Kuala Lumpur — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Kuala Lumpur.
Kuala Lumpur climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 32°C | 23°C | 175mm | 83% |
| Feb | 32°C | 23°C | 200mm | 82% |
| Mar | 33°C | 23°C | 275mm | 82% |
| Apr | 33°C | 24°C | 280mm | 83% |
| May | 33°C | 24°C | 190mm | 82% |
| Jun | 32°C | 24°C | 120mm | 80% |
| Jul | 32°C | 24°C | 125mm | 80% |
| Aug | 32°C | 24°C | 165mm | 81% |
| Sep | 32°C | 24°C | 210mm | 82% |
| Oct | 31°C | 23°C | 270mm | 84% |
| Nov | 30°C | 23°C | 285mm | 86% |
| Dec | 30°C | 23°C | 230mm | 85% |
Climate overview
Kuala Lumpur lies in the Klang Valley on the west side of the Malay Peninsula, sheltered by the Titiwangsa Mountains to the east and Sumatra across the Strait of Malacca to the west. Its climate is tropical rainforest (Af): hot, humid and wet in every month. Average highs range only from 30°C to 33°C, and lows stay at 23–24°C.
With about 2,600 mm of rain a year, it is one of the wettest major cities in Southeast Asia. Unlike many monsoon cities, its rainiest periods are the inter-monsoon months — March to April and October to November — when light winds allow powerful thunderstorms to build over the valley. November is typically the wettest month at about 285 mm.
Köppen classification: Af — tropical rainforest
Kuala Lumpur through the seasons
First inter-monsoon
March – AprilThe hottest time of the year, with highs around 33°C, followed by afternoon and evening thunderstorms. April averages about 280 mm of rain.
Southwest Monsoon
May – SeptemberThe relatively drier season. June and July are the driest months, at about 120–125 mm. Mornings are often bright, and storms tend to be less frequent. In some years, smoke haze from fires in Sumatra and Borneo can reduce air quality, typically from July to September.
Second inter-monsoon
October – NovemberRainfall peaks again, with storms on most afternoons. Flash floods can occur in parts of the city during intense downpours.
Northeast Monsoon
December – FebruaryRain is still frequent, but the heaviest monsoon rains fall on Malaysia's east coast rather than in Kuala Lumpur. Highs are slightly lower, around 30–32°C.
What makes Kuala Lumpur's weather distinctive
Kuala Lumpur has one of the highest rates of thunderstorm activity in the world. Storms typically form in the afternoon as heat and humidity build, then break with heavy rain, lightning and gusty winds, before clearing by evening. A sunny morning is no guarantee of a dry afternoon.
Flash floods are the most common weather hazard, especially in low-lying areas near rivers. The city has invested heavily in flood control, including the SMART Tunnel, which can serve as both a road and a stormwater channel.
Best time to visit Kuala Lumpur
May to July is generally the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur, with the lowest rainfall. Rain is possible year-round, though, so plan outdoor activities for mornings and keep indoor options, such as malls, museums and galleries, for afternoons.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothing
- A compact umbrella
- A light layer for strong air-conditioning
- Modest clothing for mosques and temples, including the Batu Caves
- Sunscreen and insect repellent
Frequently asked questions
What is the rainiest month in Kuala Lumpur?
November, at around 285 mm, closely followed by April and October.
Is Kuala Lumpur hot all year?
Yes. Average highs stay between 30°C and 33°C in every month, with high humidity.
What time of day does it rain in Kuala Lumpur?
Most rain falls as afternoon or evening thunderstorms, often after a bright morning.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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