Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for May
| Metric | Langkawi | Kuala Lumpur | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 30°C (86°F) | 32°C (90°F)▲ | Kuala Lumpur |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 26°C (79°F)▲ | 25°C (77°F) | Langkawi |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 26 days | 17 days▲ | Kuala Lumpur |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 232 mm | 201 mm▲ | Kuala Lumpur |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 10h/day▲ | 7h/day | Langkawi |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 82% | 82% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 8 | 8 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 13 km/h▲ | 15 km/h | Langkawi |
Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur are closely matched in May. Neither city has a clear advantage across all metrics. Your decision should come down to personal preference, cultural interests, and travel logistics rather than weather alone.
Langkawi can feel quite hot at 30°C, so plan for heat. Kuala Lumpur runs hot at 32°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Kuala Lumpur is the stronger choice in May. Langkawi receives 3 more hours of sunshine per day, which matters for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Langkawi reaches an average high of 30°C (86°F) and drops to 26°C (79°F) at night during May. The daily temperature range is 4°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Kuala Lumpur averages 32°C (90°F) for the high and 25°C (77°F) for the low, with a daily range of 7°C. The 2°C difference is noticeable but not dramatic.
Both cities are in the Northern Hemisphere, so they share the same seasonal pattern in May.
Langkawi receives approximately 232 mm of rainfall across 26 rain days during May. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Kuala Lumpur sees 201 mm over 17 rain days. That makes Kuala Lumpur the drier option by 9 rain days and 31 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.
Highs of 30°C, lows of 26°C, 26 rain days
Highs of 32°C, lows of 25°C, 17 rain days
Pack for both: lightweight breathable clothing, sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, waterproof jacket, compact umbrella, waterproof shoes, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during May.
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month. May is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Langkawi | Kuala Lumpur | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 31°C | 8d | 28°C | 7d |
| Feb | 32°C | 8d | 29°C | 9d |
| Mar | 32°C | 16d | 30°C | 12d |
| Apr | 31°C | 24d | 31°C | 15d |
| May | 30°C | 26d | 32°C | 17d |
| Jun | 30°C | 22d | 32°C | 18d |
| Jul | 29°C | 23d | 32°C | 17d |
| Aug | 29°C | 24d | 31°C | 15d |
| Sep | 29°C | 26d | 30°C | 12d |
| Oct | 29°C | 28d | 29°C | 9d |
| Nov | 29°C | 25d | 28°C | 7d |
| Dec | 29°C | 15d | 28°C | 6d |
Langkawi Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Kuala Lumpur Weather in May
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities