What December feels like in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur sits close to the equator, so it has no real winter or summer — it is warm all year, and December follows the same pattern. The midday hours are hot; shade and water matter on long walks. Little changes after sunset — nights stay warm, only slightly below the daytime level. The air is muggy, so it feels hotter than the thermometer suggests.
Rain in Kuala Lumpur in December
December is persistently wet here: some rain falls on most days. Rainy days are intense, averaging about 11.7 mm (0.5 in) — downpours rather than drizzle. The yearly figure is similar, around 10.1 mm per wet day. It is among the three wettest months of the year.
Daylight and sunshine in December
On 15 December the sun rises at about 7:10 am and sets around 7:07 pm local time, giving 11 h 56 min of daylight. Day length barely changes from mid-November (2 min shorter). Close to the equator, sunrise and sunset times move very little through the year. About 67% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, there are plenty of bright spells.
How December compares to the rest of the year
Ranked by average high, December comes out as the 2nd coolest month in Kuala Lumpur. It is about as warm as November, with 73 mm less rain. Temperatures barely move from one month to the next here. January averages a high of 29.6°C (85.3°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — rain falls on more than half the days.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — afternoons are too warm to linger outside.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — with rain on most days, galleries and museums make easy plans.
Tips for visiting Kuala Lumpur in December
Rain Protection
Keep a small umbrella in your bag and wear shoes that cope with puddles.
Sun Protection
Loose, breathable clothing plus sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Kuala Lumpur in December?
Afternoons average 29.4°C (84.9°F) and nights about 23.1°C (73.6°F) — hot by most people's standards. It is the 2nd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Kuala Lumpur in December?
Yes, fairly — rain falls most days and totals about 315 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Kuala Lumpur in December?
Pack rain protection and sun protection. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Kuala Lumpur?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#4 of 12 vs #10). January has fewer rainy days.