Weather in January
January in
Malaysia is within the period of the Northeast Monsoon, characterized by substantial rainfall particularly in eastern Peninsular Malaysia and the regions of Borneo. Notable cities such as Kota Bharu and Kuantan on the east coast of the peninsula and Kuching in Borneo typically experience heavy rainfall, which can occasionally result in localized flooding.
The amount of rainfall in January is substantially higher than in
December, marking it as one of the wettest months of the year. Average precipitation can reach up to 300mm (11.81") in the aforementioned eastern regions and Borneo, while the west coast and regions such as Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Penang are less affected, with average rainfall ranging between 150mm (5.91") and 200mm (7.87").
Despite the increased rainfall, temperatures remain consistently high throughout January. Average daily temperatures across the country tend to linger from 26°C (78.8°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), providing a warm climate that is typical for this tropical nation.
In terms of sunlight, January has slightly fewer hours of sunshine compared to the adjacent months of December and
February, primarily due to cloud cover and rainfall. On average, there are about 6 hours of sunshine per day.
Finally, for those seeking a cooler experience, the Cameron Highlands, a notable hill station in Peninsular Malaysia, offers an escape from the tropical heat. Here, the average temperatures in January range from 14°C (57.2°F) to 24°C (75.2°F), significantly cooler than the coastal and lowland areas. However, this region also sees considerable rainfall in January, so visitors should come prepared for wet weather.
- Kuala Lumpur - January »
In Kuala Lumpur during January, the rain falls for 21.8 days and regularly aggregates up to 47mm (1.85") of precipitation. January in Kuala Lumpur is often characterized by high humidity, with the relative air moisture content reaching as high as 81%. - George Town - January »
With an average sea temperature of 28.7°C (83.7°F), January is the month with the coldest seawater in George Town, Malaysia. The month with the coldest seawater in George Town is January, with an average sea temperature of 28.7°C (83.7°F). - Johor Bahru - January »
On the first day of January in Johor Bahru, sunrise is at 7:07 am and sunset at 7:09 pm. In Johor Bahru, in January, during 11 rainfall days, 163mm (6.42") of precipitation is typically accumulated. - Ipoh - January »
In Ipoh, during January, the rain falls for 27.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 145mm (5.71") of precipitation. In Ipoh, during January, the rain falls for 27.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 145mm (5.71") of precipitation. - Kuching - January »
January and February, with an average sea temperature of 28°C (82.4°F), are months with the coldest seawater in Kuching, Malaysia. January and February, with an average relative humidity of 87%, are most humid months in Kuching. - Kota Kinabalu - January »
On the first day of January in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, sunrise is at 6:25 am and sunset at 6:12 pm. In Kota Kinabalu during January, the rain falls for 8 days and regularly aggregates up to 105mm (4.13") of precipitation. - Shah Alam - January »
January in Shah Alam, Malaysia observes humid conditions as it is the start of the year, with average humidity levels reaching 79%. January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the highest UV index in Shah Alam, Malaysia. - Alor Setar - January »
The month with the coldest seawater in Alor Setar is January, with an average sea temperature of 28.4°C (83.1°F). The months with the highest UV index in Alor Setar are January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. - Miri - January »
The months with the highest UV index in Miri are January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7. January through December, with an average maximum UV index of 7, are months with the lowest UV index in Miri, Malaysia. - Petaling Jaya - January »
January in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia witnesses a somewhat cooler climate due to a lower average monthly temperature from 22.9°C (73.2°F) to 31.2°C (88.2°F). In Petaling Jaya in January, during 21.3 rainfall days, 85mm (3.35") of precipitation is typically accumulated. - Seremban - January »
The average heat index, which takes the relative humidity and factors it into the air temperature reading, in January is evaluated at 39°C (102.2°F). In Seremban, during January, the rain falls for 23.3 days and regularly aggregates up to 97mm (3.82") of precipitation. - Kuantan - January »
January is the month with the coldest seawater in Kuantan with an average sea temperature of 27.3°C (81.1°F). Commencing the year, Kuantan, Malaysia welcomes January with substantial rainfall reaching a peak of 296mm (11.65"), setting the tone for a potentially wet year ahead.