The month in detail
What to expect in March
In March, Penang sees 31°C during the day with 7.6h of sunshine per day. Expect rain on 29% of days — a light raincoat in the bag is recommended.
March ranks 4 out of 12 months in Penang. Compared to February: 8 pts more rainy days, −0.7h of sun per day.
This month's conditions
What it's like in March
UV index
9 · very high
protection essential
Feels like
oppressive heat
24°
Sea
31°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
12.0h of daylight
Air quality
fair
AQI 54
Compare
Is March the right month?
The best month in Penang is January (5.9/10), 0.5 pt higher than March.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Penang
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Penang
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · Malaysia
🗣️LanguageMalay
💶CurrencyMalaysian Ringgit (RM)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeEquatorial tropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthFebruary · 31°C
❄️Coolest monthOctober · 29°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘOctober · 61%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘNone (equator)
Explore
Other destinations in March
If March doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Penang ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
MalaysiaEquatorial tropical climate with a 5.9 → 4.7 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
5.42°N · 100.33°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Penang?
January is the best month with 30.0°C highs, 24.0°C lows, 8.0h of sunshine and 16.0% rainy days.
How many hours of sunshine does Penang get in January?
Penang averages 8.0 sunshine hours per day in January. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 5.8/10.
What is the rainiest month in Penang?
September is the most unfavourable month with September has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Penang in January?
In January, overnight lows reach 24.0°C, while afternoon highs average 30.0°C.
Is Penang good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Penang scores 5.6/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains January with a score of 5.8/10.
When should you avoid Penang?
September is the most difficult month to visit Penang, with September has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Penang in March?
In March, the sea averages 31°C in Penang: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Penang in March?
The average UV index reaches 9 in March in Penang (very high), with about 12.0h of daylight. Protection essential.