Weather in George Town

About George Town

This UNESCO World Heritage port city explodes with street art—colorful murals depicting daily life cover entire building facades in what started as youth intervention and became global phenomenon. Chinese shop-houses line narrow streets while mosques, temples, and churches reflect multicultural harmony. The fusion of heritage preservation and contemporary creativity defines modern George Town.

Country

Malaysia

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

MYR

Language

Malay, Chinese, English

Things to do in George Town

Hunt for street art murals across the city Explore clan temples in heritage quarter Tour colonial Fort Cornwallis fortress Shop in wet markets for tropical produce Dine on Penang hawker food specialties Visit Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

30C

Hot and humid, with regular rainfall.

February

31C

Hot and humid, with some rainy days.

March

31C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

April

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

May

30C

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

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

October

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

November

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

December

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

George Town, the capital of Penang, is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed city where Chinese clan houses, Indian temples, mosques and British colonial buildings sit within a few streets of each other, a living record of centuries of trade between East and West. Its narrow lanes are also covered in murals and street art, while its hawker stalls are widely considered among the best food in Malaysia.

Best areas to stay in George Town

George Town Heritage Core

The UNESCO-listed old town, with clan jetties, temples, mosques and colonial buildings within walking distance of each other.

Armenian Street Area

A lane famous for street art and murals, lined with cafes and shophouses.

Gurney Drive

A waterfront area known for its hawker centre and modern malls, a short ride from the old town.

Clan Jetties

Wooden stilt-house settlements built by Chinese clans over the water, still inhabited and open to walk through.

Getting to George Town

✈

Flights

Fly into Kuala Lumpur, then take a short domestic flight or train/bus to Penang.

⏱

From London

~13-14 hours direct London to Kuala Lumpur, plus about 1 hour by flight or 4-5 hours by road/rail to Penang.

🚕

Getting around

George Town's heritage core is best explored on foot or by bicycle; buses and Grab (ride-hailing) cover greater Penang.

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to George Town?

Penang International Airport has domestic and regional international connections, with the airport about 30-40 minutes from George Town by taxi or bus.

Why is George Town a UNESCO site?

Its historic core, alongside Malacca, was inscribed for its unique multicultural townscape reflecting centuries of trading exchange between Malay, Chinese, Indian, and European cultures.

What is the street art scene about?

George Town is known for murals and wrought-iron caricatures scattered through its old town, many created during a 2012 arts festival and now a major draw for visitors exploring on foot.

What food should I try in George Town?

Penang is famous for char kway teow, asam laksa, and hawker centres like Gurney Drive and New Lane, where dishes reflect the city's Malay, Chinese and Indian heritage.

When is the best time to visit George Town?

December-February offers slightly cooler, drier weather, though Penang's tropical climate means it's a viable year-round destination with occasional rain showers.

Traveler reviews

★★★★★

Spent two days just wandering the old town - the mix of temples, mosques and clan houses within a few blocks of each other is incredible, and the street art made every corner a discovery.

Mei L. · January 2024

★★★★★

The food alone is worth the trip - did a hawker crawl across a few different centres and every single dish was excellent.

Rob H. · November 2023

★★★★☆

The clan jetties were a highlight - walking through a community still living on stilts over the water, right in the middle of a major city, was unexpected and fascinating.

Aisha N. · February 2024