The short answer
When to go to Penang
The driest and most comfortable window is December to February, when daytime highs are about 31 to 32 C and monthly rain is lowest, though still around 80 to 120 mm. March to August is hot and showery, and September to November is the wettest, with October the heaviest. For older travellers, January and February are easiest: start early, rest indoors from late morning, and keep an umbrella ready for sudden showers.
Month by month
Penang weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C | 25°C | 80 mm | Driest stretch of the year; best for walking and temples | |
| February | 32°C | 25°C | 86 mm | Dry and sunny; Chinese New Year crowds possible | |
| March | 33°C | 25°C | 146 mm | Hotter, with rain building from March | |
| April | 32°C | 25°C | 188 mm | Frequent showers; plan sights for mornings | |
| May | 32°C | 25°C | 229 mm | Humid with heavy showers | |
| June | 32°C | 25°C | 164 mm | Wet-ish but hot; sea haze can occur | |
| July | 32°C | 25°C | 190 mm | Frequent rain, still workable with an early start | |
| August | 31°C | 25°C | 246 mm | Wetter; carry an umbrella | |
| September | 31°C | 24°C | 316 mm | Among the wettest months; outdoor plans often interrupted | |
| October | 31°C | 24°C | 337 mm | Wettest month of the year; hill and beach plans suffer | |
| November | 31°C | 24°C | 233 mm | Rain easing but still wet | |
| December | 31°C | 25°C | 117 mm | Drier again; good time for a family trip |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Penang seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: January and February
- January: Driest stretch of the year; best for walking and temples
- February: Dry and sunny; Chinese New Year crowds possible
Good, with small trade-offs: March and December
- March: Hotter, with rain building from March
- December: Drier again; good time for a family trip
Possible, with planning: April, May, June, July, August and November
- April: Frequent showers; plan sights for mornings
- May: Humid with heavy showers
- June: Wet-ish but hot; sea haze can occur
- July: Frequent rain, still workable with an early start
- August: Wetter; carry an umbrella
- November: Rain easing but still wet
Best avoided with parents or children: September and October
- September: Among the wettest months; outdoor plans often interrupted
- October: Wettest month of the year; hill and beach plans suffer
Useful answers
Best time to visit Penang: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Penang?
January and February are the best months to visit Penang, with March and December also good. The driest and most comfortable window is December to February, when daytime highs are about 31 to 32 C and monthly rain is lowest, though still around 80 to 120 mm. March to August is hot and showery, and September to November is the wettest, with October the heaviest. For older travellers, January and February are easiest: start early, rest indoors from late morning, and keep an umbrella ready for sudden showers.
Which months should I avoid in Penang with elderly parents?
September and October are the months to avoid with older travellers. Among the wettest months; outdoor plans often interrupted Wettest month of the year; hill and beach plans suffer
When does it rain most in Penang?
October is the wettest month, with about 337 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is March, with average highs around 33°C.