Georgetown Weather, When to Go and Climate Information

(Georgetown, Penang, Malaysia)

Penang's year-round climate is classified as tropical rainforest, and is warm and sunny with plenty of rain, especially in the monsoon seasons running from April to May and October to November. The weather in Georgetown is strongly influenced by the ocean and the prevailing winds, and the island's location close to the Indonesian island of Sumatra makes it susceptible to haze and dust from that island's often-occurring forest fires, mainly in the summer months. Burning also takes place in the rest of Indonesia, and smoke is carried across the region by the prevailing winds.

Daytime temperatures in Georgetown max out at around 32°C / 90°F. February and March are the hottest months and August through December the coolest, with occasional falls as low as 23°C / 73°F. Night-time temperatures across the board range around six to eight degrees cooler than in the day. However, the year-round relative humidity levels of between 70 and 90 percent, combined with the pollution caused by the haze, all makes the heat seem more oppressive.

Seasonal Climate Variations / When to Go

The best time to visit Georgetown is outside the monsoon months of April, May, October and November, especially if sensitivity to airborne particles is a problem for you. Although the rain brings out sea turtles to lay their eggs, those looking to spend time relaxing on the beaches or indulging in water sports are not likely to enjoy these months. The very high humidity during the rains may also make for discomfort.

As a whole, Malaysia's high tourist season runs from late November through to February, when the climate is at its most favourable, temperatures and humidity levels are slightly lower, and the majority of festivals and events take place. Suitable clothing should be light and moisture-absorbent, and waterproof shoes, a raincoat and umbrella can be bought on arrival. The holiday season in December and early January is a good time to come, with festivals and other celebrations for Christmas and New Year in full swing.

Georgetown Weather and Climate Chart (Averages)

	Maximum	Minimum
January	32°C / 90°F	23°C / 73°F
February	32°C / 90°F	24°C / 75°F
March	32°C / 90°F	24°C / 75°F
April	32°C / 90°F	24°C / 75°F
May	32°C / 90°F	24°C / 75°F
June	31°C / 88°F	24°C / 75°F
July	31°C / 88°F	24°C / 75°F
August	31°C / 88°F	23°C / 73°F
September	30°C / 86°F	23°C / 73°F
October	30°C / 86°F	23°C / 73°F
November	30°C / 86°F	23°C / 73°F
December	30°C / 86°F	23°C / 73°F