January Weather in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Last updated: August 21, 2025

January in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia is characterized by a warm and humid climate, with maximum temperatures reaching up to 34°C (93°F) and an average of 26°C (78°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 158 mm (6.2 in) over approximately 19 days, resulting in an humidity level of around 84%. This combination of heat and moisture makes for a vibrant atmosphere, perfect for exploring the bustling city, though visitors should be prepared for frequent showers.

January Temperature in Kuala Lumpur

In January, Kuala Lumpur experiences a warm embrace, with temperatures ranging from a comfortable 20°C (68°F) at night to a sunny 34°C (93°F) during the day, averaging a pleasant 26°C (78°F). This combination of warmth and humidity sets the stage for a vibrant tropical atmosphere, perfect for outdoor activities and exploration. As the month transitions into February, the mercury ticks upward slightly, with maximum temperatures reaching 35°C (96°F). Despite this gradual rise, the overall climate remains stable, characterized by consistent averages of 26°C throughout. This pattern continues into the subsequent months, where March sees the hottest days, peaking at 36°C (97°F), yet still maintaining a nightly coolness above 20°C. This trend of warm, humid days combined with cooler nights prevails through April and beyond, with temperatures oscillating gently but predominantly staying in the comfortable range, making Kuala Lumpur a year-round destination for warmth and adventure.

January Weather in Kuala Lumpur: Daily Temperature Highs, Lows, and Averages

The chart illustrates January temperature patterns in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing daily minimum, maximum, and average temperatures. It highlights the typical range of temperatures throughout the month, providing insights into weather trends. In Kuala Lumpur, January typically has an average temperature of {2}°C ({3}°F), with highs reaching up to {4}°C ({5}°F) and lows dropping to around {6}°C ({7}°F).
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec787979798079797978797878
Data source: Temperature data for Kuala Lumpur generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred temperature unit
The average of daily temperatures (24 hours) calculated across all days in the month.

January Precipitation in Kuala Lumpur

In January, Kuala Lumpur experiences a notable start to the year with 158 mm (6.2 in) of precipitation over 19 days. This month serves as a prelude to the increasingly rainy conditions that follow; while January's rainfall is moderate compared to the heavier downpours of April (301 mm) and November (366 mm), it sets the tone for the wet season. As daylight gives way to moisture-laden clouds, the city often sees daily showers, hinting at the more intense rainfall that peaks in the subsequent months. Interestingly, while January may be a respite before the deluge of spring, it still beckons locals and visitors alike to embrace the lush greenery and vibrant life that the rains bring to this dynamic urban landscape.

January Precipitation Trends in Kuala Lumpur

The chart displays monthly precipitation patterns in Kuala Lumpur, with values for each month alongside January’s data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the amount of precipitation, providing insights into how January’s conditions compare to those of other months. In Kuala Lumpur, January typically receives around {2} mm ({3} inches) of precipitation spread over approximately {4} days.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec158112265301329192188187278294366238
Data source: Precipitation data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.
Choose your preferred precipitation unit

January Humidity in Kuala Lumpur

In January, Kuala Lumpur experiences an average humidity level of 84%, setting the stage for what will become a consistently humid year. As the months progress, the humidity sees a slight dip to 77% in both February and March, before gradually rising again. By April, the humidity climbs back to 80%, and this upward trend continues, peaking in the mid-year months of June and July at 87%. The sweaty embrace of humidity intensifies even more in late summer, with August and September recording a notable 90%. As the year concludes, the humidity remains high, with levels hovering around 89% to 90% through October, November, and December. This cyclical pattern demonstrates Kuala Lumpur's tropical climate, where humidity is an ever-present companion, particularly during the wetter months.

