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Malaysia, Asia

Kuala Lumpur in March

Still good, but the inter-monsoon rains begin to build late in the month.

GoodHighs near 92F (33C), afternoon storms increase
Petronas Towers, Kuala Lumpur
Kuala LumpurPhoto: Marcin Konsek, CC BY-SA 4.0

The straight answer

March is a good month to visit Kuala Lumpur. Still good, but the inter-monsoon rains begin to build late in the month.

Weather
Highs near 92F (33C), afternoon storms increase
Crowds
2 of 5
Prices
2 of 5

What March is like in Kuala Lumpur

March is still good, with highs near 92F (33C) and afternoon storms increasing as the inter-monsoon rains begin to build late in the month. Mornings are usually clear. Crowds and prices drop after the new year festivals, making March a solid value month. Everything is open.

It suits travelers who plan outdoor sights early and indoor time in the afternoon. Families, couples, and first-timers will do fine. If you want the driest odds, February and June are better. If Ramadan falls during your stay, the evening bazaars are a food highlight.

Make the most of March

What is especially good about Kuala Lumpur this month.

01

Batu Caves without festival crowds

Climb the 272 colorful steps early in the morning, before heat and tour groups.

02

Islamic Arts Museum

One of the world's best collections of Islamic art, and a cool refuge on stormy afternoons.

03

Night food streets

Jalan Alor and Chinatown come alive after dark, when the rain usually clears.

What to pack for March

  • A compact umbrella
  • Light clothes
  • Modest outfits for religious sites
  • Comfortable sandals

Our timing tip

Do the Batu Caves and the Petronas skybridge in the morning, before afternoon storms build.

Book Kuala Lumpur for March.

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What's on in March

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
01

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 →

02

Batu Caves

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

Tickets and tours →

03

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 →

04

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 →

05

Thean Hou Temple

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

Tickets and tours →

06

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 March, quick answers

Is March a good time to visit Kuala Lumpur?

March is a good month to visit Kuala Lumpur. Still good, but the inter-monsoon rains begin to build late in the month.

What is the weather like in Kuala Lumpur in March?

Highs near 92F (33C), afternoon storms increase.

Is Kuala Lumpur crowded in March?

March is one of the quieter months in Kuala Lumpur; most sights can be done without long waits.

What is happening in Kuala Lumpur in March?

Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri (shifts about 11 days earlier each year; check the current dates).

Keep planning Kuala Lumpur.

The months either side, and the best one if this is not it.

  1. 01Kuala Lumpur in FebruaryThe month before: Highs near 91F (33C), among the driest monthsBest
  2. 02Kuala Lumpur in AprilThe month after: Highs near 92F (33C), one of the wettest months, heavy afternoon stormsQuiet value
  3. 03Kuala Lumpur in JuneThe next best month: Highs near 91F (33C), drier, humidBest

Also at their best in March

Everywhere in March

Where else is good in March?

Tell us when you can go and what kind of trip you want. We rank every place we cover for that exact month.

What kind of trip? Pick any.

Before you book.

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