Malaysia, Asia

Kuala Lumpur in February

Dry, sunny spells, and Chinese New Year or Thaipusam often fall now. Hotels fill around the holidays.

BestHighs near 91F (33C), among the driest months

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

The straight answer

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Kuala Lumpur. Dry, sunny spells, and Chinese New Year or Thaipusam often fall now. Hotels fill around the holidays.

Weather: Highs near 91F (33C), among the driest months
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What February is like in Kuala Lumpur

February is among the driest months. Highs reach about 91F (33C), and sunny spells are common. Chinese New Year or Thaipusam often fall this month, so hotels fill around the holidays and some Chinese-run businesses close for several days. Crowds and prices are mid-range overall, spiking around the festivals.

It suits nearly everyone, especially travelers who want dry weather for outdoor sights. Families will enjoy lion dances and lanterns. If you want quiet streets and easy bookings, avoid the exact holiday dates. March is a good fallback with similar weather and lower prices.

Make the most of February

What is especially good about Kuala Lumpur this month.

Chinese New Year in KL

Lanterns in Chinatown and at Thean Hou Temple, lion dances, and open houses make the city festive.

Thaipusam, some years

When it falls in February, the Batu Caves become the scene of a massive, moving procession.

KL Bird Park mornings

The huge walk-through aviary is best in the cool of the morning, and dry weather makes it easy.

What to pack for February

Light, quick-dry clothes
Modest outfits for temples
Sunscreen and sunglasses
A small umbrella

Our timing tip

Book hotels early if your trip overlaps Chinese New Year, and plan meals in malls when Chinatown shops close.

Book Kuala Lumpur for February.

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Hotels. Expedia
Hotels in Kuala Lumpur
Opens a hotel search for Kuala Lumpur in February, dates filled in. Book early for the best months: the good rooms go first.
Hotels for February
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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 February. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
Tours and tickets

What's on in February

Thaipusam at Batu Caves

January or February, on the full moon of the Tamil month of Thai

Devotees carry kavadi offerings up the Batu Caves steps. One of the most intense festivals in Asia; expect huge crowds.

Chinese New Year

Late January to mid February, varies by lunar calendar

Lanterns in Chinatown and at Thean Hou Temple, lion dances, and open houses. Some Chinese-run businesses close for several days.

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.

Kuala Lumpur in February, quick answers

Is February a good time to visit Kuala Lumpur?

February is one of the best months of the year to visit Kuala Lumpur. Dry, sunny spells, and Chinese New Year or Thaipusam often fall now. Hotels fill around the holidays.

What is the weather like in Kuala Lumpur in February?

Highs near 91F (33C), among the driest months.

Is Kuala Lumpur crowded in February?

Crowds in Kuala Lumpur are moderate in February; timed bookings still help at the biggest sights.

What is happening in Kuala Lumpur in February?

Thaipusam at Batu Caves (january or february, on the full moon of the tamil month of thai); Chinese New Year (late january to mid february, varies by lunar calendar); Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri (shifts about 11 days earlier each year; check the current dates).