The climate of Kuala Terengganu
Located in
Malaysia,
Kuala Terengganu's climate is classified as Af by the Köppen system, commonly described as a tropical rainforest climate. The region experiences high temperatures, coupled with significant rainfall, throughout the year. The perennial high humidity levels hover between 77% and 83%, adding a humid feel to the air.
Temperature ranges from 24.1°C (75.4°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F), indicating a generally warm climate throughout the year. A slight cooling is observed in the early months where minimums touch around 24°C (75.2°F), though this difference is quite marginal to be felt significantly. The highest temperatures on average are seen in
May and
June, at 31.3°C (88.3°F).
Varied rainfall patterns are indicative of the rainforest climate. There is a clear contrast between wet months, witnessing rainfall measurements from 306mm (12.05") to 371mm (14.61") in
November and
December, and drier months where rainfall is relatively less, marked around 89mm (3.5") to 102mm (4.02") from
March to
April. Regardless, rainfall is a common feature of Kuala Terengganu, marked by 16 days when it rains in
February at its lowest, to 28.9 days as the highest in
July.
One distinct pattern that can be observed is the relative decrease in cloud cover from 53% in
January and December to around 31% in April. This supports the increase of sea temperature between 26.8°C (80.2°F) in January to 29.9°C (85.8°F) from May to June.
The best time to visit Kuala Terengganu
Considering rainforest climate conditions, it is preferable to visit
Kuala Terengganu from
March to
April. During these months, the city experiences a slight dip in rainfall, measuring from 89mm (3.5") to 102mm (4.02") distributed over roughly 18 to 21 days. This potentially offers more sunny days, with sea temperatures ranging from 27.9°C (82.2°F) to 29.1°C (84.4°F) for those keen on water activities. Moreover, the maximum temperature does not surpass 30.3°C (86.5°F) making sightseeing and outdoor activities comfortable.
The worst time to visit Kuala Terengganu
November and
December should preferably be avoided for a visit to
Kuala Terengganu. These months record the highest rainfall, between 306mm (12.05") and 371mm (14.61"), restricting outdoor activities. Additionally, the number of days with rainfall hits 26.9, adding to the limitations on exploring the city's outdoors.
Spring weather in Kuala Terengganu
In
Kuala Terengganu, spring falls between
March and
May. During this period, the temperature ranges from 28.9°C (84°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F) by day, while night-time temperatures fluctuate between 24.3°C (75.7°F) and 26.4°C (79.5°F). The overall rainfall in these months varies from 89mm (3.5") to 161mm (6.34"). Despite this, the city sees considerable sunshine between 8.8 hours and 9.1 hours per day, offering ample time to enjoy the outdoors.
Summer weather in Kuala Terengganu
June to
August marks the summer of
Kuala Terengganu, presenting an averaged maximum temperature from 30.8°C (87.4°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F). Evenings are relatively cooler, with temperatures vacillating from 26.2°C (79.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). A rise in rainfall is noted during this period, from 129mm (5.08") in June to 134mm (5.28") in August. Despite the rainfall, beach-goers can enjoy the sea temperatures, which sit between 29.3°C (84.7°F) and 29.9°C (85.8°F).
Autumn weather in Kuala Terengganu
Autumn in
Kuala Terengganu, occurring from
September to
November, experiences daily temperatures oscillating between 30.5°C (86.9°F) and 29.1°C (84.4°F). Overnight lows, though, can reach from 25.2°C (77.4°F) to 25.7°C (78.3°F). Rainfall starts to peak, particularly in November where it hits 306mm (12.05"). This period sees daylight hours decrease but still within a satisfactory range from 12 hours to 11.9 hours.
Winter weather in Kuala Terengganu
Winter reigns from
December to
February in
Kuala Terengganu. A slight reduction in daily temperatures can be seen during these months, with peaks from 27.2°C (81°F) to 27.9°C (82.2°F) and lows from 23.8°C (74.8°F) to 24.8°C (76.6°F). Rainfall maximizes in December with 371mm (14.61") but tapers off to 97mm (3.82") by February. The average sea temperature also modulates from 28°C (82.4°F) to 27.2°C (81°F), indicative of mild winters.
Weather in January
January ushers in the year with an ongoing monsoon season in
Kuala Terengganu. There are no significant variations from the
December conditions, with heavy rainfall totaling 207mm (8.15") over the span of 23.3 days. Humidity remains significantly high, resulting in an overall moist atmosphere.
Weather in January » Weather in February
February exhibits a dramatic sharp decline in the amount of rainfall as the monsoon season begins to fade. The decrease in rainfall additionally leads to clearer skies and extended daylight hours. Rising sea temperature and lower wind speeds foster a calm, serene beach environment.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March witnesses the lowest presence of cloud cover in the year, leading to extended sunshine duration throughout
Kuala Terengganu. The combination of increased sunlight, reduced rainfall to 89mm (3.5"), and warmer sea temperatures makes this a welcoming month for beach lovers.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April brings in more predictable weather patterns with a rise in temperature to 30.3°C (86.5°F). These conditions prevail as the monsoon season gives way to the summer months. The slight increase in average sea temperature enhances the overall beach experience.
Weather in April » Weather in May
In
May, the appreciable jump in average temperatures up to 31.3°C (88.3°F) signals the arrival of the warmest months in
Kuala Terengganu. Together with enhanced sunshine duration and sea temperature, sunbathing and snorkeling become enticing activities.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As
June rolls in, there are negligible fluctuations in weather conditions from
May. Warmer temperatures persist, with nights marginally cooler, signaling the prominence of summer weather. Recreational outdoor activities can still be enjoyed due to heightened sunshine duration and warm sea temperatures.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July welcomes consistent weather conditions that are synonymous with summer in
Kuala Terengganu. The temperatures go slightly down to 30.8°C (87.4°F), but this change isn't noticeably felt. Sea temperatures remain high, providing an excellent environment for water sports.
Weather in July » Weather in August
The arrival of
August brings no major changes to
Kuala Terengganu's weather pattern, with temperatures averaging 31.2°C (88.2°F). The unfailing sunshine, coupled with balmy sea temperatures, enhances the appeal for beachside relaxation.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September in
Kuala Terengganu witnesses another slight drop in temperatures, accompanied by reduced wind speeds. Residents and visitors could begin to notice a minor change in the overall weather pattern. However, the unchanged sea temperature continues to celebrate the warmth of the year.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October, with a raise in rainfall to 168mm (6.61"), marks the start of the transition from summer to the northeast monsoon season. The daily temperature experiences a slight decline but remains comfortably warm. Continued high sea temperature and humidity makes October a great time for various water activities.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November stands out as the beginning of the wettest season in
Kuala Terengganu with rainfall reaching 306mm (12.05"). With increased cloud cover and reduced sunshine hours, more rainy days are experienced citywide. Despite the increased rainfall, temperatures remain fairly consistent, aided by the warm sea temperature.
Weather in November » Weather in December
As the year wraps up,
December establishes itself as the month with the highest rainfall at 371mm (14.61"). The presence of the northeast monsoon is significantly felt, with marked increases in humidity and cloud cover. A decreased UV index and shortened daylight hours also become noticeable.
Weather in December » [Resources]