End of the wetter season · Weather & things to do
Kuala Lumpur in January
Little changes in Kuala Lumpur from December: highs stay near 85°F (29°C), lows near 72°F (22°C), and about 8.1 in (206 mm) of rain falls.
January opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 40/100 (5th of 12).
- Avg high
- 85°F (29°C)
- Avg low
- 72°F (22°C)
- Rain
- 8.1 in (206 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 82%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 50 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What January feels like
Days are warm, averaging 85°F (29°C).
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 72°F (22°C).
Humidity averages 88%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Rain is a real factor, with about 8.1 in (206 mm) across the month.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 82%.
Plan around January
January is one of Kuala Lumpur's best months on the climate data.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: January & February and June – August.
- Comfort improves from 32/100 in December to 40/100.
- Our Singapore, Malacca & Kuala Lumpur route recommends Feb – Apr, Jun – Aug, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Light, breathable clothes85°F afternoons
- Quick-dry fabrics88% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes8.1 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Kuala Lumpur in January
A mixed month: these picks balance outdoor stops with indoor fallbacks.
Jalan Alor
Night food street in Bukit Bintang with grilled chicken wings, satay and noodles.
Why now Highs near 85°F keep it comfortable outside.
Thean Hou Temple
Six-tiered Chinese temple on a hill, strung with red lanterns.
Why now Mild enough in January to enjoy at an easy pace.
Village Park Restaurant
Popular spot for nasi lemak with fried chicken in Petaling Jaya.
Batu Caves
Limestone caves with Hindu shrines up 272 rainbow steps, guarded by a golden statue.
Marini's on 57
Rooftop bar on Petronas Tower 3 with eye-level views of the twin towers.
Nearby in January
- Malacca in January~76 mi · highs 84°F, 6.1 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, drier
- Singapore in January~197 mi · highs 83°F, 9.3 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, wetter
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid, temperatures adjusted from the grid cell's ~232 m to Kuala Lumpur's ~57 m elevation (standard lapse rate). Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Kuala Lumpur in January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Kuala Lumpur?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 40/100. Expect highs of 85°F (29°C) and 8.1 in (206 mm) of rain. Our Singapore, Malacca & Kuala Lumpur route recommends Feb – Apr, Jun – Aug, so January is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Kuala Lumpur in January?
Average highs are 85°F (29°C) and average lows 72°F (22°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Kuala Lumpur in January?
Yes: about 8.1 in (206 mm) of rain falls across January on average, the 5th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 99.3 in (2522 mm).
What should I pack for Kuala Lumpur in January?
Bring light, breathable clothes (85°F afternoons), quick-dry fabrics (88% average humidity), rain jacket and waterproof shoes (8.1 in of rain on average) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Kuala Lumpur
Planning Kuala Lumpur in January?
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