Things to Do in Kuala Lumpur in December

December Weather in Kuala Lumpur

32°C (89°F) High Temp

24°C (75°F) Low Temp

279 mm (11.0 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Northeast monsoon brings cooler evenings and less oppressive heat - mornings average 24°C (75°F), perfect for outdoor exploration before noon
Festival season peaks with authentic celebrations - locals celebrate Christmas with unique Malaysian fusion traditions, plus year-end sales offer 30-50% discounts citywide
Rain patterns are predictable - short afternoon downpours (20-30 minutes) clear quickly, leaving fresh, cooler air for evening activities
Tourist crowds thin out after mid-December school holidays end, making popular attractions like Batu Caves and KLCC more enjoyable with shorter queues

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms occur 60% of days between 2-5pm, potentially disrupting outdoor plans and making umbrellas essential daily gear
High humidity (70%) makes it feel hotter than actual temperature - expect to sweat through clothes quickly and need frequent shower breaks
Year-end accommodation prices surge 40-60% during Christmas week (December 20-28) as regional tourists flood the city

Best Activities in December

Indoor Cultural Complex Tours

December's unpredictable rain makes climate-controlled venues ideal. Islamic Arts Museum, National Museum, and Central Market offer deep cultural immersion during afternoon storms. Air conditioning provides relief from 70% humidity while exploring Malaysian heritage exhibits.

Booking Tip: Most museums offer combo tickets (typically RM 50-80) valid for 3 days. Book online for 15% discounts and skip ticket lines. Best visited 10am-2pm before afternoon rains start.

Covered Market Food Tours

December brings seasonal specialties like tang yuan (glutinous rice balls) and Christmas-influenced Malaysian fusion dishes. Covered markets like Chow Kit and Central Market stay dry during afternoon downpours while offering authentic local flavors.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost RM 150-250 per person for 3-4 hours. Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid afternoon rains. Look for guides who include both halal and non-halal options.

Shopping Mall Cultural Experiences

December sales season offers 30-50% discounts while providing climate-controlled comfort. Pavilion KL, Suria KLCC, and Mid Valley feature cultural performances, art exhibitions, and year-end festivities alongside shopping.

Booking Tip: Major sales run December 1-31. Visit weekday mornings (10am-2pm) for best selection and fewer crowds. Many malls offer tourist discount cards (RM 20-30) with additional savings.

Temple and Heritage Walking Tours

Early morning temple visits (6-10am) avoid both afternoon rains and peak heat. December ceremonies at Sri Mahamariamman Temple and Thean Hou Temple include year-end blessing rituals. Cool morning temperatures make walking comfortable.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours work well with weather apps. Guided heritage walks typically cost RM 80-120 per person for 2-3 hours. Start by 8am to complete before afternoon storms.

KLCC and Petronas Towers Area

December's dramatic storm clouds create stunning photography opportunities from observation decks. Evening visits after 6pm offer cooler temperatures and post-rain clear skies with excellent visibility across the city.

Booking Tip: Advance booking essential - purchase tickets 2-3 weeks ahead online (RM 80-120). Evening time slots (6-8pm) offer best weather conditions and city lights. Book through official channels to avoid inflated prices.

Batu Caves Morning Expeditions

Early morning visits (7-10am) before afternoon heat and storms are crucial. December's cooler mornings make the 272-step climb manageable, while avoiding afternoon rain that makes limestone steps dangerously slippery.

Booking Tip: Free entry, but guided tours including transport typically cost RM 60-100. Depart KL by 7am to complete visit before 11am heat builds. Look for tours including nearby attractions to maximize morning window.

December Events & Festivals

Early December through January 2nd

KL Christmas Light Festival

Major shopping districts illuminate with elaborate displays combining Western Christmas themes with Malaysian cultural elements. Pavilion KL, Bukit Bintang, and KLCC create Instagram-worthy backdrops while staying dry during evening rain.

December 1-31

Kuala Lumpur Year-End Sale

City-wide shopping event with 30-70% discounts across malls, markets, and boutiques. Combines with cultural performances and food festivals, making it more than just retail therapy.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Compact umbrella with wind resistance - afternoon storms bring strong gusts that destroy cheap umbrellas

Quick-dry synthetic clothing - 70% humidity means cotton takes hours to dry and stays clammy

Waterproof phone case or dry bag - sudden downpours can destroy electronics in seconds

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15 minutes even through clouds

Lightweight long pants for mosque visits - required for entry and air-conditioned venues get cold

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - wet marble floors in malls and temples become skating rinks

Portable phone charger - navigation and weather apps drain batteries quickly in humid conditions

Light cardigan or wrap - extreme air conditioning (18°C/64°F) in malls contrasts sharply with outdoor heat

Antifungal foot powder - humid conditions promote fungal growth in closed shoes

Cash in small denominations (RM 1, 5, 10 notes) - street food vendors and local transport don't always have change for RM 50+ notes

Insider Knowledge

Download MyRapid app and buy Touch 'n Go card at airport - December rain makes walking between stations miserable, but KL's air-conditioned transit system connects major attractions

Locals eat dinner late (8-10pm) after evening storms pass - restaurants get busy after 7pm when rain stops and temperatures drop to comfortable levels

Book accommodations in KL Sentral or Bukit Bintang areas - these connect directly to covered walkways and train stations, minimizing weather exposure

December grocery stores stock seasonal ingredients like fresh durian and Chinese New Year prep items - try seasonal specialties at wet markets before noon

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities between 2-5pm when 60% of daily rainfall occurs - plan indoor alternatives during this window

Wearing flip-flops or sandals on wet days - marble floors in malls and temples become dangerously slippery when wet

Not checking prayer times before visiting mosques - December prayer schedules differ from other months, and tourists can't enter during services