Penang (George Town) in May
In May, Penang (George Town) averages 32°C (90°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 15 days of the month see precipitation (210 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are warm and beach-friendly. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
May is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Penang (George Town). If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.
How May compares to the rest of the year in Penang (George Town)
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Penang (George Town) (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (32°C). May runs roughly the same as April (32°C) and stays flat into June.
May sunrise & sunset in Penang (George Town)
Times shown for Penang (George Town) local time (Asia/Kuala_Lumpur), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Penang (George Town) — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Penang (George Town)'s local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Penang (George Town) in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Penang (George Town)'s popularity.
May in Malaysia — events that affect travel
Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.
Daylight fasting month. Many restaurants close until sunset, some attractions close midday, and Islamic countries change their pace dramatically. Eid (3 days after Ramadan ends) brings major travel surge.
Plan: Tourists can usually still find food, but dress modestly and avoid eating publicly during the day. Iftar (sunset meal) is a beautiful experience to plan for.
Crowds & pricing — May in Penang (George Town)
Penang (George Town) 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.
Sun & mosquito risk — May in Penang (George Town)
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.
Sea temperature in Penang (George Town) — May
Across the year Penang (George Town)'s sea swings from 30.4°C (January) to 32.4°C (April) — May sits at 32.1°C.
Penang (George Town) in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 70 mm | 7 | 0 |
| February | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 90 mm | 7 | 0 |
| March | 32°C / 90°F | 24°C / 75°F | 140 mm | 11 | 0 |
| April | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 210 mm | 14 | 0 |
| May | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 210 mm | 15 | 0 |
| June | 32°C / 90°F | 25°C / 77°F | 170 mm | 13 | 0 |
| July | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 200 mm | 15 | 0 |
| August | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 225 mm | 16 | 0 |
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 290 mm | 19 | 0 |
| October | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 365 mm | 21 | 0 |
| November | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 260 mm | 19 | 0 |
| December | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 150 mm | 13 | 0 |
Other cities with similar May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Penang (George Town) in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Penang (George Town) in May?
In May, Penang (George Town) averages a high of 32°C (90°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Penang (George Town) in May?
May is quite rainy in Penang (George Town), with about 15 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Penang (George Town)?
May 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 Penang (George Town) in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full May packing list for Penang (George Town) for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.