The climate of Langkawi
Langkawi,
Malaysia sits under the Am classification of the Köppen climate system - meaning it experiences a tropical monsoon climate. The temperature remains reliably warm year-round with slight fluctuations, while precipitation amounts oscillate noticeably, hinting at distinct wet and dry seasons. The island experiences high temperatures ranging from 31°C (87.8°F) to 34°C (93.2°F) across the year. The lowest temperatures are in a narrow band of 23°C (73.4°F) to 24°C (75.2°F).
Throughout the year, rainfall amounts see a significant variation. Starting with 50mm (1.97") in
January, it increases, reaching peak levels in
September and
October with 339mm (13.35") and 344mm (13.54") respectively. After that, rainfall decreases sharply heading into the year-end, bottoming out at 94mm (3.7") in
December. With respect to rainfall days, lesser numbers during January to
March of around 4 to 9 days, rise sharply in the ensuing months to peak at 22 days from September to October. The remainder of the year sees this number taper off gradually.
Unmistakable patterns appear in the number of daylight hours too. The year starts with 11.8 hours in January, gradually increasing to a high of 12.5 hours in
June and
July before slowly reducing back to 11.8 hours by December. On the other hand, sunshine hours fluctuate minimally, varying between 6 to 8 hours across the year. Even the sea temperature remains fairly constant throughout the year, oscillating between 28°C (82.4°F) to 30°C (86°F).
The best time to visit Langkawi
Considering the average weather conditions, the optimal time to visit
Langkawi would be from
January to
March. During this period, the rainfall levels are comparably lower ranging from 50mm (1.97") to 91mm (3.58"), with rainfall occurring on 4 to 9 days of the month. The sea temperature holds steady at a pleasant 28°C (82.4°F) to 29°C (84.2°F), desirable for water-related activities. Additionally, the daylight hours gradually escalate from 11.8 hours to 12.1 hours, leaving ample time for sightseeing. Despite the high UV index of 12 in this period, equipped with suitable sun protection, visitors can enjoy pleasant weather with 8 hours of sunshine each day.
The worst time to visit Langkawi
The months from
September to
October mark the least favourable period to visit
Langkawi owing to high rainfall levels. These months witness the heaviest rainfall, exceeding 330mm (12.99"), coupled with the highest number of rainfall days at 22. Despite the decent sea temperature oscillating between 29°C (84.2°F) to 30°C (86°F), the influx of monsoon rains could hinder marine activities and outdoor adventures. While there is significant daylight, with about 12.2 hours to 12 hours, sizable rainfall and an average of 6 hours of sunshine might restrict outdoor pursuits.
Spring weather in Langkawi
Spring in
Langkawi from
March to
May brings a gradual increase in rainfall from 91mm (3.58") to 256mm (10.08"). The number of rainfall days amplifies from 9 to 18 days over the three months. The sea temperature climbs to a pleasant 30°C (86°F) while the daylight hours extend from 12.1 hours to 12.4 hours, with sunshine hours contracting slightly from 8 to 7 hours.
Summer weather in Langkawi
During summer,
June through
August, an increase in rainfall remains noticeable with the amounts varying from 218mm (8.58") to 249mm (9.8"). Rainfall days remain steady at around 15 to 17 days in the month. Temperatures in these months hover around a high of 32-32°C (-25.6°F). The sea temperature stays consistent at around 30°C (86°F) to 29°C (84.2°F).
Autumn weather in Langkawi
Autumn,
September to
November, tracks the most rainfall with amounts escalating up to 344mm (13.54") in
October before reducing to 215mm (8.46") in November. The number of rainfall days peaks at 22 days in both September and October, subsequently declining to 19 days in November. Daylight hours begin their descent from 12.2 hours to 11.8 hours through autumn.
Winter weather in Langkawi
Winter months of
December and
January register a substantial dip in the number of rainfall days from 10 to 4 respectively. Correspondingly, rainfall decreases sharply from 94mm (3.7") in December to 50mm (1.97") in January. The daylight hours persist at 11.8 hours whereas sunshine hours rebound from 6 hours to 8 hours. The sea temperature drops marginally to 28°C (82.4°F), still warm enough for water-based activities.
Weather in January
Starting the year in
Langkawi,
Malaysia,
January typically sees the thermometer displaying a high of 33°C (91.4°F) and plunging to a low of no less than 23°C (73.4°F). Balmy temperatures coupled with moderate rainfall make this month quite palatable.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February is marginally different from
January with a 3mm (0.12") decrease in the rainfall amount. Thanks to the almost undeviating temperature, planning a visit during this month is relatively easy as the weather remains almost predictable.
Weather in February » Weather in March
As one might expect, the month of
March springs forth with increases in rainfall to 91mm (3.58"), marking a notable weather transition. Perhaps the most distinctive feature in March is the increase in wet days. The high UV index indicates sun intensity, advising caution for sunbathing enthusiasts.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, a significant increase in rainfall up to 169mm (6.65") sets
Langkawi apart from preceding months. However, the city's charm is far from being washed away with increased humidity contributing to the lush tropical backdrop.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May is marked by a severe leap in precipitation levels, recording a substantial 256mm (10.08") of rainfall. However, such weather conditions contribute significantly to the lush vegetation and unique biodiversity of the area. The UV index remains steadfast at 12, indicating a strong intensity of the sun's radiation.
Weather in May » Weather in June
A slight reduction in rainfall from
May's peak brings
June to a total of 218mm (8.58"), an arguably more desirable condition for visitation. Even though some rainfall persists, it fails to dampen the spirit of
Langkawi and its thriving tourist activities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July carries the monsoon season further along with an increase in average rainfall to a substantial 233mm (9.17"). Despite persistent rainfall,
Langkawi continues to wreathe in the splendor of its tropical charm. A marginal drop in sea temperature does not significantly affect water-related activities.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Enhanced by rainfall, the verdant hues of
Langkawi become more prominent in
August as rainfall inches upward to 249mm (9.8"). No significant variation in the city's temperatures provides a sense of predictability insofar as weather changes go.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September is discernible for the notable climb in precipitation, at a high of 339mm (13.35") for the year, signaling the peak of the monsoon season. Despite the escalation in rainfall, the city's weather holds steady, experiencing minimal fluctuation in temperatures.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October, rainfall persists, falling slightly from
September's high to 344mm (13.54"). Tourists may require to adjust plans slightly due to the weather situation. Natural wonders of
Langkawi, such as the flourishing wildlife, become more conspicuous, dressed by the rains.
Weather in October »Weather in November
November heralds a decrease in rainfall to 215mm (8.46"), offering a respite from the preceding heavy rains. The constant UV index reading of 11 signifies constant sun exposure, making sun protection a must at all times. Visitors start to note an improvement in the weather as it starts drying.
Weather in November » Weather in December
Come
December, rainfall decreases even further to 94mm (3.7"), making it an inviting time for visitors desiring less rain. As the year turns full circle, the city's weather conditions return to moderate levels. Although there is less sunshine due to the season, the consistent temperature maintains
Langkawi's tropical charm.
Weather in December »