Weather in Kuala Lumpur in August

How August compares

August is the 7th warmest month of the year in Kuala Lumpur and ranks 45th of 134 destinations we compare for August - see where else is hot in August. Against London's average high of 21.4°C in August, Kuala Lumpur is 8.4°C warmer by day and 9.7°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in August

The typical August day in Kuala Lumpur peaks at 29.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 31.3°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 2 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.2°C; one night in ten drops to 22.4°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest August day here reached 33.2°C (2020-08-10) and the coldest night 21.1°C (2000-08-19).

Rain in August

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 26 days with 1 mm or more, 215 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest August was 1998 with 424 mm, the driest 2016 with 86 mm. Humidity averages 84%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 1.9 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:11 and sets about 19:24 local time in mid-August. Average cloud cover is 85%.

Is August a good time to visit Kuala Lumpur?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Kuala Lumpur on our scoring are February, March, January; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Hot days with little relief at night

The temperature alone does not tell the whole story: humidity averages 84%, so walking around can feel more tiring than the daytime high suggests. Nearly half of August days reach 30°C, making a packed outdoor schedule a less comfortable choice than a slower pace with breaks. Keep strenuous walking away from midday where possible, and choose loose, breathable clothing rather than heavy fabrics. Evenings are still warm, so do not expect the cooling-off you might get at home. August suits travellers who are comfortable with persistent warmth and happy to pause indoors, rather than those who want to spend the whole day outside.

Plan around rain, not guaranteed sunshine

Rain is a regular consideration in August, not something to treat as an unlikely interruption. A compact umbrella and footwear that copes with getting wet are sensible additions to your bag; a heavy waterproof may feel uncomfortable in the humidity. Sunshine averages only about 1.9 hours a day despite 12.1 hours of daylight, so long days do not translate into long sunny spells. Keep outdoor plans movable and have an indoor alternative ready, rather than relying on a fixed dry window. The month works better for travellers who can change plans with the weather than for anyone whose holiday depends on clear skies.