Penang in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Penang

87°F (31°C) High Temp

74°F (23°C) Low Temp

0.0 inches (0 mm) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with minimal rainfall - only 10 rainy days but 0.0 inches total, making December the driest month for outdoor activities and island hopping
Lower humidity at 70% compared to monsoon months - more comfortable for walking Georgetown's heritage streets and hiking Penang Hill's 833m (2,733 ft) trails
Shoulder season pricing through mid-December - accommodation rates 20-30% lower than Chinese New Year peak, with best deals ending around December 20th
Perfect festival weather - cool evenings averaging 23°C (74°F) ideal for outdoor events and this destination browsing without excessive sweating

Considerations

Increasing tourist crowds after December 15th - European winter escapees and early Chinese New Year travelers arrive, making popular spots like Gurney Drive and Armenian Street significantly busier
Variable weather patterns - while rainfall is minimal, brief afternoon thunderstorms can still occur on 10 days, typically lasting 15-20 minutes between 2-4pm
Rising accommodation prices after December 20th - hotels increase rates by 40-60% for year-end holidays, making late December expensive despite being shoulder season early in the month

Best Activities in December

George Town Heritage Walking Tours

December's lower humidity makes exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites comfortable during peak daylight hours. Morning temperatures of 26°C (79°F) are perfect for 3-4 hour walking tours through clan houses, shophouses, and street art locations. Minimal rainfall means fewer tour cancellations and optimal photography conditions.

Booking Tip: Book 5-7 days ahead through certified heritage guides. Tours typically cost RM80-150 per person for half-day experiences. Look for guides registered with Penang Tourism. Best departure times are 8:30am or 2:30pm to avoid midday heat.

Penang Hill Railway and Nature Walks

Cool December evenings make sunset trips up Penang Hill's 833m (2,733 ft) elevation especially rewarding. Lower humidity reduces haze, providing clearer views across the Malacca Strait. The funicular railway operates smoothly without monsoon disruptions, and hilltop temperatures drop to pleasant 21°C (70°F) after sunset.

Booking Tip: Purchase fast-track tickets online 3-5 days ahead to avoid 45-60 minute queues. Standard tickets cost RM30-35 adults, fast-track RM45-55. Evening trips after 4pm offer best value and views. Check current availability in booking section below.

Tropical Spice Garden and Botanical Experiences

December's dry conditions showcase tropical plants at their peak without muddy trails or rain-damaged displays. The 8-hectare spice garden offers comfortable walking with 70% humidity being manageable under forest canopy. Cooking classes and herb workshops run without weather interruptions.

Booking Tip: Book garden tours with cooking components 7-10 days ahead. Combined experiences range RM120-200 per person. Morning slots (9am-12pm) offer cooler temperatures and better plant photography lighting. Licensed botanical guides provide English commentary.

Clan House and Temple Cultural Tours

December's stable weather allows extended temple visits without rain disruptions. Key sites like Khoo Kongsi, Cheah Kongsi, and Snake Temple are comfortable to explore during midday hours. Festival preparation activities in December provide cultural insights not available year-round.

Booking Tip: Self-guided temple visits are free, guided cultural tours cost RM60-120 per person for 2-3 hour experiences. Book through cultural centers 3-4 days ahead. Respect photography restrictions and dress codes. See current cultural tour options below.

Sunset Beach and Coastal Activities

December's clear skies and minimal rainfall create ideal beach conditions along Batu Ferringhi's 4km (2.5 mile) coastline. Calm seas and reduced monsoon swell make water sports safe and enjoyable. Sunset viewing is reliable with fewer weather cancellations.

Booking Tip: Water sports and beach activities range RM40-150 depending on equipment rental vs guided experiences. Book parasailing and jet ski activities same-day or 1-2 days ahead. UV index of 8 requires SPF 50+ protection. Peak beach hours are 3-7pm.

Street Food Night Market Tours

December's comfortable evening temperatures make this destination exploration ideal from 6pm onwards. Gurney Drive, New Lane, and Chulia Street markets operate fully without rain closures. Lower humidity means food stays fresher longer and walking between stalls is pleasant.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours cost RM80-150 per person for 3-4 hour experiences including 8-10 tastings. Book food tours 2-3 days ahead during December as groups fill quickly. Independent exploration requires RM30-50 budget per person for diverse sampling.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Christmas Light-Up at Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall

Major shopping centers feature elaborate Christmas decorations and light displays throughout December. Evening events include carol performances and holiday markets. Air-conditioned venues provide comfort during warm afternoons.

Late December

Year-End Cultural Performances at Dewan Sri Pinang

Traditional dance and music performances celebrating diverse Penang cultures. Indoor venues with evening showtimes take advantage of December's pleasant weather for pre-show dining and post-show walks.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - while rainfall is minimal, brief 15-20 minute afternoon showers occur on 10 days, usually between 2-4pm

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - avoid polyester in 70% humidity conditions, synthetic fabrics become uncomfortable during walking tours

SPF 50+ sunscreen and hat - UV index reaches 8 during peak hours (11am-3pm), essential for outdoor heritage walks and beach activities

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - heritage area sidewalks can be uneven, and brief showers create slippery surfaces on marble temple floors

Light evening layer - temperatures drop to 23°C (74°F) after sunset, comfortable for this destination browsing but may feel cool in air-conditioned restaurants

Insect repellent - December's warm evenings attract mosquitoes around food courts and waterfront areas, DEET-based formulas work best

Small daypack with water bottle - staying hydrated is crucial in warm, humid conditions during 3-4 hour walking tours

Cash in small denominations - street food vendors and trishaw operators prefer RM5-20 notes, ATMs in heritage areas can have long queues

Portable phone charger - GPS navigation and translation apps drain batteries quickly in warm weather, essential for independent exploration

Temple-appropriate clothing - long pants and covered shoulders required for clan houses and temples, lightweight cotton options work best in heat

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodation before December 20th for 30-40% savings - rates spike dramatically after this date as Chinese New Year bookings begin, even though CNY is weeks away

Avoid heritage walking tours between 11am-2pm - despite lower humidity, midday heat combined with reflected sunlight from shophouse walls creates uncomfortable conditions

Use the free CAT bus system during December - air-conditioned buses run every 15 minutes through Georgetown heritage zone, perfect for cooling breaks between walking segments

December is durian season - try this controversial fruit at Pulau Tikus market where vendors offer small tastings, prices are lowest and quality highest during this peak month

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking tours that start at 10am-12pm - these times hit peak heat and UV exposure, morning tours beginning at 8:30am or afternoon starts after 2:30pm are much more comfortable

Underestimating December's popularity - many assume it's quiet before New Year, but European winter escapees arrive early-to-mid December creating unexpected crowds at major attractions

Packing only for hot weather - evening temperatures of 23°C (74°F) can feel surprisingly cool in air-conditioned restaurants and malls after spending days in 31°C (87°F) heat