Malaysia, Asia

Kuala Lumpur in January

One of the drier months, and often the time of Thaipusam at the Batu Caves. Chinese New Year may land late in the month.

BestHighs near 90F (32C), relatively dry, occasional storms

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

The straight answer

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Kuala Lumpur. One of the drier months, and often the time of Thaipusam at the Batu Caves. Chinese New Year may land late in the month.

Weather: Highs near 90F (32C), relatively dry, occasional storms
Crowds: 3 of 5
Prices: 3 of 5

What January is like in Kuala Lumpur

January is one of Kuala Lumpur's drier months. Highs sit near 90F (32C), the air is humid, and storms are only occasional. Crowds and prices are mid-range. It is often the time of Thaipusam at the Batu Caves, one of Asia's most intense festivals, and Chinese New Year may land late in the month, bringing lanterns to Chinatown and Thean Hou Temple.

This month suits first-timers, food lovers, and families who want good odds of dry mornings and lively festivals. If you want calm at the Batu Caves, check the Thaipusam date and avoid it, or go on purpose if the festival is why you came. Around Chinese New Year, some Chinese-run shops close for several days.

Make the most of January

What is especially good about Kuala Lumpur this month.

Thaipusam at Batu Caves

When the festival falls in January, devotees carry kavadi offerings up the 272 steps. Expect huge crowds and an intense, moving scene, so arrive very early.

Chinese New Year lanterns, some years

If the lunar new year lands late in January, Thean Hou Temple glows with lanterns and lion dances fill Chinatown.

Dry mornings for the Petronas skybridge

Clearer skies make it a good month for views from the towers. Book timed tickets ahead.

What to pack for January

Light, breathable clothes
Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temples and mosques
A compact umbrella for the odd storm
Sunscreen and a hat

Our timing tip

Check the Thaipusam and Chinese New Year dates for your year before booking, since both move and both change the city's mood.

Book Kuala Lumpur for January.

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Hotels. Expedia
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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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Timed-entry tickets, day trips and guided tours in Kuala Lumpur for January. Popular slots sell out in the best months.
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What's on in January

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 January, quick answers

Is January a good time to visit Kuala Lumpur?

January is one of the best months of the year to visit Kuala Lumpur. One of the drier months, and often the time of Thaipusam at the Batu Caves. Chinese New Year may land late in the month.

What is the weather like in Kuala Lumpur in January?

Highs near 90F (32C), relatively dry, occasional storms.

Is Kuala Lumpur crowded in January?

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

What is happening in Kuala Lumpur in January?

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).