Climate and monthly weather forecastKota Bharu, Malaysia

The climate of Kota Bharu

Geographically positioned in the heart of Malaysia, the thriving city of Kota Bharu possesses a climate categorized as "Af" under the Köppen climate classification. This distinction translates to a typical Tropical rainforest climate, characterized by considerable rainfall and high temperatures throughout the year.

Circumspection of the yearly climatic parameters reveals a narrow temperature gradient. Maximum temperatures in Kota Bharu sway between 28.6°C (83.5°F) and 32.7°C (90.9°F), hinting at consistent warmth year-round. In step with this, the minimum temperatures, too, exhibit a slight fluctuation, ranging from 22.5°C (72.5°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F). Also, the sea temperature in the area complements the warm spectrum with values oscillating from 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 30.3°C (86.5°F).

In terms of precipitation, Kota Bharu experiences significant rainfall spread across the year. However, a skyrocketing increase is discernible from November to December, with the rainfall quantity escalating to a staggering 656mm (25.83") and 571mm (22.48") respectively. Sunshine hours waver within a window of 4.7 hours to 8.9 hours, while the daylight period maintains a near-steady duration of approximately 12 hours throughout the twelve months.

Grounded in the UV Index which hovers around the value of 12 for the most part of the year, it's apparent that the city regularly experiences intense solar radiation. Consequently, protective measures against the sun's damaging UV rays are necessary when venturing outdoors.

The best time to visit Kota Bharu

Considering the amplitude of parameters, the optimal period for exploring Kota Bharu stretches between February and April. During these months, the rainfall dwindles substantially, registering quantities from 50mm (1.97") to 90mm (3.54"), and the number of rainfall days reduces to nearly half, standing between 5 and 6 days, relatively low in comparison to other periods. Temperatures remain enjoyably warm, fluctuating around 31.1°C (88°F) to 32.4°C (90.3°F). Moreover, sunshine duration escalates to a satisfying 8.4 to 8.9 hours, promising ample time for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.

The worst time to visit Kota Bharu

On the contrary, November and December emerge as the least hospitable months for visits owing to an upsurge in the rainfall that leaps up to an overwhelming 656mm (25.83") and 571mm (22.48") respectively. The number of rainy days intensifies to almost two-thirds of the month, standing at 20 and 17 days, considerably exceeding other periods. Although temperatures remain warm and the sea temperature inviting, relentless downpours might hinder outdoor activities and dampen the overall experience.

Spring weather in Kota Bharu

Spring in Kota Bharu, running from March to May, witnesses a stable temperature regime with the maximum veering from 31.1°C (88°F) to 32.7°C (90.9°F) and the minimum between 23.1°C (73.6°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F). Rainfall sees a moderate upswing from 90mm (3.54") to 99mm (3.9"), however, it does not impede outdoor ventures much. Commensurate with the temperatures, sea temperature ascends, reaching a peak of 30.3°C (86.5°F) in May.

Summer weather in Kota Bharu

June to August, the summer months, maintain the warmth, as reflected in maximum temperatures resting between 31.9°C (89.4°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F) and the minimum ones hovering between 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 23.8°C (74.8°F). Yet, rainfall amplifies, reaching a significant 172mm (6.77") in August - an indication of the generosity of the Monsoon weather affecting the region. Correspondingly, the count of rainy days also increases, peaking at 12 in August.

Autumn weather in Kota Bharu

Autumn, consisting of September and October, performs a balancing act with temperatures, as maximum ones gently slide from 31.5°C (88.7°F) to 30.8°C (87.4°F) and minimum ones stabilize at 23.4°C (74.1°F). As sea temperature gently descends to 29.5°C (85.1°F), rainfall marks a dramatic upswing, reaching 269mm (10.59") in October, the onset of the rainy season.

Winter weather in Kota Bharu

The brunt of the monsoon weather is felt during the winter from November to February. An extreme increase in rainfall is noticed, with quantities rocketing to 656mm (25.83") and 571mm (22.48") in November and December, along with the number of rainy days reaching its peak during these months. Despite the deluges, temperatures comfortably stay between 28.6°C (83.5°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F) for maximum, and 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 22.9°C (73.2°F) for minimum values, keeping the winter pleasantly warm.

Weather in January

In Kota Bharu, Malaysia, January can be characterized by relatively high rainfall of 127mm (5"). The weather conditions during this month are fairly consistent with those in December, exhibiting only subtle distinctions, primarily in terms of rainfall. Weather in January »

Weather in February

With rain recorded on a mere five days, February is the driest month in the first quarter in Kota Bharu. An observable trend is the decrease in precipitation between January and February, which provides a brief respite from the torrential downpour. Weather in February »

Weather in March

In Kota Bharu, March witnesses a significant increase in rainfall, leaping from 50mm (1.97") in February to 90mm (3.54"). The month ushers in a period where the daylight extends incrementally over the course of three months; however, marked fluctuations in other weather parameters are negligible. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Occupying a moderate position in the annual weather calendar, April's main attribute is its consistent weather patterns, without extreme conditions registered. Situated between slightly cooler March and warmer May, April's weather is characterized by predictability. Weather in April »

Weather in May

Concerning the temperature, May in Kota Bharu is the warmest month of the year, with highs reaching up to 32.7°C (90.9°F). Positioned between the lesser warm April and June, this month sets the pace for the ensuing warmer months. Weather in May »

Weather in June

Deep in June, Kota Bharu's weather patterns remain relatively steady, almost mirroring that of the previous month, May. Destined to continue the trend of consistently high rainfall, this month sees rainfall intensifying slowly, preparing the land for July's rainiest days. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July ushers in the height of monsoon season in Kota Bharu, where a drastic surge in rainfall occurs, with 155mm (6.1") total rainfall recorded. It forms the link between the less-rainy June and more intense August, leading to a transformation in the climate. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August is noted for its robust rainfall activity, seeing a rise from July's 155mm (6.1") to 172mm (6.77"). Subsequently, the month stands between a somewhat drier July to its south and an intensified wet September to its north. The expanse of daylight, which started its decline in July, continues the downward trend, reaching its lowest point in August. Weather in August »

Weather in September

Kota Bharu's weather in September is dominated by heavy rainfall, escalating from August's 172mm (6.77") to a substantial 202mm (7.95"). While the authorities lament the perilous weather conditions, nature enthusiasts observe how the landscapes are moulded during this period. Weather in September »

Weather in October

In Kota Bharu, October registers a steep climb in rainfall to 269mm (10.59"), marking it as the most rain-stricken month of the year. The impact of this rainfall transition is most notable in the physical environment, from a moderately wet September to a November with heavy rainfall, further legitimizing Malaysia's monsoon reputation. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November is noteworthy for the tremendous volume of precipitation it brings to Kota Bharu, culminating into 656mm (25.83") of rainfall. Tremendous weather transformations from October's peak rainfall to November's waterlogged conditions turn everyday life into an amphibious one. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December closes the year on a wet note in Kota Bharu, with rainfall volumes still running high at 571mm (22.48"). The month marks a transition from the heavy rains of November to comparatively milder January, serving as a cardinal point in the yearly rainfall cycle. Weather in December »