Penang in December: is it a good time to visit?

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December is one of the best times to visit Penang, but you should expect it to become crowded towards the end of the month.

December is one of the best times of the year to visit Penang, falling just after the rainy season but before the temperatures and crowds start to increase. There will still be occasional rainy days at the beginning of the month, but the skies are often clear and blue in December, making it an ideal time to visit the beaches or take a hike in the National Park.

Christmas isn’t as big a deal in Penang as in some other parts of the world, although you will begin to spot Santa Clause and Christmas decorations appearing at the larger shopping malls and hotels. Many of the Western-orientated hotels will be serving extravagant Christmas lunches and buffets in the run-up to the 25th.

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Penang weather in December

December is just at the tail end of Penang’s rainy season, so it does statistically have one of the highest amounts of rainfall in the year, but the majority will fall at the beginning of the month. In general, December doesn’t feel like a wet month, with plenty of blue skies and pleasant temperatures.

Penang’s temperatures are steady throughout the year, never varying more than a few degrees, aside from the infrequent heatwaves that pass over. Not that you’ll feel a huge amount of difference, but the temperatures in December are the lowest of the year, averaging around 29C (84F).

Is Penang busy in December?

December begins to feel busier towards the end of the month, with many Europeans flying over to avoid their cold winter months. School holidays in many parts of the world begin, notably in Australia where they break up from mid-December through to the end of January.

Penang is a very popular destination for Australians and you’ll see plenty of them here in December. It’s also local school holidays from mid-December, so Penang Hill, theme parks (especially ESCAPE) and other kid-focused activities will be busier than usual.

Penang festivals and events in December

READ OUR GUIDE: Christmas in Penang

Christmas might be the biggest religious festival of the year in other parts of the world, but it’s an altogether different experience in Penang. Although many hotels and shopping malls make an effort to capture the Christmas spirit, for the most part you won’t notice any signs of December 25th approaching.

However, if you still need your festive fix, it’s easy enough to find it in multi-cultural Penang. The Eastern & Oriental Hotel in George Town offers Christmas lunches at its four restaurants, the shopping malls are decked out in tinsel and trees from early December, and the churches offer services throughout Advent. If you’re planning to recreate your traditional Christmas experience in Penang, staples such as advent calendars, Elf on the Shelf, and crackers are harder to find here, but some of the Western-orientated supermarkets and stores usually have some stock.

The end of December in Penang also marks New Years Eve and the island sure knows how to welcome the new year in style. Straits Quay is one of the most popular spots, hosting a vibrant countdown market with live bands, DJs, dance performances, and a spectacular waterfront fireworks display at midnight. For something a little livelier, the Hard Rock Hotel in Batu Ferringhi throws one of the island’s biggest parties, or walk along the beach to nearby Ferringhi Bay for fire shows, live music, and crowds toasting by the sea.

In George Town, The Top offers an unforgettable experience, with a buffet dinner, DJ sets, live music, and panoramic views of the fireworks bursting from Penang’s iconic Komtar Tower. Those after a more refined celebration can book one of the elegant New Year’s Eve dinners at the E&O Hotel.

One other notable event in December is the Penang Bridge International Marathon, which attracts thousands of runners to Penang. It’s a major logistical event that impacts the area around the bridge on both the mainland and the island.

It’s held on the second Sunday in December (marathon start time is set to 1.30am to take advantage of the cooler overnight temperatures).

Is December a good time to visit Penang?

Yes, December is a lovely time to visit Penang. The weather is continually improving throughout the month and it’s much less busy than January and February, when the major religious festivals take centre stage.

Depending on your viewpoint, it’s also a good place to escape a traditional Christmas, although it’s still possible to find some festive vibes (plus food and drink) if that’s what you’re looking for.

Remember to book ahead for accommodation and transport towards the end of the month, when the number of visitors rapidly increases due to school holidays throughout the world, most noticeably from Malaysia and Australasia.