Kuala Lumpur Weather in January
January in Kuala Lumpur typically sees daytime highs of 32°C (90°F) and nighttime lows of 24°C (75°F). January falls within the rainy season, so heavy rainfall is to be expected.
Rainfall in Kuala Lumpur in January
Kuala Lumpur is in the rainy season in January, with rain on around 15 days and an average of 220 mm (8.7 in). With rain on many days and solid totals, showers are frequent and often moderately heavy. Waterproof gear is a sensible idea.
Temperature in Kuala Lumpur in January
In January, expect very high temperatures in Kuala Lumpur, with highs of 32°C (90°F) and lows of 24°C (75°F) at night. Indoor breaks or shaded spots can make the warmer part of the day much more comfortable. Nights are warm at 24°C (75°F). It's worth making sure your accommodation has decent ventilation or air conditioning.
Sunshine in Kuala Lumpur in January
You can expect a moderate amount of sunlight, with approximately 185 hours. Even though this month is part of the wet season, you can still see the sun occasionally.
Wind Speed in Kuala Lumpur in January
Wind speeds average 2 m/s (4 knots) during January. At this speed, expect light breezes that you can feel on your face and cause leaves to rustle gently. Since this is an average, some days are calmer with barely any wind while others have more noticeable gentle breezes.If you're interested in exploring other destinations, our weather planner can help you discover additional travel options worldwide.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Malaysia, check out our Kuala Lumpur's climate page.
Kuala Lumpur Temperature in January
Min Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Max Temperature
32°C (90°F)
Chance of Rain
50%
Precipitation
220 mm (8.7 in)
Rainy days
15 days
Humidity
80%
Windspeed
2 m/s (4 knots)
Sunshine
185 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2026)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Kuala Lumpur typically stay consistent throughout January, with daily highs averaging around 32°C (90°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 24°C (75°F).
Average temperatures in January
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2026)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in January
Historical weather for Kuala Lumpur in January
Browse day-by-day weather records for Kuala Lumpur spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Kuala Lumpur historical weather extremes in January
Based on 41 years of weather observations (1984-2025), these are the most extreme conditions recorded in Kuala Lumpur.
- Kuala Lumpur recorded its highest January temperature of 36°C (97°F) on January 24, 2020.
- The coldest January day was on January 3, 2021, with a maximum of 25°C (77°F).
- Kuala Lumpur registered its coldest January night on January 15, 1985, with temperatures dropping to 19°C (66°F).
Best Places in Malaysia in January
Find out more about the weather in Malaysia and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Malaysia in January →
perfect weather
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tolerable
unpleasant
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What to Wear in Kuala Lumpur in January
Warm but pleasant conditions in Kuala Lumpur in January. Focus on lightweight, maybe with natural fabrics, cotton blend shirts, comfortable shorts, and breathable footwear. A light cover-up for sun protection is smart too. It's going to pour! Pack a good poncho and prepare for very wet conditions. It won't hurt to bring your sunglasses along, as you'll see some sunny periods.What To Do in Kuala Lumpur in January
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Malaysia, check out our Kuala Lumpur's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Kuala Lumpur climate overview or explore weather in Malaysia.
