Home › When to Visit › March
Penang - Things to Do in Penang in March

Things to Do in Penang in March

March weather, activities, events & insider tips

Good time to visit Shoulder Season · Good Value

March Weather in Penang

Long-run averages for March

89°F (32°C) High Temp
74°F (23°C) Low Temp
5.8 inches (147 mm) Rainfall
80% Humidity
11 Rainy Days
13 Sunny-Day UV
⚠ High UV index (13) presents a significant sunburn and heatstroke risk if exposure is not managed with sun protection, hydration, and shade. Take all three seriously. No exceptions.

What's On in Penang in March

March in Penang brings Hari Raya Aidilfitri from 10 March 2027 to 11 March 2027, with public holidays for Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday 9 March 2027 and Eid al-Fitr (Second Day) on Wednesday 10 March 2027. The average high is 32°C, the average low is 23°C, and average rainfall is 147 mm.

10 March 2027 to 11 March 2027
Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Source: www.visitpenang.com

March Climate Compared

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfall
February32°C23°C71 mm
March32°C23°C147 mm
April31°C24°C221 mm

March is about as warm as February; wetter than February (147 mm vs 71 mm); 1°C warmer than April; drier than April (147 mm vs 221 mm).

Long-run monthly averages. Source: Wikipedia.

Daylight in March

Day length: 12 h 00 min on 1 March, 12 h 05 min on 15 March (+8 min compared with mid-February).

Computed from the city's coordinates (sunrise to sunset, standard solar geometry).

Public Holidays and Long Weekends

  • Eid al-Fitr: Tuesday 9 March 2027 (possible 4-day weekend if Monday is taken off)
  • Eid al-Fitr (Second Day): Wednesday 10 March 2027

Holiday dates: Nager.Date. Long-weekend notes are computed from the weekday.

Notable Places to Visit

Penang Bridge

Road bridge connecting Penang Island with the Malay Peninsula
OSM · Wikidata · Website

Kek Lok Si

Buddhist temple situated in Air Itam in Penang
Hours (OSM): Mo-Su 08:30-18:30
OSM · Wikidata

the Cenotaph

War memorial in Whitehall, London
OSM · Wikidata

Kapitan Keling Mosque

Mosque in George Town, Penang, Malaysia
OSM · Wikidata

Penang State Mosque

Mosque in Malaysia
OSM · Wikidata

Sri Mahamariamman Temple, Penang

Oldest Hindu temple in George Town, Penang, Malaysia
OSM · Wikidata

Wat Chayamangkalaram

A Malaysian siamese temple in Malaysia
Hours (OSM): Daily 08:00-17:00
OSM · Wikidata

Fort Cornwallis

Bastion fort in George Town, Penang, Malaysia
Hours (OSM): We-Mo 08:00-22:00; Tu 08:00-19:00
OSM · Wikidata · Website

Places within 8 km, ordered by Wikipedia coverage. Opening hours as mapped in OpenStreetMap (fetched 2026-10-16); check before you go. Data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL); descriptions from Wikidata (CC0).

Quick Answers

How much rain does Penang get in March?

On average 147 mm in March, drier than April (147 mm vs 221 mm).

How warm is Penang in March?

Average highs are 32°C and average lows 23°C.

How long are the days in Penang in March?

About 12 h 05 min of daylight on 15 March.

Are there public holidays in Penang in March?

Yes: Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday 9 March 2027; Eid al-Fitr (Second Day) on Wednesday 10 March 2027. 1 of them create a long weekend.

What are some notable places to visit in Penang?

Penang Bridge, Kek Lok Si, the Cenotaph, Kapitan Keling Mosque (from OpenStreetMap and Wikidata).

Explore Other Months

Find the best time for your trip

JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC
View Year-Round Climate Guide →
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Where to Stay in Penang in March

Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for March travellers.

Public Holidays in March

Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds

Eid al-Fitr

Observed nationwide as a public holiday. This date depends on observation rather than a fixed calendar, so confirm it locally closer to the time. Date not yet confirmed.

Eid al-Fitr (Second Day)

Observed nationwide as a public holiday. This date depends on observation rather than a fixed calendar, so confirm it locally closer to the time. Date not yet confirmed.

