Things to Do in Penang in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Penang
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December brings the northeast monsoon's tail-end days - short bursts of rain that clear by 5 PM, leaving golden hour light over Georgetown's shophouses without the crushing humidity of March or April
- Hotel rates drop 25-35% after the first week of December when Malaysian school holidays end, yet the weather stays dry enough that boat tours to Pulau Payar still run daily
- Street food vendors roll out seasonal specialties: nutmeg juice appears at roadside stalls, and the Christmas cake at Chowrasta Market sells out by noon - both disappear after New Year's
- Evening temperatures hover around 77°F (25°C) making night cycling tours through the Clan Jetties comfortable without the sticky discomfort that kicks in by February
Considerations
- UV index peaks at 8 - strong enough that afternoon temple visits require serious sun protection, and the marble floors at Kek Lok Si become too hot for bare feet by 1 PM
- Afternoon thunderstorms roll in fast on 60% of December days, typically between 2-4 PM, which can strand you at beach clubs with limited cover
- Some Penang Hill trails close temporarily after heavy rain due to mud - check conditions before planning the 6 km (3.7 mile) hike from the Moon Gate
Best Activities in December
Georgetown Heritage Walking Tours
December's morning light - golden and soft from 7-9 AM - makes the UNESCO shophouses glow without the harsh shadows of March. The 3 km (1.9 mile) circuit through Armenian Street, Acheen Street, and the clan houses works best before 10 AM when humidity is still manageable and tour groups haven't arrived from the cruise terminal.
Pulau Payar Marine Park Snorkeling
December's seas are the calmest they'll be until April - visibility hits 15-20 m (49-66 ft) and water temperatures sit at 82°F (28°C). The marine park's coral gardens are at their most lively before the stronger January currents kick in, making this the prime month for spotting reef sharks and sea turtles.
Penang Hill Funicular and Nature Trails
December's clear morning skies create those Instagram-perfect shots over Georgetown from the 821 m (2,694 ft) summit. The 8 AM funicular has virtually no queues compared to the weekend rush, and the cooler 72°F (22°C) mountain air feels refreshing after Georgetown's sticky heat.
Street Food Night Cycling Tours
December evenings are perfect for the 10 km (6.2 mile) food cycling route that hits Gurney Drive, New Lane, and Kimberley Street. Temperatures drop to a comfortable 77°F (25°C) by 7 PM, and the northeast winds keep humidity bearable while you queue for char kway teow and oyster omelets.
Kek Lok Si Temple and Air Itam Market
December's festival lights turn Southeast Asia's largest Buddhist temple complex into a photographer's dream after 7 PM. The morning market below the temple - where locals queue for assam laksa and white coffee - operates at half the weekend intensity, making it possible to navigate the narrow lanes without getting jostled.
December Events & Festivals
Penang International Dragon Boat Festival
Teams from across Asia race 12-meter traditional boats along the Teluk Bahang coast. The festival village serves the best bak kut teh and cendol from local hawker legends - stalls that only appear for this three-day event. Arrive early (7 AM) for prime viewing spots at the finish line.
George Town Festival Light Installations
Historic shophouses become canvases for projection mapping shows that run nightly from 8-11 PM. The Armenian Street installations - best viewed from the intersection with Cannon Street - are designed by local artists and tell Penang's immigrant stories through light and shadow.