When to Go to Penang
Penang weather
Penang’s equatorial climate brings warm, humid weather all year round. However, as Penang is an island, it gets hotter than the mainland, with temperatures consistently over 30°C. Days are mostly bright and sunny, making any time of year the best time to visit as long as you don’t mind the heat. To help you choose the best month for your Penang holiday, we’ve split the year into two:
November to March
Penang’s dry season brings hot, sunny days and warm nights. February and March are the hottest months, when temperatures average around 32°C but can go much higher. The heat can make the skies hazy, but overall the dry season is a great time to travel. Get outside and explore the sights of Penang, climb Penang Hill and enjoy the cooling breezes from the sea.
Go for…
Chap Goh Mei: in February, this Chinese version of Valentine’s Day sees women throwing oranges into the sea in the hopes of finding a husband. Head down to Penang’s Esplanade for fireworks and street food.
Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year, falling in either January or February, is celebrated with much enthusiasm in Penang, which puts on lights displays, lanterns, parades, fireworks and plenty of eating.
April to October
The wettest months of the wet season are April, May and October, but outside of these three, the chances of rain are much lower and days are likely to be hot and sunny. Although with high humidity, your best bet is to head for the beach to cool off in the sea. When the rains do come, Penang’s sea turtles come to shore to lay their eggs, a very special sight if you are lucky enough to witness it.
Go for…
Bon Odori: Penang holds its own version of this Japanese festival in the summer months, with a Japanese-themed carnival, Japanese food, fireworks and music to honour Japanese culture.
George Town Festival: lasting a month, George Town’s very own festival is held in August and celebrates the city's status as a World Heritage site with exhibitions, arts events and celebrations.
