Malaysia in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Malaysia

32°C (90°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Northeast monsoon brings drier conditions to east coast - Perhentian Islands, Redang, and Tioman are accessible with calmer seas and better visibility for diving
School holidays haven't started yet (Malaysian schools break mid-December) so first two weeks have lighter crowds and better accommodation rates
Durian season peaks in December - experience the king of fruits at its absolute best in Penang and Johor orchards
Perfect weather window for Cameron Highlands - daytime temperatures of 20-24°C (68-75°F) ideal for strawberry picking and tea plantation walks

Considerations

West coast experiences heavy rainfall with 15-20 rainy days - Langkawi and western beaches often have rough seas and limited water activities
Humidity consistently above 70% makes outdoor activities feel exhausting, especially between 11am-3pm when it feels like 38°C (100°F)
Year-end holidays drive accommodation prices up 40-60% in popular destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Penang from December 20th onwards

Best Activities in December

East Coast Island Diving and Snorkeling

December marks the start of east coast diving season with 20-25m (65-82ft) visibility and calm seas. Water temperature stays at comfortable 28°C (82°F). Coral Triangle marine life is most active during cooler northeast monsoon period.

Booking Tip: Book 2-3 weeks ahead through PADI-certified operators. Day trips typically cost RM180-280 per person including equipment. Look for operators offering small group sizes (maximum 8 divers) for better experience. See current tour options in booking section below.

Cameron Highlands Tea Estate Tours

Cool mountain climate (20-24°C/68-75°F) provides relief from coastal humidity. December is strawberry harvest season and morning mist creates dramatic photography conditions. Avoid afternoon visits when cloud cover reduces visibility.

Booking Tip: Book day tours from Kuala Lumpur (3.5 hours drive each way) or stay overnight in Tanah Rata. Tours cost RM120-200 per person. Choose morning departures (7am-8am) for clearest mountain views and cooler temperatures.

Penang Street Food Heritage Walks

December brings unique seasonal specialties like tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) and winter melon soup. Cooler evening temperatures from 7pm onwards make walking tours more comfortable. Chinese New Year preparations begin, adding extra street vendors.

Booking Tip: Evening food tours (6pm-10pm) work best to avoid midday heat. Group tours cost RM80-150 per person, private tours RM200-350. Book through certified guides who speak your language. Check current options in booking section below.

Kuala Lumpur Cultural District Walking Tours

December's intermittent rain creates natural air conditioning, making walking tours feasible. Many cultural sites have covered walkways. Afternoon thunderstorms typically last only 30-45 minutes, rarely disrupting full itineraries.

Booking Tip: Book flexible tours that can adapt to weather - look for operators offering indoor alternatives like Batu Caves temple complex or covered this destination. Tours range RM60-120 per person for 3-4 hour experiences.

Borneo Rainforest Canopy Walks

December rainfall keeps rainforest lush and wildlife active. Morning mist dissipates by 9am, creating ideal conditions for canopy photography. Proboscis monkeys and orangutans are more visible during cooler morning hours before 11am.

Booking Tip: Book multi-day packages including accommodation in jungle lodges. Costs range RM400-800 per person per day. Essential to book with operators providing proper rain gear and experienced naturalist guides. Advance booking 3-4 weeks required.

Malacca River Heritage Cruises

December's frequent afternoon showers keep river levels optimal for boat tours. Evening cruises (6pm-8pm) coincide with comfortable temperatures and illuminated heritage buildings. UNESCO sites look spectacular with wet-season green vegetation backdrop.

Booking Tip: Evening cruises offer best value at RM25-35 per person for 45-minute trips. Day cruises cost RM15-25 but can be uncomfortably hot. Book Easttimor-day tickets unless visiting during school holidays (post-December 15th).

December Events & Festivals

Early to Mid December

Penang Durian Festival

Peak season for Malaysia's king of fruits with over 200 varieties available. Local orchards open for picking experiences and durian buffets become widespread across Penang island.

December 28-31

Kuala Lumpur New Year Countdown

Multi-day celebrations around Petronas Twin Towers with fireworks, concerts, and street festivals. Bukit Bintang area transforms into pedestrian zones with special food markets.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts - cotton stays wet for hours in 70% humidity and takes forever to dry

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation zips - afternoon downpours last 30-45 minutes but are intense

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15 minutes even on cloudy days

Moisture-wicking underwear - regular cotton becomes uncomfortable within 2 hours of outdoor activity

Waterproof phone case - sudden tropical downpours can damage electronics in seconds

Antifungal foot powder - high humidity and wet conditions create perfect fungal growth environment

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - December rains increase mosquito breeding, especially near dawn and dusk

Lightweight long pants for mosque visits - many religious sites require covered legs regardless of weather

Portable umbrella - more useful than rain jacket for quick market visits and short walks

Extra pair of shoes - one pair will always be drying from rain or sweat in this climate

Insider Knowledge

Malaysian school holidays start December 15th - book accommodations before this date to avoid 40-60% price increases and family crowd influx

Durian season peaks in December - locals know the best roadside stalls open at 4pm daily along Penang's Balik Pulau route when fruit arrives fresh from orchards

Most locals avoid outdoor activities between 11am-3pm in December - shopping malls become social centers during these hours, offering authentic cultural experiences

December rainfall follows predictable patterns - heaviest downpours occur 2-4pm, making this ideal time for indoor museum visits or afternoon naps

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking west coast beach resorts in December - Langkawi and Penang beaches face rough seas and daily rainfall making water sports impossible

Scheduling outdoor activities during midday hours - 70% humidity makes 32°C (90°F) feel like 38°C (100°F), causing rapid dehydration and heat exhaustion

Bringing only sandals - many attractions require closed-toe shoes, and wet conditions make flip-flops dangerous on marble temple floors