Last updated: January 18, 2025
Perlis, Malaysia, classifies under the Köppen-Geiger climate classification as Am, indicative of a tropical monsoon climate. Characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year, the region exhibits a minimum of 21°C (71°F) in February, with an average of 28°C (82°F). The peak warmth occurs in April, where temperatures can reach a sweltering maximum of 36°C (97°F). This climate profile underscores Perlis as a region influenced by tropical conditions, fostering both rich biodiversity and a unique cultural landscape.
The temperature patterns in Perlis, Malaysia, reveal a consistent tropical climate with minor seasonal variations throughout the year. Typically, January marks the onset of slightly cooler temperatures, with minimums averaging 23°C (73°F) and maximums reaching 34°C (94°F). As the months progress into February and March, temperatures gradually warm, peaking in March with average highs of 36°C (97°F). April maintains this warmth before moving into a more stable climate from May to August, where the average daily temperatures hover around 28°C (83°F), with maximums consistently in the low to mid-30s (°C). The warmer period tapers off in September and October, transitioning into cooler conditions by November and December, where temperatures return to the range of 23-24°C (73-76°F) at night. This pattern underscores the region's tropical character, with warm and humid conditions prevailing year-round, punctuated by slight fluctuations in temperature.
In February, Pantai Cenang experiences a warm climate with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 34°C (93°F) monthly temperatures in Pantai Cenang. Nearby Kuala Perlis and Kangar exhibit similar temperature patterns, starting with a minimum of 21°C (71°F) in February and reaching highs of 36°C (97°F) by April monthly temperatures in Kuala Perlis and monthly temperatures in Kangar.
Precipitation in Perlis, Malaysia, displays distinct seasonal patterns, with a marked increase during the monsoon months. Starting in January with relatively low rainfall of 66 mm (2.6 in), the precipitation dips further in February to only 24 mm (1.0 in), indicating a brief dry spell. As the year progresses, rainfall begins to intensify, peaking in the months of April and May. April experiences 183 mm (7.2 in) of rain over approximately 24 days, which escalates to 239 mm (9.4 in) in May, where precipitation falls over 27 days on average.
The late monsoon season from May to November sees the highest levels of rainfall, with September and October recording 254 mm (10.0 in) each and November reaching 274 mm (10.8 in), further accentuating the wettest months. These periods are characterized by prolonged rainfall events across 25 to 27 days, contributing to the region's lush landscapes. December concludes the year with a significant drop in rainfall to 119 mm (4.7 in), spread over 16 days, marking the transition to slightly drier conditions heading into the new year.
In Perlis, Malaysia, sunshine duration exhibits a distinct seasonal trend, with an observable increase during the initial months of the year. Beginning in January with 251 hours of sunshine, the hours steadily accumulate, peaking in March at 340 hours. This gradual rise highlights a transition towards sunnier and warmer conditions, conducive to outdoor activities. Following March, sunshine levels remain robust, though slightly dip, with 303 hours in April and 299 hours in May, indicating a continued trend of favorable sunlight as the region approaches the peak of the monsoon season.
As the year progresses into the later months, the sunshine hours maintain a relatively stable pattern, with July recording 321 hours and August slightly trailing at 310 hours. However, from September onward, a gradual decline is noted, culminating in November with only 260 hours of bright sunshine. December sees a modest resurgence to 295 hours, suggesting a rebound toward the end of the year. Overall, this pattern illustrates that while Perlis enjoys considerable sunshine year-round, the peak months of March, July, and August signify prime opportunities for sun-seekers, whereas late autumn brings a noticeable reduction in sunlight.
The UV Index in Perlis, Malaysia, reflects consistently high levels of ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, classifying its exposure as extreme. Beginning with a UV Index of 13 in January, it inches upward in February and maintains a value of 15 from March through May. This intensity indicates that even short exposure times of just 10 minutes can lead to skin damage without proper protection. The extreme UV conditions, particularly between February and April, signal the necessity for sun safety measures for residents and visitors alike, emphasizing the importance of using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade.
As the seasons progress, the UV Index slightly fluctuates but remains notably high. In June through August, it recedes slightly to 13, still classified as extreme, suggesting that caution is warranted during these months. The UV Index experiences another increase in September and October, again reaching 14, before tapering to 12 in November and December. Despite this minor reduction in intensity towards the year's end, the UV Index remains in the extreme category year-round, underscoring the persistent risk of UV exposure in Perlis. Such conditions necessitate ongoing awareness and adherence to sun safety practices, regardless of the season.
UV Risk Categories
In Perlis, Malaysia, daylight duration exhibits a remarkable consistency throughout the year, largely influenced by its equatorial location. January and February each enjoy 11 hours of daylight, establishing a steady foundation as the year begins. As the months progress into March, daylight extends to 12 hours, remaining consistent from March through September. This consistent duration provides ample opportunity for outdoor activities, reflecting the vibrant lifestyle characteristic of the region.
As the year transitions into the latter months, daylight duration reverts to 11 hours in October, November, and December, completing the cycle. These slight fluctuations mark the shifts in seasonal daylight, yet the variation is relatively minor given the overall 11-12 hour range per day across the year. This reliable pattern reinforces Perlis's status as a region with stable daylight, contributing to its tropical atmosphere and enabling a range of ecological and cultural activities throughout the seasons.
Kangar, Malaysia, boasts a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures throughout the year. Monthly average temperatures range from 26°C (80°F) in December to 29°C (84°F) in March, with maximums often touching 36°C (97°F) in March and April. The region experiences significant rainfall during the monsoon season, peaking in November with 266 mm (10.5 in) and October with 249 mm (9.8 in), while February sees the least precipitation at 23 mm (0.9 in). Residents can expect ample sunshine, especially in March, which records 338 hours of sunlight. For detailed climate information, visit Kangar climate.
Kuala Perlis, Malaysia, boasts a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures year-round. Average temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (71°F) in February to a maximum of 36°C (97°F) in March and April, with consistently high humidity. The city experiences significant rainfall, particularly in May and November, with precipitation peaking at 266 mm (10.5 in) in November. Sunshine is abundant, especially in March, when residents enjoy up to 338 hours of sun. For more detailed information, visit Kuala Perlis climate.
The climate in Pantai Cenang, Malaysia, is characterized by warm temperatures year-round, with average monthly highs hovering around 28°C to 34°C (82°F to 93°F). Rainfall is most pronounced from May to November, peaking in September with 276 mm (10.9 in), while February is the driest month with only 27 mm (1.1 in). Sunshine is abundant, especially from March to August, where monthly hours exceed 300. For more detailed climate information, visit Pantai Cenang climate.
In conclusion, the climate of Perlis, Malaysia, is characterized by warm temperatures, significant precipitation, and consistently high UV Index levels, all framed within a backdrop of stable daylight duration. The tropical monsoon climate facilitates a rich biodiversity and vibrant culture, while the extreme UV exposure highlights the importance of sun safety practices for both residents and visitors. As rainfall patterns underscore a distinct wet season, the region's climatic conditions create an environment that not only fosters lush landscapes but also supports a variety of activities throughout the year. Overall, the interplay of these climatic elements enhances the appeal of Perlis as a dynamic destination, inviting exploration while necessitating an awareness of environmental factors.