
Langkawi Weather in December
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Asia › 🇲🇾 Malaysia › Langkawi
Updated: March 2026
Is December a Good Time to Visit Langkawi?
December is a fair time to visit Langkawi (4/10). With 9 daily sunshine hours and only 15 rain days, this month delivers genuinely reliable outdoor conditions, ranking it 12th sunniest of the year in Langkawi. December suits travellers visiting for indoor culture, food, and architecture rather than outdoor activities. Pack accordingly for 15 potential rain days. January offers a similar profile at lower hotel rates if dates are flexible. Watch out for prolonged rain stretches: with 15 wet days, a fully outdoor itinerary is risky. Build in museum days and covered market visits as contingency. Planning tips: most accommodation categories have availability, and last-minute deals are common. The quieter streets and shorter queues can make this a genuinely enjoyable time to visit for the right type of traveller. Budget-conscious visitors will find the best value of the year in this period.
December weather in Langkawi is defined by a daily temperature swing from 24°C at night to 29°C during the afternoon. Humidity averages 82%, and you can count on around 9 sunshine hours each day. That combination makes December warm and lush, though dressing in breathable fabrics keeps things manageable.
29°C
Avg High
24°C
Avg Low
15 days
Rain Days
9h
Sunshine
82%
Humidity
Temperature in Langkawi in December
The narrow 5°C gap between daytime and overnight temperatures, characteristic of coastal cities with maritime moderation, means a single mid-layer works across the whole day. At 82% humidity, the 29°C daytime high feels 2-4°C warmer in practice: quick-dry fabrics and shade-seeking between noon and 3pm are the sensible response. UV index averages 4 this month, classed as moderate. Sunscreen is a sensible precaution for extended outdoor time, particularly at midday. Wind averages 20 km/h, light enough to be refreshing on warm days but noticeable in open coastal areas or elevated viewpoints. In Fahrenheit: 84°F average high, 75°F overnight low. Data sourced from Open-Meteo ERA5 climate reanalysis (1991–2020 normals).
Temperature in December
Monthly Precipitation (mm)
What to Wear in Langkawi in December
Packing for Langkawi in December means dressing for 29°C days and 24°C evenings. A lightweight linen or cotton shirt with loose-fit trousers or a sundress handles the 29°C daytime heat. Evening temperatures settle at 24°C, a modest 5°C drop that a light cardigan or denim jacket covers. For footwear, breathable walking sandals work for casual exploration, but closed-toe trainers are better for uneven surfaces in the historic centre. With 15 rain days expected, a compact travel umbrella is worth the bag space. A waterproof jacket is better than an umbrella if you plan full-day outdoor routes. For temple and religious site visits, carry a lightweight scarf or sarong to cover shoulders and knees, required at most major sites across the region. At 82% average humidity, quick-dry synthetic or bamboo fabrics dry overnight and stay comfortable longer than cotton.
Local tip: Loose-weave linen and moisture-wicking fabrics are the practical choice in Langkawi's heat and humidity. Many shopping centres run air conditioning at near-arctic levels, so a thin layer in your bag prevents discomfort indoors.
Events in Langkawi in December
December has no major festivals or public holidays in Langkawi, which is one of its practical advantages for independent travellers. Attractions run at lower capacity than during peak event periods, queues are shorter, and accommodation is easier to find without needing to book many months in advance. Local restaurants, markets, and transport operate at a relaxed pace, making this an ideal time for visitors who prefer a more authentic, unhurried experience of everyday city life rather than large crowds drawn in by a single major headline event.
