Weather in Kuala Lumpur in May

How May compares

May is the 4th warmest month of the year in Kuala Lumpur and ranks 14th of 134 destinations we compare for May - see where else is hot in May. Against London's average high of 16.6°C in May, Kuala Lumpur is 13.6°C warmer by day and 15.4°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in May

The typical May day in Kuala Lumpur peaks at 30.2°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 31.5°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 2 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.7°C; one night in ten drops to 22.9°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest May day here reached 33.1°C (2020-05-19) and the coldest night 21.5°C (1999-05-30).

Rain in May

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 27 days with 1 mm or more, 232 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest May was 1991 with 382 mm, the driest 2003 with 112 mm. Humidity averages 87%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 1.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:02 and sets about 19:17 local time in mid-May. Average cloud cover is 87%.

Is May 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.

Expect heat that calls for a slower pace

The heat is dependable: every day reaches 25°C, while 57% of days reach 30°C. Humidity averages 87%, so allow for the warmth to feel uncomfortable when you are walking around rather than treating the temperature alone as your guide. Loose, lightweight clothing and regular indoor breaks are sensible, particularly around midday. Put more demanding outdoor plans earlier in the day, without assuming that this will avoid rain. Evenings offer some relief from the daytime high, but an average low near 24°C means they are still warm. May suits travellers happy to slow down in the heat more than those who want to spend long stretches outdoors without breaks.

Plan around rain, not guaranteed sunshine

With about 26 rainy days, wet weather needs to be part of your normal plan rather than a backup thought. That does not mean rain lasts all day, but the figures do not support relying on a dry spell at any particular time. Carry an umbrella or lightweight waterproof layer and keep indoor alternatives available. Sunshine averages just 1.6 hours within 12.1 hours of daylight, so long days should not be confused with long sunny spells. If your dates are flexible, February, March and January are better overall choices. May remains workable for a city stay if you accept interruptions and do not need clear skies to enjoy the trip.