Start of the drier season · Weather & things to do
Kuala Lumpur in May
Little changes in Kuala Lumpur from April: highs stay near 87°F (31°C), lows near 76°F (24°C), and about 6.8 in (172 mm) of rain falls.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 39/100, 7th of 12.
- Avg high
- 87°F (31°C)
- Avg low
- 76°F (24°C)
- Rain
- 6.8 in (172 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 85%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 09 min
- Comfort score
- 39/100 · Tough
What May feels like
Heat sets the pace, with highs around 87°F (31°C). Get out early and keep the hottest hours for somewhere cool.
Nights stay warm too, with lows averaging 76°F (24°C).
Humidity averages 87%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Rain is a real factor, with about 6.8 in (172 mm) across the month.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 85%.
Plan around May
May sits mid-table; the best months are January & February and June – August.
- Comfort improves from 30/100 in April to 39/100.
- Our Singapore, Malacca & Kuala Lumpur route recommends Feb – Apr, Jun – Aug, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Light, breathable clothes87°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Refillable water bottleeasy to dehydrate in the heat
- Quick-dry fabrics87% average humidity
- Rain jacket and waterproof shoes6.8 in of rain on average
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Kuala Lumpur in May
Start early and take shelter at midday: the picks below pair morning outings with places to cool off.
Village Park Restaurant
Popular spot for nasi lemak with fried chicken in Petaling Jaya.
Why now Go early — afternoons average 87°F.
Batu Caves
Limestone caves with Hindu shrines up 272 rainbow steps, guarded by a golden statue.
Why now Best first thing, before the 87°F afternoon heat.
Merdeka Square
Square where independence was declared, faced by the Sultan Abdul Samad Building.
Marini's on 57
Rooftop bar on Petronas Tower 3 with eye-level views of the twin towers.
Petronas Twin Towers
Twin 88-story towers with a skybridge and an observation deck.
Nearby in May
- Malacca in May~76 mi · highs 87°F, 6.9 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Singapore in May~197 mi · highs 86°F, 7.8 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, 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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Kuala Lumpur?
It's middling, scoring 39/100. The best months are January & February and June – August, at up to 46. Expect highs of 87°F (31°C) and 6.8 in (172 mm) of rain. Our Singapore, Malacca & Kuala Lumpur route recommends Feb – Apr, Jun – Aug, so May is outside its suggested window.
How hot is Kuala Lumpur in May?
Average highs are 87°F (31°C) and average lows 76°F (24°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Kuala Lumpur in May?
Yes: about 6.8 in (172 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 99.3 in (2522 mm).
What should I pack for Kuala Lumpur in May?
Bring light, breathable clothes (87°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), refillable water bottle (easy to dehydrate in the heat), quick-dry fabrics (87% average humidity) and rain jacket and waterproof shoes (6.8 in of rain on average).
More on Kuala Lumpur
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