January Average Humidity in Kuala Lumpur

This chart illustrates the average monthly humidity levels in Kuala Lumpur, with January’s data highlighted for easy comparison. It shows the fluctuation in humidity throughout the year, helping you understand how conditions vary by season. In January, average humidity in Kuala Lumpur is approximately {2}%, offering insight into how humid the weather typically is during this month.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec84%77%77%80%85%87%88%90%90%89%89%90%
Data source: Humidity data for January generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

January UV Index in Kuala Lumpur

In January, Kuala Lumpur experiences an extreme UV Index of 13, with a burn time of just 10 minutes for fair-skinned individuals. This sets the tone for a month that demands vigilance against sun exposure. As we transition into February and March, the UV Index peaks at 15, reinforcing the urgent need for protective measures. Interestingly, the trend shows a slight decrease in April and May to 14 and 13 respectively, but the extreme exposure category remains consistent, sustaining a burn time of 10 minutes throughout. Even in the following months, as the UV levels fluctuate slightly with values of 12 to 14, the advice is clear: always prepare for intense sun exposure. For a detailed view of the UV Index throughout the year, check out Kuala Lumpur UV Index.

Maximum UV Index Levels in Kuala Lumpur for January

The chart shows the monthly maximum UV Index (UVI) for Kuala Lumpur in January, representing the highest UV radiation level. The UVI measures the intensity of ultraviolet radiation from the sun, indicating the potential risk of sunburn and UV-related health issues. In January, the maximum UV index in Kuala Lumpur typically reaches {2}, which falls under the {3} exposure category.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec131515141312121314141312
Data source: Kuala Lumpur January UVI data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

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.

January Sunshine in Kuala Lumpur

In January, Kuala Lumpur basks in a delightful 238 hours of sunshine, setting the stage for a warm and vibrant start to the year. As the months progress, sunshine hours steadily increase, peaking in March with an impressive 325 hours. This trend underscores the city's tropical climate, where longer sunny days usher in the drier, warmer seasons. Following March, sunshine remains plentiful, with July and August delivering consistent hours above 300. Conversely, as the year winds down, a gradual decline emerges, with November and December dipping to 260 and 286 hours, respectively. This consistent yet fluctuating pattern of sunshine not only enhances Kuala Lumpur's charm but also invites locals and travelers alike to enjoy the city's outdoor delights throughout the year.

Monthly Sunshine Duration in Kuala Lumpur: January Highlighted

The January sunshine duration represents the total number of hours Kuala Lumpur experiences direct sunlight during the month of January, excluding cloudy or obstructed periods. This chart compares the sunshine duration of January with the other months of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec238h301h325h296h297h292h311h305h291h283h260h286h
Data source: Kuala Lumpur January Sunshine duration data generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Chance of Sun in Kuala Lumpur During January

In Kuala Lumpur, January presents a notably low chance of sunny weather, with only 6% probability of sunshine, making it the least favorable month for sun-seekers. As the year progresses, however, the likelihood of clear skies begins to rise, with February seeing a significant jump to 23%, followed by a steady drop to 20% in March. The months thereafter, from April to July, maintain a relatively stable pattern, hovering between 11% and 14% for sunshine, before tapering off again in the later months. Overall, while January may be draped in clouds, the gradual increase in sunny days underscores a brighter outlook as we transition into the early months of the year.

Percentage of Sunny Days in January in Kuala Lumpur

The chart illustrates the percentage of sunny days in Kuala Lumpur throughout the year, with January highlighted. It highlights the variation in sunshine across each month and provides an overview of the typical frequency of sunny days, offering insights into how often Kuala Lumpur experiences clear skies throughout the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec6%23%20%14%13%13%13%11%14%12%6%10%
Data source: Kuala Lumpur January chance of sun data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

Daylight Hours in Kuala Lumpur in January

In Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, January welcomes the new year with approximately 11 hours of daylight, marking the start of a gradual transition in daylight duration. As the months progress into February and beyond, daylight remains consistent at 12 hours, creating a warm and inviting environment that persists through the dry season. This steady availability of sunlight extends through much of the year, fostering vibrant outdoor activities and a lively atmosphere in the city. Notably, as the year draws to a close in November and December, daylight dips back to 11 hours, echoing the seasonal rhythm and offering a cozy ambiance as residents prepare for the festive celebrations. Overall, the daylight trends in Kuala Lumpur reflect a harmonious balance, ideal for both locals and visitors to enjoy all that this dynamic city has to offer.

Average Daylight Hours in Kuala Lumpur for January

The chart illustrates the variation in daylight duration in Kuala Lumpur throughout the year, with January highlighted. It shows the monthly changes in daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec11h 56m12h12h 5m12h 10m12h 14m12h 17m12h 16m12h 11m12h 6m12h 1m11h 57m11h 56m
Data source: Kuala Lumpur daylight hours, calculated by summing the hours between sunrise and sunset for each day.