What to Pack for Langkawi in December
Based on 29°C average highs and 15 rainy days
- Light layers for morning and evening
- Breathable T-shirts and comfortable trousers
- UV-protective sunglasses
- Quick-dry travel towel
- Anti-chafe balm for long walking days
- Moisture-wicking synthetic fabrics for active days
- Compact folding umbrella
- Waterproof outer layer or packable rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing that recovers fast after a shower
- SPF 30+ sunscreen
- Comfortable walking shoes (a second pair lets the first air out overnight)
- Universal travel adapter
- Small day pack for city exploration
- Reusable water bottle
Best Activities in Langkawi in December
- Early morning walk through Langkawi's historic market districtBest before 9amTemperatures are still manageable at 25°C before the midday heat builds
- Open-air rooftop dining at sunsetFrom 6pm onwardsThe 29°C daytime heat drops noticeably after sunset, making al fresco dining comfortable
- Waterfront promenade or harbour walkEarly morning or after 5pmSea breezes cut through the humidity, making coastal routes the most pleasant in heat
- Guided cycling tour of the old quarterFirst tour of the day (7-9am)The low-traffic window before tourist crowds and the cooler morning air make this the prime riding slot
- Spend a morning in the national or city art museumOpens at 10am; arrive earlyWith 15 rain days expected, having a full-day indoor plan is practical insurance
- Cooking class focused on regional cuisineHalf-day sessions run 10am-1pm or 3-6pmIndoor activity that fills a rainy half-day with genuine cultural content
- Visit covered historical sites: cathedral, palace, or bazaarAny time; most crowded middayRoofed monuments and covered markets provide exploration without weather exposure
- Visit the main botanical garden or city park at seasonal peakYear-round; best light in morningDecember brings distinct seasonal changes to public green spaces worth exploring
- Seek out chilled local specialities: cold-brew tea, ice desserts, or chilled seafood at street-level stallsAny time; most atmospheric in evening marketsHot-weather street food culture peaks in December, with vendors setting up specifically for warm evenings
Why is Langkawi warm in December?
In December, Langkawi sits in the dry season corridor, as the ITCZ shifts away from the region and trade winds bring drier, more stable air. This produces reliably sunny days reaching 29°C, with lower humidity than the wet months. Overnight lows of 24°C offer a pleasant reprieve from the midday heat. Climate data: Open-Meteo ERA5 (1991–2020).
Sunshine Hours
The average number of hours per day with direct sunlight. Calculated from satellite measurements. Days with more than 7 hours of sunshine are ideal for outdoor activities. Under 3 hours means overcast conditions dominate.
UV Index
A scale from 0-11+ measuring ultraviolet radiation intensity. UV 0-2: Minimal risk. UV 3-5: Moderate -- wear sunscreen. UV 6-7: High -- hat and SPF 30+ essential. UV 8-10: Very High -- limit midday exposure. UV 11+: Extreme -- seek shade between 10am-4pm.
Rain Days
A rain day is counted when precipitation exceeds 0.1mm. This threshold captures even light drizzle. Unlike total rainfall in mm, rain days tells you how often you might need an umbrella, which is useful for planning outdoor activities.
Humidity
Relative humidity as a percentage. Below 40%: Dry -- skin and throat may feel parched. 40-60%: Comfortable -- ideal for most people. 60-80%: Sticky -- light, breathable fabrics recommended. Above 80%: Muggy -- heat feels more intense; quick-dry clothing is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions: Langkawi in December
December ranks 12th sunniest of the year in Langkawi, with an average 9 daily sunshine hours. The driest months are January, February, and December. February is the hottest month (32°C avg high); July is the coolest (29°C). From here, temperatures rise 2°C into January. Compared to last month (November: 29°C high, 25 rain days), December is similarly warm and drier. December is one of the least sunny months, but that often means lower prices and fewer fellow tourists.
Year-Round Climate
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sun | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C | 24°C | 8 | 10h | View |
| February | 32°C | 25°C | 8 | 11h | View |
| March | 32°C | 25°C | 16 | 10h | View |
| April | 31°C | 26°C | 24 | 10h | View |
| May | 30°C | 26°C | 26 | 10h | View |
| June | 30°C | 26°C | 22 | 10h | View |
| July | 29°C | 25°C | 23 | 10h | View |
| August | 29°C | 25°C | 24 | 10h | View |
| September | 29°C | 25°C | 26 | 9h | View |
| October | 29°C | 24°C | 28 | 9h | View |
| November | 29°C | 25°C | 25 | 9h | View |
| December | 29°C | 24°C | 15 | 9h | View |
Plan Your Trip to Langkawi
Nearby Destinations with Similar Weather
These cities are within 500 km and experience broadly comparable weather conditions during the same calendar month, making them practical standalone alternatives or worthwhile additions to a longer regional itinerary.
Data Sources for Langkawi
Climate normals represent 30-year averages (1991-2020). Individual years may vary.