Weather in Kuala Lumpur in September

How September compares

September is the 8th warmest month of the year in Kuala Lumpur and ranks 21st of 134 destinations we compare for September - see where else is hot in September. Against London's average high of 18.6°C in September, Kuala Lumpur is 11.2°C warmer by day and 11.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in September

The typical September day in Kuala Lumpur peaks at 29.8°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 31.2°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 2 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.1°C; one night in ten drops to 22.3°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest September day here reached 35.1°C (2019-09-22) and the coldest night 20.8°C (1993-09-11).

Rain in September

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 25 days with 1 mm or more, 235 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest September was 2001 with 357 mm, the driest 2016 with 112 mm. Humidity averages 85%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sunshine and daylight

Around 1.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.0 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 07:05 and sets about 19:12 local time in mid-September. Average cloud cover is 86%.

Is September 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

With humidity at 85%, September's heat can feel sticky rather than comfortably warm. Days reach 30°C on 43% of occasions, so pack for sustained warmth rather than treating hot weather as an occasional bonus. Lightweight, loose clothing makes sense, with spare tops useful if you find humid conditions uncomfortable. Keep your plans less demanding around midday and leave room for indoor breaks rather than committing to long stretches outdoors. Average night lows of 23.1°C mean evenings are still warm, so do not rely on sunset for a proper cool-down. This is a better fit for travellers comfortable with tropical heat than anyone seeking mild walking weather.

Make rain part of the plan, not an interruption

About 25 rainy days make a flexible itinerary more useful than hoping to avoid wet weather altogether. That does not mean rain falls continuously, but a mostly dry trip is not a sensible expectation. Carry a compact umbrella or lightweight waterproof, and choose footwear you can tolerate getting wet. Sunshine averages just 1.7 hours across 12.0 hours of daylight, so long daylight hours should not be confused with reliable clear skies. Leave outdoor plans movable and have indoor alternatives ready. September can work if you are happy to adjust as you go; it is less suitable if most of your enjoyment depends on spending the day outside.