January Winds in Kuala Lumpur

In January, Kuala Lumpur welcomes the New Year with an average wind speed of 1.5 m/s (3 mph), setting a gentle tone for the month. As the year progresses into February, the breeze picks up slightly to 1.7 m/s (4 mph), offering a refreshing contrast as the city's vibrant atmosphere buzzes with activity. However, by March, the winds mellow again, dropping to 1.3 m/s (3 mph), and this pattern of subtle fluctuations continues throughout the spring and early summer months. Generally, the city experiences a consistent range of light winds, predominantly around 1.2 to 1.4 m/s, with only a modest uptick in October, reaching 1.6 m/s (4 mph). This consistency contributes to the overall warm and humid climate of Kuala Lumpur, making it an inviting destination year-round, with just enough breeze to stir the tropical air and keep residents refreshed.

Average January Wind Speed in Kuala Lumpur

The chart displays monthly wind speed patterns in Kuala Lumpur, with values for each month shown alongside January's data, which is highlighted for easy comparison. It illustrates the average wind speed, offering insights into how January's wind conditions compare to the rest of the year.
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec1.5 m/s1.71.31.21.21.31.41.31.41.61.31.4
Data source: Kuala Lumpur January wind data, generated using information from the Copernicus Climate Change Service.

How January Weather in Kuala Lumpur Compares to Other Months

Weather in Kuala Lumpur varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares January’s weather to other months in Kuala Lumpur, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.

January and February both feature warm temperatures, with January's minimum temperature at 20°C (68°F) and February slightly warmer at 20°C (69°F). The average temperatures remain consistent, hovering around 26°C (78°F) in January and 26°C (79°F) in February, while February reaches a max of 35°C (96°F), slightly higher than January's maximum of 34°C (93°F). In terms of precipitation, January experiences more rainfall, totaling 158 mm (6.2 in) over 19 days, compared to February, which sees 112 mm (4.4 in) across 17 days. Additionally, February has a lower humidity level at 77%, compared to January's 84%. For more details on February weather, you can check out Kuala Lumpur weather in February.

In January, Kuala Lumpur typically experiences a minimum temperature of 20°C (68°F) and reaches an average of 26°C (78°F), with a maximum of 34°C (93°F). The rainfall during this month averages 158 mm (6.2 in), falling over 19 days, contributing to a relatively high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, March shows a slightly warmer trend with a minimum temperature of 21°C (70°F) and a maximum of 36°C (97°F), while still maintaining the average of 26°C (79°F). However, precipitation increases significantly to 265 mm (10.4 in) over 27 days, resulting in a decrease in humidity to 77%. For a more detailed overview, you can check out Kuala Lumpur weather in March.

In comparing January and April weather, both months exhibit warm temperatures with averages around 26°C (78°F). However, January sees slightly higher maximum temperatures reaching 34°C (93°F) compared to April's peak of 33°C (92°F). Precipitation is notably more significant in April, with 301 mm (11.9 in) over 29 days, surpassing January's 158 mm (6.2 in) across 19 days. Additionally, humidity remains relatively high in both months, with January slightly more humid at 84% compared to April's 80%. For a detailed overview of weather conditions, you can visit Kuala Lumpur weather in April.

In comparing January and May weather, both months display similar temperature ranges, with January showing a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), while May has a minimum of 20°C (69°F) and a slightly lower maximum of 33°C (92°F). However, May experiences significantly higher precipitation, totaling 329 mm (12.9 in) over 29 days, compared to January's 158 mm (6.2 in) over 19 days. The humidity remains relatively constant, with January at 84% and May slightly higher at 85%. For more detailed insights into the weather conditions during May, you can visit this link: Kuala Lumpur weather in May.

January and June in Kuala Lumpur exhibit similarities in average temperatures, with January showing a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and an average of 26°C (78°F), while June has slightly higher minimums at 21°C (71°F) and similar averages of 26°C (79°F). However, June experiences more precipitation, with 192 mm (7.6 in) over 23 days compared to January's 158 mm (6.2 in) over 19 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in June at 87% compared to January's 84%. For more detailed insights, you can check out Kuala Lumpur weather in June.

