Kota Bharu Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Kota Bharu.
Climate overview of Kota Bharu
The climate in Kota Bharu, Kelantan, Malaysia, is remarkably consistent, with temperatures year-round averaging 31°C (88°F). The warmest month is May at 32°C (90°F), and the coolest is January at 29°C (84°F).
The city has a wet climate, receiving around 2410 mm (95 in) of rainfall per year. Despite the high annual total, it has a distinct rainy season from September to January. December is the wettest month. April is the sunniest month, averaging 7.2 hours of sunshine per day.
Kota Bharu Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Kota Bharu — and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Kota Bharu
In Kota Bharu temperatures are generally consistent throughout the year. On average, daytime temperatures range from a very warm 32°C (90°F) in May to a comfortable 29°C (84°F) in January.
Nighttime temperatures range from 26°C (79°F) in May to 25°C (77°F) in January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu experiences significant rainfall throughout the year, averaging 2410 mm (95 in) of precipitation annually. The seasons in Kota Bharu bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, December, receives heavy rainfall, with an average of 436 mm (17 in) of precipitation. This rainfall is distributed across 24 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month, February, experiences much less rainfall, totaling 98 mm (3.9 in) over 9 rainy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year. For more details, please visit our Kota Bharu Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Kota Bharu
Kota Bharu enjoys sunny spells year-round. April sees up to 7.2 hours of daily sunshine, perfect for a sunny trip. December, the least sunny month, still offers a generous 4.4 hours of sun despite this cloudier time of the year.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Water Temperature in Kota Bharu
The mean water temperature over the year ranges from 27°C (81°F) in January to 30°C (86°F) in May.
Water temperature over the year
Humidity in Kota Bharu by Month
The city experiences its highest humidity in November, reaching 88%. In April, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 82%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Wind Speed in Kota Bharu
The mean wind speed varies between 1 m/s (2 knots) and 2 m/s (4 knots) throughout the year. It is lowest in April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November and highest during January, February, March and December. What does this mean?
The mean monthly wind speed over the year (meters per second)
Best Time to Visit Kota Bharu
To make the most of your visit, consider exploring early in the morning or during the pleasant late afternoon hours when the temperature is most comfortable.
Be aware that January, September, October, November and December constitute the rainy season, with significant precipitation. Looking for inspiration on where to travel this year? We have a tool that recommends destinations based on your ideal conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Kota Bharu
What is the best time to visit Kota Bharu?
January typically offers the most optimal weather in Kota Bharu. In contrast, September, October, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Kota Bharu has a distinct rainy season from September to January.
What temperatures can I expect in Kota Bharu?
Daytime highs range from 29°C (84°F) in January to 32°C (90°F) in May. Nighttime lows range from 25°C (77°F) to 26°C (79°F). Temperatures stay relatively stable year-round.
How much rain does Kota Bharu get?
Annual rainfall is around 2410 mm (95 in). December is the wettest month with 436 mm (17 in), while February is the driest with 98 mm (3.9 in).
How sunny is Kota Bharu?
Kota Bharu receives around 2,173 hours of sunshine per year. April is the sunniest month with 216 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 132 hours. Overall, Kota Bharu enjoys abundant sunshine.
Kota Bharu 3-Day Forecast
Kota Bharu 3-Day Forecast
Kota Bharu on the map
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