Kuala Lumpur in December

In December, Kuala Lumpur averages 31°C (88°F) during the day and 23°C (73°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (230 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.

December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Kuala Lumpur. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

31°C
Avg high
23°C
Avg low
15
Rain days
230 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Kuala Lumpur

12th
warmest month of the 12
5th
wettest month of the 12
9%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
11 h 56 min
daylight on the 15th

December is one of the coolest months in Kuala Lumpur (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C below the annual average (32°C). December runs roughly the same as November (31°C) and warms a further 1°C into January (32°C).

December sunrise & sunset in Kuala Lumpur

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:10 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:06 PM
Day length
11 h 56 min

Times shown for Kuala Lumpur local time (Asia/Kuala_Lumpur), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Kuala Lumpur — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Kuala Lumpur's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:10 AM – 6:50 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
6:50 AM – 7:50 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:26 PM – 7:26 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:26 PM – 8:06 PM

📅 When to book — Kuala Lumpur in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Kuala Lumpur's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Kuala Lumpur

Shoulder

Kuala Lumpur is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Why this tier: Christmas / New Year travel surge

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Kuala Lumpur

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.3
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Kuala Lumpur in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 32°C / 90°F 22°C / 72°F 170 mm 11 0
February 32°C / 90°F 23°C / 73°F 165 mm 12 0
March 33°C / 91°F 23°C / 73°F 230 mm 15 0
April 33°C / 91°F 24°C / 75°F 285 mm 15 0
May 33°C / 91°F 24°C / 75°F 200 mm 13 0
June 33°C / 91°F 23°C / 73°F 130 mm 10 0
July 32°C / 90°F 23°C / 73°F 135 mm 11 0
August 32°C / 90°F 23°C / 73°F 175 mm 13 0
September 32°C / 90°F 23°C / 73°F 195 mm 14 0
October 32°C / 90°F 23°C / 73°F 280 mm 17 0
November 31°C / 88°F 23°C / 73°F 290 mm 18 0
December 31°C / 88°F 23°C / 73°F 230 mm 15 0

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Kuala Lumpur in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Kuala Lumpur in December?

In December, Kuala Lumpur averages a high of 31°C (88°F) and a low of 23°C (73°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Kuala Lumpur in December?

December is quite rainy in Kuala Lumpur, with about 15 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Kuala Lumpur?

December is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Kuala Lumpur in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Kuala Lumpur for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Kuala Lumpur on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.