Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Kuala Lumpur
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- December sits right in the shoulder season sweet spot - you'll dodge the peak tourist crush that hits January-February while still getting relatively manageable weather. Hotel rates typically run 20-30% lower than Chinese New Year periods, and you can actually walk around KLCC without fighting through tour groups.
- The northeast monsoon means KL gets less rainfall than the east coast states, which are getting hammered right now. Those 10 rainy days translate to brief afternoon downpours rather than all-day washouts - most storms blow through in 20-40 minutes, then the sun returns. You can plan outdoor activities for mornings and have decent odds of staying dry.
- December brings genuine festive energy without being overwhelmingly commercial. The city decorates for Christmas, Pavilion KL puts up elaborate displays, and you'll catch the tail end of Deepavali decorations in Little India. The multicultural celebration vibe feels authentic rather than manufactured for tourists.
- Air quality tends to be better in December compared to the haze-prone months of August-October. The monsoon rains scrub the air clean, and you'll get clearer views from Petronas Towers and KL Tower. UV index of 8 is still serious, but it's more manageable than the UV 11+ you'd face in April-May.
Considerations
- That 70% humidity combined with 89°F (32°C) highs creates the kind of sticky heat where you'll sweat through shirts within 15 minutes of leaving air conditioning. Factor in extra time for multiple daily showers and wardrobe changes if you're doing business meetings or nice dinners. The humidity also makes the actual temperature feel closer to 95°F (35°C) most afternoons.
- December sits awkwardly between major festivals - you've missed Deepavali (usually October-November) and you're too early for Chinese New Year (typically late January-February). While the Christmas decorations are nice, KL doesn't have the same depth of December cultural events you'd find in, say, Chiang Mai or Bangkok during their peak festival seasons.
- The 11.0 inches (279 mm) of rain, while less than November's deluge, still means you need to build flexibility into every day's plans. That outdoor street art walk in Bukit Bintang or trip to Batu Caves can get derailed by afternoon storms. Indoor backup plans aren't just recommended - they're essential for at least 3-4 days of your trip.
Best Activities in December
Batu Caves and Hindu Temple Exploration
December's slightly cooler mornings make the 272-step climb to Batu Caves actually bearable - start before 9am when temperatures hover around 77°F (25°C) rather than the afternoon inferno. The limestone caves stay naturally cool even when it's sweltering outside, and if afternoon rain hits, you're already under shelter. The Hindu temples around KL are still decorated from Deepavali, giving you that cultural richness even though the main festival has passed. Budget 3-4 hours including travel time from central KL.
Covered Food Market Tours and Cooking Classes
December's unpredictable rain makes covered markets like Pasar Seni and Central Market absolute lifesavers. The cooking class scene in KL has exploded lately - you'll learn to make proper nasi lemak, rendang, and char kway teow while staying completely dry. Classes typically run 3-4 hours including market visits, and the air-conditioned cooking studios offer welcome relief from that 70% humidity. December means you're working with seasonal tropical fruits like durian (if you're brave) and mangosteen that are actually at their peak right now.
Petronas Twin Towers and KLCC Area
The Skybridge and observation deck at 558 feet (170 m) and 1,148 feet (350 m) offer spectacular views that are actually clearer in December thanks to rain-scrubbed air. Book the late afternoon slot around 4-5pm - you'll catch daylight views, watch the afternoon storm roll through from above (genuinely dramatic), then see the city lights come on at dusk. The entire KLCC complex, including Suria KLCC mall and Aquaria KLCC, provides hours of air-conditioned exploration if weather turns nasty. The musical fountain shows outside run rain or shine at 8pm and 9pm.
Cameron Highlands Day Trips
December is actually ideal for escaping KL's humidity with a day trip to Cameron Highlands, located 4,921 feet (1,500 m) above sea level about 124 miles (200 km) north. Temperatures up there hover around 59-68°F (15-20°C) - you'll need an actual jacket, which feels absurdly refreshing after KL's swelter. The tea plantations are lush from recent rains, strawberry farms are producing, and the cool-weather vegetables are at peak season. The drive takes 3-4 hours each way, so you're looking at a full 12-14 hour day, but the climate contrast alone makes it worthwhile.
KL Tower and Canopy Walk
At 1,381 feet (421 m), KL Tower actually sits higher than Petronas Towers and offers better 360-degree views. December's clearer air means you can see all the way to the Titiwangsa Mountains on good days. The Forest Eco Park at the tower's base includes a canopy walk at 98 feet (30 m) above ground - it's shaded by rainforest and stays relatively cool even in afternoon heat. If storms hit, you're minutes from the tower's indoor observation deck. The revolving restaurant is overpriced, but the atmosphere deck is worth the RM 50-70 entry.
Putrajaya Architecture and Lake Tours
Malaysia's administrative capital, located 15.5 miles (25 km) south of KL, is purpose-built with stunning Islamic architecture and feels almost surreal in its manicured perfection. December's afternoon rains actually enhance the experience - the Putra Mosque and Perdana Putra look even more dramatic reflected in rain-slicked plazas. The lake cruise boats run unless there's lightning, and being on the water provides natural cooling in that humidity. The entire city is designed for cars, so organized tours make way more sense than trying to navigate independently.
December Events & Festivals
Christmas Celebrations and Light Displays
While Malaysia is predominantly Muslim, the multicultural population means Christmas gets celebrated enthusiastically in KL's malls and hotels. Pavilion KL puts up elaborate decorations and a massive Christmas tree that's genuinely impressive - worth seeing even if you're not shopping. Suria KLCC, Berjaya Times Square, and Mid Valley Megamall all compete with their displays. The vibe is more commercial than religious, but the energy is fun and the air-conditioned mall-hopping provides perfect rainy day activities.
New Year's Eve Celebrations at KLCC
December 31st brings massive crowds to the KLCC area for fireworks launched from Petronas Towers at midnight. The surrounding streets close to traffic, and you'll find live music stages, food vendors, and festival atmosphere from about 9pm onward. It gets genuinely packed - expect shoulder-to-shoulder crowds and plan your exit strategy in advance. The fireworks display lasts about 10-12 minutes and is visible from most of central KL if you want to avoid the crush.