Packing Checklist

Bookmark this page — your progress is saved between visits

Need the full list with shopping links?

Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.

View Penang Packing List →

Ready to plan your trip to Penang?

Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.

Top Things to Do

Curated attractions, tours, and experiences in Penang.

Browse activities →

Where to Stay

Best neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget.

Find hotels →

What to Pack

Climate-specific gear and essentials for Penang.

See packing list →
Explore More Activities in Penang

Didn't see anything interesting yet?

Browse Viator's full catalog of tours, day trips, food experiences, and private guides in Penang.

See All Penang Tours on Viator

Continue Planning Your Trip

February

Travel guide for February

April

Travel guide for April

Where to Stay in March

Accommodation guide for Penang in March

Climate Guide in March

Weather and seasonal patterns for Penang in March

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Penang Like in March?

March is one of the best months to visit Penang. You'll get warm days around 32°C (90°F) with lower humidity than the monsoon months, and rainfall drops significantly compared to late year peaks. The drier weather makes it good for exploring Georgetown's street art, hiking Penang Hill, or spending afternoons at Batu Ferringhi beach without constant downpours.

What Is the Weather Like in Penang in March?

March brings hot, mostly dry weather with daytime highs around 32-33°C (90-91°F) and nighttime lows near 24°C (75°F). You'll see occasional brief showers—typically 120-150mm of rain spread across 10-12 days—but they're usually short afternoon bursts rather than all-day storms. Humidity stays around 75-80%, which is more comfortable than the monsoon season but you'll still want breathable clothing.

How Hot Does It Get in Penang During March?

Daytime temperatures consistently hit 32-33°C (90-91°F), with the hottest hours between 1pm and 4pm. Nights cool down to a comfortable 24°C (75°F), though air conditioning is still welcome for sleeping. The UV index is high, so sunscreen and a hat are essential if you're walking Georgetown's streets or visiting outdoor temples like Kek Lok Si.

Does It Rain a Lot in Penang in March?

No, March is one of the dryer months with only about 120-150mm of rainfall total. When rain does come, it's usually a quick afternoon shower lasting 30-60 minutes rather than the prolonged downpours you'd see during September through November. You can safely plan outdoor activities for mornings and early afternoons with minimal risk of cancellation.

Are There Any Festivals or Events in Penang During March?

March occasionally sees the Penang International Dragon Boat Festival if it falls early in the month, though dates shift yearly. Georgetown's street food scene stays lively year-round, and you'll find Chinese New Year decorations still up if CNY was in late February. Check locally for smaller temple festivals at places like Snake Temple or Goddess of Mercy Temple, which follow the lunar calendar.

Is March a Good Time to Visit Penang's Beaches?

Yes, March offers excellent beach weather at Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah, and Teluk Bahang. The sea is calmer than monsoon months, water temperatures hover around 29°C (84°F), and you'll get mostly sunny days for swimming and water sports. Arrive before 11am to claim a good spot, as weekends can get busy with both tourists and locals escaping the heat.

How Crowded Is Penang in March?

March sees moderate tourist numbers—busier than the rainy season but quieter than December-January peaks. Georgetown's heritage sites like Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and Khoo Kongsi won't have long queues, though popular hawker centers like Gurney Drive still fill up during dinner hours. You'll get a good balance of lively atmosphere without overwhelming crowds or inflated prices.

What Should I Pack for Penang in March?

Bring lightweight, breathable clothing—cotton or moisture-wicking fabrics work best in the heat and humidity. You'll need a light rain jacket or compact umbrella for occasional showers, plus comfortable walking shoes with good grip for Georgetown's uneven sidewalks. Don't forget high-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a refillable water bottle since you'll be drinking a lot in 32°C temperatures.

Can I Hike Penang Hill in March?

March is good for the Penang Hill hike—the trail is less muddy than monsoon months and morning temperatures are cooler before the midday heat sets in. Start by 7am to avoid the worst of the sun, bring at least 1.5 liters of water, and expect the 5.1km trail to take 2-3 hours up. The funicular railway (RM30 round trip for adults) is always an option if you prefer a more comfortable ascent.