Weather in Alor Setar

About Alor Setar

Alor Setar's paddy fields blanket Kedah's plains, while the capital preserves royal history in palaces and museums documenting the sultanate's centuries. This provincial capital represents Peninsular Malaysia's agricultural heartland where tradition persists despite urbanization pressure.

Country

Malaysia

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

MYR

Language

Malay, English

Things to do in Alor Setar

Paddy field agricultural tours and homestays Royal palace and museum explorations Local Kedah cuisine cooking classes Morning market cultural immersion visits Temple and religious site tours Nearby forest trekking experiences

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

32C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

February

34C

Hot and humid, with occasional showers.

March

34C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

April

32C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

May

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

June

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

July

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

August

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

September

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

October

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

November

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

December

30C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

Alor Setar is the laid-back capital of Kedah, Malaysia's rice bowl, surrounded by a patchwork of paddy fields that turn vivid green or golden depending on the season. The city's skyline is anchored by the towering Alor Setar Tower and the historic Zahir Mosque, while the birthplace of two former Malaysian prime ministers gives it a quietly significant place in the country's political history. It's an unhurried base for exploring rural Kedah and nearby Langkawi.

Best areas to stay in Alor Setar

Alor Setar City Centre

Home to the Zahir Mosque, the Balai Besar royal hall, and the Alor Setar Tower with views over the city and surrounding paddy fields.

Pekan Rabu Market

A long-running market selling local snacks, herbal products, and crafts, popular with both locals and visitors.

Kuala Kedah

A fishing town and ferry terminal for Langkawi, known for its seafood restaurants and old fort ruins.

Paddy Field Areas (around Kota Sarang Semut)

Rural areas just outside the city offering classic views of Kedah's rice-growing landscape, especially scenic by motorbike or bicycle.

Getting to Alor Setar

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Flights

Fly into Alor Setar Airport (AOR) via Kuala Lumpur, or arrive by train/bus along Malaysia's north-south route.

⏱

From London

~15-17 hours total journey time from London via Kuala Lumpur

🚕

Getting around

Taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the city; a rental car or motorbike is useful for exploring the surrounding paddy field areas.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Alor Setar?

Year-round, though the paddy fields are at their most photogenic either freshly planted (lush green) or close to harvest (golden), roughly in cycles a few months apart.

How do I get to Alor Setar?

Alor Setar has its own airport (AOR) with domestic flights from Kuala Lumpur, and it's also on the main north-south rail and highway routes near the Thai border.

What is Alor Setar known for?

The Alor Setar Tower with its observation deck, the historic Zahir Mosque, the Kedah Royal Museum (Balai Besar), and the surrounding rice-growing countryside.

Can I visit Langkawi from Alor Setar?

Yes — Alor Setar is a common departure point for ferries to Langkawi (via Kuala Kedah jetty, around 1 hour), making it a useful overnight stop before or after the islands.

What food should I try in Alor Setar?

Kedah is known for laksa Kedah (a tangy fish-based noodle soup), nasi lemak, and a range of Malay sweets, widely available at local markets and food courts.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

The view from Alor Setar Tower over the paddy fields was stunning, especially around sunset. The city itself is quiet but pleasant to explore on foot.

Farah I. · February 2024

★★★☆☆

Mostly used this as a stop before the ferry to Langkawi, but the Zahir Mosque and old royal buildings were worth the short detour.

Tony R. · November 2023

★★★★☆

Loved cycling through the rice fields just outside town — such a peaceful contrast to the busier cities further south.

Siti A. · April 2024