Is the weather good in Malaysia in January 2025?
For the past few decades, the average daily temperatures in Malaysia during January have been around +31°C.
In Malaysia the temperature rarely varies more than seven degrees between the different parts with the highest temperature +31°C in Penang to +30°C in Langkawi. So you should be able to pack for similar conditions wherever you go in the country.
Temperature, wind and humidity in January
- rainiest? Kuala Lumpur, with an average of 5 mm of rain and humidity of 79%;
- warmest? Penang, with daytime temperatures averaging +31°C;
- windiest? Langkawi, with an average of 2 m/s;
- coolest? Langkawi, with daytime temperatures averaging +30°C;
How good is the weather in Malaysia in January?
How warm is it in Malaysia during January?
This is how hot it usually is in January
- Average maximum temperature for the month: +31°C;
- Average minimum temperature for the month: +24°C;
- Highest monthly temperature: +31°C;
- Lowest monthly temperature: +24°C;
Monthly temperatures:
- Warmest: January with an average +31°C during the day;
- Coldest: September with an average +30°C of the day;
- Hottest month in hottest city: February in Kuala Lumpur;
- Coldest month in coolest city: September in Langkawi;
Winds in Malaysia during January
January tends to offer light winds averaging 2 m/s. However, coastal cities may experience breezes during the mornings and afternoons.
Comparison between cities in January:
- Highest average wind speed: Penang with 1 m/s;
- Lowest average wind speed: Kuala Lumpur with 1 m/s;
- Windiest day of the month: Langkawi with 3 m/s;
- The least windy day of the month: Kuala Lumpur with 0 m/s;
Humidity and precipitation in Malaysia in January
Comparison between cities in January:
- Highest average rainfall: Kuala Lumpur with 149 mm;
- Lowest average rainfall: Langkawi with 37 mm;
- Most number of rainy days: Kuala Lumpur with 13 rainy days;
- Least number of rainy days: Langkawi with 4 rainy days;
- Highest risk of rain during the day: Kuala Lumpur with 42%;
- Least risk of rain during the day: Langkawi with 13%;
- Highest average humidity: Kuala Lumpur with 79%;
- Lowest average humidity: Langkawi with 70%;
Tips for traveling to Malaysia in January
Looking for some tips for traveling to the sun, snow, or whatever you're aiming for Malaysia? Activities, weather, and clothing are closely linked. In addition, it's important to pack only what you really need so you don't have to worry about heavy packing or paying extra baggage fees.
Here is some advice on what to pack and what kind of activities you can do in the Malaysia based on the weather that January is expected to bring. The advice applies to the country as a whole – local weather and possible activities may differ somewhat.
Pack right for January
- For light showers, an umbrella or a thin and light rain cape is usually sufficient, while more rain may require rainwear and rain boots.
- Long, hot days bring risks - weather like this is one of the most challenging things we can do to our bodies. It's best to avoid going to Malaysia when it's so hot. Secondly, keep cool by staying in the shade, the pool or in an air-conditioned room. Pack clothes for the sun, for swimming but also for hydration.
- Light winds are probably most comfortable in hot weather but is cooling in cool and cold weather. If it is hot (when the air temperature is about 30 degrees), the wind can have a warming effect. A thin, windproof jacket and long trousers help to counteract these effects.
- High humidity means that the air conducts heat to and from the skin more easily. For example, if the air is hot (above skin temperature), it will be harder to stay cool. On the other hand, if the air is cool or cold, it is more difficult to stay warm. In high humidity, the choice of clothing makes less of a difference. However, your physical activity plays a bigger role.
FAQ
What can you do outside when it's warm in Malaysia?
Is January a good time to visit Malaysia?
Monthly weather in Malaysia
Source of the data
For this page, we’ve looked at the typical weather in Malaysia, based on historical hourly weather data from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2022.
For past dates, we show actual recorded data at the location at that time. Forecasts are based on recorded weather during that day of the year, averaged over the total years for which we have records (unless stated otherwise). The daily temperature is the highest recorded temperature in the shadow during that day.