Although there’s no bad time to visit Penang, tropical weather and religious festivals mean there are still a few things you should consider before choosing when to visit.
The sparkling tropical island of Penang has always been a year-round destination, avoiding as it does many of the extreme weather events that can plague other Southeast Asian tourist hotspots. Aside from a few weeks in the summer, the temperature remains in the ‘hot, humid but manageable’ category, and the short rainy season never puts too much of a dampener on proceedings.
So, even though Penang is always beautiful and a delight to visit, are there any times when it’s even more beautiful and delightful? We’ve experienced this island throughout the year and can pass on some insider advice on the best time to visit Penang and which factors you should take into consideration when planning your visit.
How much will the heat impact your trip to Penang?
Penang has a tropical climate, so there aren’t any significant differences in the temperatures throughout the year, and it tends to escape the extreme heat you might experience in other parts of Southeast Asia. During the middle of the day, the temperature often goes above 30°C and it can sometimes feel too hot to be outdoors sightseeing. This is particularly the case between April and August, when everyone does their best to avoid the outdoors and instead find sanctuary inside, ideally near a fan or air-conditioning unit. Check out our guide to the best indoor activities in Penang.
In logistical terms for your visit, it just means you need to plan your days with some more care, aiming to be indoors between the hours of 12.00pm and 3.00pm. If you’re staying in accommodation with a pool or access to the beach, this is the ideal time to enjoy those facilities alongside a leisurely lunch and a glass of something cold.
Should you actively avoid the rainy season?
READ: Visiting Penang in the rainy season
Penang has a rainy season but, by regional standards, it’s less severe and has less of an impact on your visit than you might be led to believe. The months of September, October and November enjoy/suffer the greatest amounts of rain and you should plan for some wet weather on most days during these months.
Occasionally, a significant storm will blow in and cause localised flooding and disruption. In general, visiting Penang during the rainy season is still pleasant, and you will notice fewer tourists during these months. The temperatures are also slightly lower during the rainy season, so it will suit visitors who tend to suffer in the heat.
While some people tend to overstate the negative impact of tropical rainstorms, our view is that the weather won’t have a significant impact on your trip, and there are no periods during the year that you should actively avoid due to the weather.
Religious festivals in Penang – do the pros outweigh the cons?
Penang is one of the most multicultural places in the world and this is reflected in the large number of religious festivals taking place throughout the year. These festivals can have a positive and negative effect on your visit and for some people, they are a factor on their decision of when to visit Penang.
The religious festivals are often when Penang is at its most vibrant, energetic and intoxicating, so they’re undoubtedly an exciting time to visit, and you’ll be left with vivid memories of the island, the people and their traditions. However, they can also be some of the busiest and most crowded times to be on the island, with the associated increase in accommodation and transport prices.
There are multiple religious festivals and events taking place in Penang throughout the year, but the largest and most significant include:
(Note that most of the festival dates are determined by lunar phases, so the exact dates vary from year to year).
- Chinese New Year: large, colourful festival attracting huge crowds to the island in late January or February. Due to the large Hokkien population on the island, you may notice more places operating under a reduced holiday timetable. Kek Lok Si Temple is a spectacular sight during this period.
- Thaipusam: Hindu festival, of particular importance to the Tamil community in Penang, marked by large-scale processions and various associated rituals. The area around the Waterfall Hill Temple is especially busy during this time.
- Deepavali: In late October or early November, the Hindu festival of lights is another major festival drawing in the crowds and bringing life and colour to the island.
- Hari Raya Aidilfitri: Known as Eid al-Fitr in some other countries, the end of Ramadan is a time of celebration in Penang, when people often dress in traditional clothing and return to their hometowns.
So, when is the best time to visit Penang?
Although neither the weather nor religious festivals are enough of a reason on their own to avoid a certain time of year, it’s important to factor them into your decision. In our opinion, the best time to visit Penang is December, January and February.
At this time of year, you’re more likely to see blue skies and fewer rainstorms (although they still occur), without the increased heat found during the months of April to August. However, do consider that Chinese New Year and Thaipusam usually fall at the start of the calendar year.
We personally believe that the incredible spectacle of these festivals, combined with the increased vibrancy of the island, mean these are exciting times to visit, and more than outweigh the problems you might face with increased crowds.
Finally, if you’re travelling with a family and find yourself tied to European summer holiday dates, Penang makes an excellent option in July and August. It doesn’t suffer from as severe a monsoon season as other parts of Southeast Asia, and the temperature is still on the manageable side.
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On Penang ebook£16.95
On Penang ebook
New for 2025, the On Penang ebook is the only travel guide you need for exploring the island of Penang. It is jam-packed with inspiration on what to do, where to eat, where to stay, and also includes a step-by-step self-guided walking tour of George Town (with photos).
This is a PDF download for use offline and on the go (and ad-free!). Save it to read on the plane to Malaysia, download to your phone to follow the self-guided walking tour, or print it off at home before you leave on your adventures and highlight all the bits you want to remember for your visit.
Before your go, check out these useful reads for your visit:
The best things to do in Penang
15 BEST restaurants in Penang
Top tips for visiting Penang
One day Penang itinerary
Best hotels in Penang
How to get around Penang
A brief history of Penang
