Weather Comparison
Side-by-side weather comparison for January
| Metric | Penang | Langkawi | Better |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average HighHigher is warmer | 29°C (84°F) | 31°C (88°F)▲ | Langkawi |
| Average LowHigher is milder | 24°C (75°F) | 24°C (75°F) | Tie |
| Rain DaysFewer is drier | 15 days | 8 days▲ | Langkawi |
| PrecipitationLess is drier | 114 mm | 52 mm▲ | Langkawi |
| Sunshine HoursMore is sunnier | 10h/day | 10h/day | Tie |
| HumidityLower is more comfortable | 82% | 82% | Tie |
| UV IndexLower is safer | 4 | 4 | Tie |
| Wind SpeedCalmer is better | 9 km/h▲ | 21 km/h | Penang |
Based on sunshine hours, rain days, comfortable temperatures, and humidity levels, Langkawi edges ahead as the better destination in January. Langkawi offers 10 hours of daily sunshine with only 8 rain days, while Penang sees 10 sunshine hours and 15 rain days.
Penang can feel quite hot at 29°C, so plan for heat. Langkawi runs hot at 31°C.
For travelers who prioritize dry weather, Langkawi is the stronger choice in January.
Penang reaches an average high of 29°C (84°F) and drops to 24°C (75°F) at night during January. The daily temperature range is 5°C, meaning relatively stable temperatures from day to night.
Langkawi averages 31°C (88°F) for the high and 24°C (75°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 January.
Penang receives approximately 114 mm of rainfall across 15 rain days during January. Rain is frequent, so waterproof gear is essential.
Langkawi sees 52 mm over 8 rain days. That makes Langkawi the drier option by 7 rain days and 62 mm of total precipitation.
Both cities share similar humidity levels at 82%.
Highs of 29°C, lows of 24°C, 15 rain days
Highs of 31°C, lows of 24°C, 8 rain days
Pack for both: lightweight breathable clothing, sunscreen SPF 50+, sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, moisture-wicking fabrics. These items are useful in either destination during January.
The table below shows average high temperatures and rain days for every month. January is highlighted for quick reference.
| Month | Penang | Langkawi | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| High | Rain | High | Rain | |
| Jan | 29°C | 15d | 31°C | 8d |
| Feb | 30°C | 16d | 32°C | 8d |
| Mar | 30°C | 23d | 32°C | 16d |
| Apr | 30°C | 28d | 31°C | 24d |
| May | 30°C | 27d | 30°C | 26d |
| Jun | 30°C | 22d | 30°C | 22d |
| Jul | 30°C | 21d | 29°C | 23d |
| Aug | 30°C | 24d | 29°C | 24d |
| Sep | 29°C | 26d | 29°C | 26d |
| Oct | 29°C | 29d | 29°C | 28d |
| Nov | 29°C | 27d | 29°C | 25d |
| Dec | 29°C | 21d | 29°C | 15d |
Penang Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities
Langkawi Weather in January
Full forecast, packing tips, and activities