Malaysia, Asia

Kuala Lumpur in December

Year-end holiday shopping and Christmas decorations in the malls. Busier with regional visitors.

GoodHighs near 89F (32C), rain gradually easing

Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur — Kuala LumpurPhoto: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

December is a good month to visit Kuala Lumpur. Year-end holiday shopping and Christmas decorations in the malls. Busier with regional visitors.

Weather: Highs near 89F (32C), rain gradually easing
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What December is like in Kuala Lumpur

December brings rain gradually easing, with highs near 89F (32C). Year-end holiday shopping and Christmas decorations fill the malls. The city gets busier with regional visitors, and prices rise to mid-range. Mornings are often clear, with storms still likely later in the day.

It suits families and shoppers who want a festive city. Outdoor plans work best early in the day. If you want drier weather, January and February are close. December is a good lead-in to the dry season, and families will find the holiday displays, the aquarium, and the indoor theme parks keep kids happy on wet afternoons.

Make the most of December

What is especially good about Kuala Lumpur this month.

Holiday shopping

The Bukit Bintang malls are decked out for Christmas, with sales and decorations.

Rain easing

Storms become less frequent as the month goes on.

KL Bird Park

Mornings at the walk-through aviary are pleasant before the heat builds.

What to pack for December

A compact umbrella
Light clothes
A light layer for air-conditioning
Comfortable walking sandals

Our timing tip

Visit the big malls on weekday mornings, since regional holiday shoppers crowd them on weekends.

Book Kuala Lumpur for December.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Kuala Lumpur
Opens a hotel search for Kuala Lumpur in December, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for December
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Vacation rentals in Kuala Lumpur
Whole homes, condos and villas. Usually the better deal for families and groups, with a kitchen and room to spread out.
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Tours and tickets in Kuala Lumpur
Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Kuala Lumpur for December. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in December

Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Shifts about 11 days earlier each year; check the current dates

Evening Ramadan bazaars are a food highlight. At Hari Raya, many residents return to their hometowns and some businesses close for a few days.

Things to do in Kuala Lumpur

Full guide

Petronas Twin Towers

Timed tickets for the skybridge and observation deck sell out; book ahead and go early in the day for clearer views.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Batu Caves

Climb the 272 colorful steps to the temple cave early, before the heat and the tour groups. Dress modestly.

Tickets and tours →

Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia

One of the best collections of Islamic art in the world, and a cool refuge on a stormy afternoon.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Jalan Alor and Chinatown

Street food and night markets come alive after dark, when the heat drops and the rain usually clears.

Tickets and tours →

Thean Hou Temple

A six-tiered Chinese temple on a hill, spectacular with lanterns at Chinese New Year.

Tickets and tours →

KL Bird Park

A huge walk-through aviary in the Perdana Botanical Gardens. Best in the morning.

Official site ↗Tickets and tours →

Beat the crowds

Do outdoor sights like Batu Caves and the Petronas skybridge early in the morning, before both the heat and the afternoon storms.
Visit Batu Caves on a weekday outside Thaipusam, unless the festival is exactly why you are there.
Plan indoor time (museums, malls, food courts) for mid to late afternoon, when thunderstorms are most likely.
Midyear, Gulf and regional school holidays fill the Bukit Bintang malls. Weekday mornings are calmest.

Know before you go

During the first days of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, many Malay-run restaurants and small businesses close and highways jam as residents head home. Malls and major sights stay open.
During Ramadan, restaurants remain open for non-Muslims in most areas, and the evening bazaars are a highlight. Be discreet eating in public in Malay neighborhoods during the day.
Chinese New Year closes many Chinese-run shops and restaurants for several days, especially in Chinatown.
Haze from regional fires can reduce visibility and air quality, typically between August and October in affected years.