visit.
- Annual average
- 32° / 24°
- Best time to visit
- January (peak dry · Chinese New Year), February (Chinese New Year · Thaipusam), December (dry returns · Christmas/NYE)
- Hottest month
- March (best month) (33°C)
- Coldest month
- January (peak dry · Chinese New Year) (24°C)
- Wettest month
- October (monsoon peak · not recommended) (250mm)
- Driest month
- January (peak dry · Chinese New Year) (80mm)
As of 2026, Penang's weather averages 32°C high / 24°C low across the year, and the best time to visit for stable temperatures, rainfall and crowds is January (peak dry · Chinese New Year), February (Chinese New Year · Thaipusam), December (dry returns · Christmas/NYE). The hottest month is March (best month) (33°C), the coldest is January (peak dry · Chinese New Year) (24°C), and the wettest is October (monsoon peak · not recommended) (250mm).
Best Time to Visit Penang
Dry season at its peak combined with Chinese New Year — Penang's most crowded month. Hotels run 1.5-2x normal rates, especially heritage hotels like E&O and Cheong Fatt Tze. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Chinese New Year + Thaipusam overlap make February Penang's most festive month. Hotels nearly fully booked at heritage properties.
Dry season returns + Christmas/NYE holiday season. December 26-January 2 brings 1.5-2x hotel rates.
Penang Weather Month by Month
Tap any month for a detailed guide with what to wear, sunrise/sunset and air quality.
| Month | High/Low | Rain | Rainy days | Crowds | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (peak dry · Chinese New Year) | 32° / 24° | 80mm | 7 | Very busy | Details → |
| February (Chinese New Year · Thaipusam) | 32° / 24° | 90mm | 6 | Very busy | Details → |
| March (best month) | 33° / 25° | 130mm | 8 | Busy | Details → |
| April (end of dry season) | 33° / 25° | 170mm | 11 | Busy | Details → |
| May (Hari Raya · transitional) | 33° / 25° | 200mm | 13 | Moderate | Details → |
| June (monsoon begins) | 32° / 25° | 200mm | 13 | Moderate | Details → |
| July (monsoon · George Town Festival) | 32° / 24° | 200mm | 13 | Moderate | Details → |
| August (monsoon · Independence Day) | 32° / 24° | 230mm | 14 | Moderate | Details → |
| September (late monsoon) | 32° / 24° | 200mm | 13 | Quiet | Details → |
| October (monsoon peak · not recommended) | 31° / 24° | 250mm | 16 | Quiet | Details → |
| November (transitional · Deepavali) | 31° / 24° | 200mm | 13 | Moderate | Details → |
| December (dry returns · Christmas/NYE) | 31° / 24° | 130mm | 9 | Very busy | Details → |
What to Wear in Penang by Season
End of dry season. Rain starts increasing late month.
Monsoon. Rain jacket + quick-dry footwear.
Monsoon peak. Rain jacket + waterproof shoes essential.
Dry season. Short sleeves + sunscreen essential.
Penang Weather FAQ
What is the best time to visit Penang? +
For weather, January (peak dry · Chinese New Year), February (Chinese New Year · Thaipusam), December (dry returns · Christmas/NYE) are the most comfortable months. Highs sit around 32°C with relatively stable rainfall and crowds.
What are the hottest and coldest months in Penang? +
The hottest month is March (best month) with an average high of 33°C, and the coldest is January (peak dry · Chinese New Year) with an average low of 24°C. The annual average is 32°C high / 24°C low.
When does it rain most in Penang? +
The wettest month is October (monsoon peak · not recommended) (250mm over about 16 rainy days) and the driest is January (peak dry · Chinese New Year) (80mm). Total annual rainfall is roughly 2080mm.
What should I pack for Penang? +
Spring (Mar–May) averages 33/25°C — End of dry season. Rain starts increasing late month. Summer (Jun–Aug) averages 32/24°C — Monsoon. Rain jacket + quick-dry footwear. Autumn (Sep–Nov) averages 31/24°C — Monsoon peak. Rain jacket + waterproof shoes essential. Winter (Dec–Feb) averages 32/24°C — Dry season. Short sleeves + sunscreen essential.
What is the weather in Penang this month (June (monsoon begins))? +
June (monsoon begins) averages 32°C high / 25°C low with 200mm rainfall over about 13 rainy days. Crowds are moderate and prices are moderate.
Keep Planning Your Penang Trip
Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.