Kedah Climate

Last updated: January 18, 2025

Kedah, Malaysia, experiences a tropical rainforest climate classified under the Koppen-Geiger system as Am and Af. The region is characterized by a minimum temperature of 20°C (69°F) recorded in February, while average temperatures hover around a warm 28°C (82°F). March sees the peak of the heat, with temperatures soaring to a maximum of 39°C (103°F). This combination of high humidity and consistent warmth contributes to Kedah's lush vegetation and rich biodiversity, making it a crucial area for ecological study and environmental conservation.

Kedah temperature by month

In Kedah, Malaysia, temperature patterns exhibit a warm tropical climate with minimal seasonal variation. January begins with a slight chill, showcasing minimum temperatures around 22°C (71°F), but as the year progresses, a gradual warming trend is observed. February dips to a minimum of 20°C (69°F), setting the stage for higher averages and maximums peaking at 39°C (103°F) in March. Following this peak, temperatures stabilize with average highs hovering around 34-38°C (93-100°F) until May, before gradually cooling down from June onwards, with minimums consistently remaining around 23°C (74°F). The months of September to December feature a slight decrease in both average and maximum temperatures, typically staying between 27-34°C (81-94°F), culminating in a mild conclusion to the year as minimums fall back to 22°C (72°F) in December. Overall, the climate reflects a consistently warm environment, characterized by brief peaks in temperature during the early months of the year.

Monthly Temperatures in Kedah, Malaysia

The chart illustrates Kedah's temperature patterns throughout the year, with values aggregated from various locations across the region. It highlights seasonal variations and temperature changes across the months.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec828383838383828281818181
Data source: Kedah temperature data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

In Kampung Kilim, February sees a minimum temperature of 24°C (75°F), while March reaches a maximum of 33°C (92°F) monthly temperatures in Kampung Kilim. Similarly, Tanjung Rhu experiences the same range, with temperatures starting at 24°C (75°F) in February and climbing to 33°C (92°F) in March monthly temperatures in Tanjung Rhu.

Precipitation Patterns in Kedah

Kedah, Malaysia, experiences a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, with rainfall peaking during the middle months. January starts with moderate rainfall of 80 mm (3.1 in), followed by a significant decrease to 38 mm (1.5 in) in February. As the calendar turns to March, precipitation rises to 95 mm (3.8 in), while April initiates the peak rainy season with a notable increase to 206 mm (8.1 in). May sees the highest monthly total, accumulating 274 mm (10.8 in) over 27 days, establishing a trend of frequent and heavy rainfall that characterizes this period.

As the rainy season progresses, June delivers 158 mm (6.2 in), followed by consistent levels in July and August, recording 151 mm (6.0 in) and 203 mm (8.0 in), respectively. The rains continue into the latter months, with September and October experiencing 281 mm (11.1 in) and 278 mm (10.9 in) of rainfall. November culminates the wet season with the highest monthly total of 300 mm (11.8 in). By December, the precipitation subsides to 144 mm (5.7 in), with fewer rainy days, marking a transition towards drier months. Overall, Kedah's climate is heavily influenced by its monsoon patterns, contributing to lush vegetation and diverse ecosystems.

Monthly Average Precipitation in Kedah, Malaysia

The average monthly precipitation in Kedah, providing insights into seasonal rainfall patterns and the region's precipitation trends throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec803895206274158151203281278300144
Data source: Kedah precipitation data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.
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Sunshine Duration in Kedah

Kedah, Malaysia, showcases a notable pattern in sunshine duration throughout the year, with clear seasonal trends. Beginning in January, the region enjoys 252 hours of sunshine, gradually increasing each month. February sees a rise to 309 hours, while March marks the peak sunshine month at 338 hours. This period represents the transition into the drier season, as sunshine steadily brightens the day, setting the tone for the months to follow. April and May maintain high levels of sunshine, with 304 hours and 299 hours respectively, providing an extended stretch of favorable weather before the onset of the monsoon.

As the year progresses into the summer months, sunshine remains relatively consistent, with June at 290 hours and peaking again in July at 319 hours. However, September sees a slight dip to 288 hours, marking the transition toward the wetter months. October and November continue the trend downward with 289 hours and 264 hours, respectively, as clouds and rain make their presence felt during the monsoon season. By December, sunshine returns to 297 hours, revealing the cyclical nature of Kedah’s climate. Overall, the region’s sunshine duration reflects a vibrant interplay between dry and wet seasons, contributing significantly to its lush landscapes and agriculture.

