Kuala Lumpur doesn't really have a dry month. Every month averages 16 or more rain days and highs of 30°C (86°F) to 33°C (91°F), so you're packing for heat and a near-daily downpour, then stepping into malls and train carriages cold enough to want a layer.
Kuala Lumpur weather by month
Daily high and low (°C), and days with rainSee the numbers
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | 30°C86°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 33°C91°F | 32°C90°F | 32°C90°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F |
| Low | 23°C73°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F |
| Rain days | 27 | 21 | 25 | 28 | 26 | 19 | 16 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 28 | 28 |
Season by season
Wet season
November–JanuaryThe wettest stretch, with 27 to 28 rain days a month and highs of 30°C (86°F) to 31°C (88°F). Storms tend to roll in later in the day, so do outdoor sights like Batu Caves in the morning. A waterproof bag for your phone and a light layer keep the day going when the sky opens.
Hot season
February–MayHighs hold at 32°C (90°F) every month with lows of 24°C (75°F) to 25°C (77°F). February is calmer at 21 rain days, but April climbs to 28, tied for the wettest month of the year. Pack light, breathable clothes and a spare shirt for long days around Bukit Bintang.
Dry season
June–JulyThe driest it gets, which still means 16 to 19 rain days. July is the hottest month at 33°C (91°F), and the sun on Merdeka Square and in KLCC Park is fierce. Sunscreen, a hat and water every time you're outside.
Rainy season
August–OctoberRain picks back up to 24 to 25 days a month, with highs of 31°C (88°F) to 32°C (90°F). Hot and wet at once. Quick-dry fabrics and shoes that can take a soaking make life easier, and you'll still want a layer for the air conditioning indoors.
What to bring to Kuala Lumpur
0 of 21 packed- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
KL's downpours don't wait for you to get inside, and the weather sealing on the main compartment and zippers helps keep your phone and laptop dry on the walk back to the LRT.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
A soaked shirt or a wet swimsuit from the hotel pool goes in this waterproof cube with welded seams, so the rest of your bag stays dry.
- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
At 32°C (90°F) with tropical humidity, a handheld fan is the difference between a good walk through Chinatown and a miserable one.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Mosquitoes are a year-round fact of life in hot, wet KL, and 20% picaridin gives up to 12 hours of protection with no fragrance.
- A warm wrapClothing
Malls and LRT carriages run cold, and this wrap is a layer for the air conditioning that also covers your shoulders at a mosque.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
You'll drink water all day at 32°C (90°F), and this 24 oz insulated bottle keeps it cold for 24 hours, with a straw cap for sipping on the move.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Malaysia's type G sockets take its UK plug, and 5 USB ports charge everything after a sweaty day out.
Clothing
- Breathable T-shirts · 4Highs of 30–33°C year-round
- Loose long trousers or skirt · 2Mosques require arms and legs covered
- Headscarf · 1Women cover hair at mosques
- Long-sleeve light shirt · 1
Footwear
- Sandals · 1
- Breathable walking shoes · 1
Gear
- Compact umbrella · 116 or more rain days every month
- Packable rain poncho · 1
- Sunglasses · 1
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen
- Electrolyte tablets
- Anti-chafe balm
Documents and money
- Passport
Tech
- Phone power bank · 1
What shoes should you pack for Kuala Lumpur?
Breathable sneakers for the city, plus sandals or quick-drying shoes for downpours, because pavements turn into streams fast. Batu Caves is 272 steep steps, so skip flimsy flip-flops that day. You'll take shoes off at mosques and temples, so easy on and off helps.
What do people wear in Kuala Lumpur?
Light, loose clothes in cotton or linen are the norm, and locals dress fairly modestly. Malls, the LRT and cinemas run cold, so carry a light layer. At mosques like Masjid Jamek and the National Mosque, cover arms and legs and women cover their hair. Some mosques lend robes at the door.
What plugs does Kuala Lumpur use?
Malaysia uses type G plugs at 240V, the same square three-pin plug as the UK. Visitors from the US, Europe and Australia need an adapter. Most phone and laptop chargers handle 240V, but check older hair tools before you plug them in.
Tours and things to do in Kuala Lumpur
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Kuala Lumpur.
What should you leave at home for Kuala Lumpur?
Leave the heavy jeans and anything that takes days to dry. Skip the warm jacket too, average lows outside never drop below 23°C (73°F) and a light layer covers the air conditioning. A big umbrella is optional, convenience stores sell them everywhere.
Around Kuala Lumpur
Packing for Kuala Lumpur: questions people ask
What should I wear in Kuala Lumpur?
Light, breathable clothes and a thin layer for cold malls and trains. Highs run 30°C (86°F) to 33°C (91°F) all year.
When is the rainy season in Kuala Lumpur?
It rains most of the year. April, November and December are the wettest at 28 rain days each, and even July averages 16.
What should I wear to Batu Caves?
Cover your shoulders and knees, and wear shoes with grip for the 272 steps. Sarongs are usually available at the base if you're showing too much leg.
What plug adapter do I need for Malaysia?
Malaysia uses type G at 240V, the UK-style three-pin plug. A universal adapter with a UK plug covers it.
Is it cold indoors in Kuala Lumpur?
Yes. Malls, the LRT and cinemas run strong air conditioning, so carry a light layer even on a 32°C (90°F) day.
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