Penang's drier months aren't very dry. Every month in our data has at least 17 rain days and highs of 30–32°C (86–90°F), so you're packing for heat and a downpour at the same time. Quick-dry clothes and shoes that slip off for temples beat anything else in your bag.
Penang 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 | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 31°C88°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 30°C86°F | 31°C88°F |
| Low | 24°C75°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 26°C79°F | 26°C79°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F | 24°C75°F | 25°C77°F | 25°C77°F |
| Rain days | 22 | 19 | 23 | 29 | 28 | 21 | 17 | 25 | 24 | 29 | 29 | 24 |
Season by season
Hot season
December–MarchThe warmest stretch, if only just. February and March hit 32°C (90°F), and February has the fewest rain days here at 19, though December, January and March still see 22 to 24. Walk George Town's shophouse streets early, before the heat peaks.
Wet season
April–MayOne of two very wet stretches, with 29 rain days in April and 28 in May. Highs hold at 31°C (88°F) and lows at 25°C (77°F), so it's hot and very sticky. Plan street-art walks for the morning and keep the afternoon for indoor stops like the clan houses.
Shoulder season
June–AugustThe lighter gap between the two wet stretches. July is the lightest month of the year at 17 rain days, but August jumps back to 25. Highs are 30–31°C (86–88°F) with lows of 25–26°C (77–79°F). It's a decent window for Batu Ferringhi beach and the funicular up Penang Hill, where it's cooler.
Rainy season
September–NovemberOctober and November match April as the wettest months, with 29 rain days each, and September isn't far off at 24. Highs stay at 30°C (86°F). Expect heavy storms, flooded kerbs in George Town and a lot of time under the covered five-foot ways.
What to bring to Penang
0 of 22 packed- Bearwind S40 Portable Handheld Turbo FanTech & Power
With highs of 30–32°C (86–90°F) every month, a hand fan makes George Town's street-art walks a lot more bearable.
- Sawyer 20% Picaridin Insect Repellent Lotion, 4 ozHealth & Safety
Rain most days means mosquitoes most days, and this lasts up to 12 hours.
- Epicka 70W Universal Travel AdapterTech & Power
Its UK setting fits Malaysia's Type G sockets and charges five devices from one outlet.
- Crocs Classic ClogFootwear & Shoe Care
They slip off in seconds at temple doors and don't care when the street floods.
- Peak Design Everyday Backpack Zip 20LBags & Luggage
Weather-sealed zips keep your phone and camera dry when a storm hits halfway through a walk.
- Hydro Flask 24 oz Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw CapWater Bottles & Hydration
Cold water for 24 hours is the difference between a good afternoon and a heat headache here.
- Nite Ize RunOff Waterproof Packing CubeBags & Luggage
Wet swimwear from Batu Ferringhi goes in here, sealed away from your dry clothes.
Clothing
- Quick-dry shirts · 4Highs of 30–32°C year-round
- Lightweight long trousers or skirt · 2Cover knees at religious sites
- Light scarf or overshirt · 1Cover shoulders at religious sites
- Light rain jacket or poncho · 1At least 17 rain days every month
- Swimsuit · 1
- Light sweater · 1Strong air conditioning indoors
Footwear
- Waterproof sandals · 1 pairShoes off at temples, puddles after downpours
Gear
- Compact umbrella
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Health and toiletries
- Sunscreen · 1
- Anti-chafe balmHumid heat all day
- Stomach medicine
Documents and money
- Passport
- Some cash in ringgit
Tech
- Phone with offline maps
What shoes should you pack for Penang?
Sandals or slip-ons that handle water. You'll take them off at the Kapitan Keling Mosque and at many temples, and the streets flood fast in a storm. Leave anything leather or knit that takes a day to dry.
What do people wear in Penang?
Light, loose and casual. Shorts and T-shirts are fine on the street and at the hawker stalls on Gurney Drive. For temples and mosques, cover shoulders and knees, and carry a layer for buses and malls, where the air-con is cold.
What plugs does Penang use?
Malaysia uses Type G sockets, the three-pin UK style, at 240V. A universal adapter with a UK setting works. Check your chargers are rated for 240V.
Tours and things to do in Penang
Packed and ready? Browse guided tours, day trips and tickets for Penang.
What should you leave at home for Penang?
Leave the jeans and the heavy jacket. Denim never dries in this humidity. A big umbrella is overkill too, since a light rain shell and the covered walkways handle most storms.
Packing for Penang: questions people ask
What should I wear in Penang?
Light, quick-dry clothes and sandals. Bring something that covers your shoulders and knees for temples and mosques.
When is the rainy season in Penang?
It rains all year, but April, October and November are the wettest with 29 rain days each. July is the lightest at 17.
Do I need a plug adapter for Penang?
Yes, unless you're from the UK. Malaysia uses Type G three-pin sockets at 240V.
Is Penang too hot to walk around?
Highs are 30–32°C (86–90°F) all year, so walk George Town early and late. Use the covered five-foot ways and duck into cafés in the afternoon.
Do I need a jacket in Penang?
Not for warmth outside. A light layer helps in cold air-conditioned buses and malls, and a rain shell helps in the storms.
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