In comparing the weather between January and July, both months feature similar average temperatures, around 26°C (79°F), but January tends to enjoy slightly higher maximum temperatures, with highs reaching 34°C (93°F) compared to July's 32°C (90°F). Precipitation is more pronounced in July, with a total of 188 mm (7.4 in) over 25 days, compared to January's 158 mm (6.2 in) across 19 days. Additionally, July experiences a marginally higher humidity level at 87%, versus January's 84%. For more detailed insights, check out Kuala Lumpur weather in July.

In comparing the weather of January and August, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, with January averaging 26°C (78°F) and August slightly higher at 26°C (79°F). However, January tends to have a wider range of temperatures, with a maximum of 34°C (93°F) compared to August's high of 33°C (91°F). Precipitation is more frequent in August, occurring on 25 days with a total of 187 mm (7.4 in), compared to January's 158 mm (6.2 in) over 19 days. Additionally, August experiences slightly higher humidity levels at 90%, while January sees 84% humidity. For more detailed information on the weather in August, check out this link: Kuala Lumpur weather in August.

January and September in Kuala Lumpur exhibit similar average temperatures, with both months recording a minimum of 20°C (68°F), an average of 26°C (78°F), and a maximum of 34°C (93°F). However, September tends to be considerably wetter, receiving 278 mm (10.9 in) of precipitation over 26 days compared to January's 158 mm (6.2 in) over 19 days. Additionally, September's humidity is slightly higher at 90%, compared to January's 84%, making the September weather feel a bit more oppressive. For more detailed information, you can check out Kuala Lumpur weather in September.

In comparing the weather between January and October, we see some notable similarities and differences. Both months feature similar average temperatures, hovering around 26°C (79°F), with October experiencing slightly higher minimum temperatures at 21°C (71°F) compared to January's 20°C (68°F). However, October is characterized by significantly higher precipitation, totaling 294 mm (11.6 in) across 25 rainy days, while January sees only 158 mm (6.2 in) across 19 days. Furthermore, October's humidity is elevated at 89%, compared to January's 84%. For more details, you can check out Kuala Lumpur weather in October.

In January, the weather in Kuala Lumpur features slightly lower temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum reaching up to 34°C (93°F). The month experiences an average temperature of 26°C (78°F) and substantial rainfall totaling 158 mm (6.2 in) over approximately 19 days. Humidity levels are high, averaging around 84%.

In contrast, November exhibits a warmer minimum temperature of 22°C (72°F) and a maximum of 32°C (91°F), with an average temperature similar to January at 25°C (78°F). However, November is significantly wetter, with precipitation reaching 366 mm (14.4 in) over 29 days and humidity slightly higher at 89%. These conditions indicate that while both months are warm, November is notably more humid and rainy than January. For more details, check out the Kuala Lumpur weather in November.

In comparing the weather of January and December, we see that January offers slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 20°C (68°F) and a maximum of 34°C (93°F), while December has a minimum of 21°C (71°F) and a maximum of 32°C (90°F). Both months have an average temperature of 26°C (78°F), but December experiences higher precipitation levels, totaling 238 mm (9.4 in) over 25 days, compared to January's 158 mm (6.2 in) over 19 days. Additionally, December's humidity is higher at 90%, while January records a humidity level of 84%. For more detailed insights on December's weather, check out Kuala Lumpur weather in December.

Compare Kuala Lumpur's Climate with Cities Worldwide

Conclusion: What to Expect From January Weather in Kuala Lumpur

As January unfolds in Kuala Lumpur, the city experiences a warm embrace with its average temperatures hovering comfortably around 26°C (78°F), marking a reprieve from the cooler months of December. However, compared to the dryer months that follow, January is predominantly characterized by increased humidity levels at 84% and frequent rainfall, with precipitation recorded on 19 days amounting to 158 mm (6.2 in). This blend of warmth and moisture sets the stage for lush greenery and vibrant landscapes, making it a unique time to explore the city's offerings. For more insights into how January weather compares with the rest of the year, visit Kuala Lumpur Climate.