Monthly Sunshine in Kedah, Malaysia

Monthly sunshine duration represents the total hours of direct sunlight Kedah receives each month, excluding periods when the sun is obscured by clouds or other obstructions.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec252h309h338h304h299h290h319h309h288h289h264h297h
Data source: Kedah sunshine duration data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

Kedah UV Index Trends

In Kedah, Malaysia, the Ultraviolet (UV) Index consistently remains at extreme levels throughout the year, reflecting the region's tropical climate and proximity to the equator. Beginning in January, the UV Index registers at 13, emphasizing the need for protective measures against intense sun exposure. This extreme categorization continues into February and March, peaking at 15 during these months, which underscores the critical importance of sunscreen and protective clothing, as unprotected exposure can result in sunburn within just 10 minutes. April maintains this high UV Index of 15, indicating that residents and visitors should exercise heightened caution during outdoor activities.

As the year progresses, the UV Index gradually dips but remains in the extreme category. May sees a slight reduction to 14, followed by June, July, and August, all maintaining an index of 13. The index rises again in September and October, returning to 14, before finally decreasing to 12 in November and December. While these months show a marginal decline, the consistently high UV levels throughout the year necessitate ongoing vigilance for those in Kedah, illustrating the importance of sun safety practices to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged exposure to harmful UV radiation.

Monthly Maximum UV Index for Kedah, Malaysia

The monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) represents the highest UV radiation level recorded each month in Kedah. It measures the strength of ultraviolet radiation from the sun and helps assess the risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec131515151413131314141212
Data source: Kedah UV Index data aggregated from multiple regional locations, generated using Copernicus Climate Change Service information.

UV Risk Categories

  •  Extreme (11+): Avoid the sun, stay in shade.
  •  Very High (8-10): Limit sun exposure.
  •  High (6-7): Use SPF 30+ and protective clothing.
  •  Moderate (3-5): Midday shade recommended.
  •  Low (0-2): No protection needed.

Daylight Hours in Kedah

Kedah, Malaysia experiences relatively consistent daylight duration throughout the year, a characteristic of its tropical climate near the equator. In January and February, the region enjoys approximately 11 hours of daylight each day, maintaining a steady rhythm that offers ample time for outdoor activities. As the months progress into March, daylight begins to extend to 12 hours, continuing for the subsequent months of April through September, where the daily sunlight remains uniformly at 12 hours. This consistent daylight allows for a vibrant ecosystem and enhances agricultural productivity throughout the growing season.

In contrast, as the year wanes towards the end, October sees a return to 11 hours of daylight, followed by November and December, which maintain the same duration. Although there are slight fluctuations in daylight hours across the calendar year, the overall variance remains narrow, reflecting the region’s stable solar patterns. This consistency in daylight duration fosters a reliable climate for both residents and tourists, allowing for extended periods of sunlight to engage in various activities and enjoy the natural beauty that Kedah has to offer.

Average Monthly Daylight Hours in Kedah, Malaysia

This chart shows the total daylight hours Kedah receives each month, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec707h714h724h733h742h746h745h737h727h717h709h705h
Data source: Kedah daylight hours, calculated based on aggregated data for various regional locations, determined by the times between sunrise and sunset.

Climate Highlights of Kedah's Popular Destinations

Kampung Kilim, Malaysia experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with averages ranging from 27°C (81°F) to 28°C (83°F). Precipitation varies significantly, peaking in May and September, where monthly rainfall can exceed 250 mm (10 inches). The region enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly in March with 343 hours, contributing to its lush surroundings. Visitors can expect a humid environment, especially during the rainy season from April to October. For more details on the climate, visit Kampung Kilim climate.

Tanjung Rhu, Malaysia experiences a tropical climate characterized by consistently warm temperatures averaging between 27°C (81°F) and 28°C (83°F) year-round. The region sees its highest rainfall in May and September, with precipitation levels reaching up to 297 mm (11.7 in). Despite the rain, Tanjung Rhu enjoys ample sunshine, particularly in March, which boasts 343 hours of sunlight. The combination of warmth and humidity creates an inviting environment, ideal for visitors seeking a tropical escape. For more detailed climate information, visit Tanjung Rhu climate.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Kedah, Malaysia, epitomizes a tropical climate characterized by high temperatures, substantial rainfall, and consistent daylight throughout the year. The region's weather patterns reveal a striking combination of extreme UV Index levels and prolonged sunshine hours, particularly during the drier months, which emphasize the importance of sun safety measures. Additionally, the relatively stable duration of daylight enhances local biodiversity and agricultural productivity, supporting the lush landscapes for which Kedah is renowned. As such, understanding these climatic and environmental traits is crucial for residents and visitors alike, enabling them to make informed decisions about outdoor activities and lifestyle choices within this vibrant region.

Discover the Climate of Kedah's Places

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