Weather lowdown
June benefits from the oncoming wet season by having a slightly lower average temperature (28°C) as compared to the dry season months (January March). Weather conditions expected throughout June include rainy days for more than 50% of the month, and a 100% chance of cloudy day. Whilst this cloud cover may not be ideal for sunbathing, it does offer some relief from the normally harsh sun that bakes Langkawi during the earlier months. June has more rain days as compared to May, however, there is a slight reduction in the quantity of rain and an increase in the number of sunshine hours the island receives an impressive average of 9 hours sunshine per day. June has the highest number of average sunshine hours per year, alongside February and April.
Temperatures throughout June range from an average high of 32°C, to an average low of 24°C. With a meagre 2% chance of a windy day throughout the month, do not expect any relief from a stiff breeze to make the warm, humid conditions any more comfortable.
The coolest day(s) in June fall towards the end of the month. The daily average temperature is at a consistent 29°C from the 01st to the 23rd of June, before dropping to 28°C for the remainder of the month. This air temperature change is barely noticeable, however, with the increasing frequency of rain and cloud as the wet season approaches the days may feel slightly cooler as the month goes on.
June's average rainfall is 218mm, with 18 rain days expected throughout the month. Be sure to take some rain protection and sturdy shoes on your trip to Langkawi at this time of year if you plan on doing some trekking a popular attraction in Langkawi, however the rain can make some tracks slippery and difficult to pass with inappropriate footwear such as flip-flops or open toe sandals.
Expect most rain to fall late afternoon or early evening. The tropical climate and warm oceans are conducive to form thunderstorms and squalls which generally pass as quickly as they form. These squalls bring temporarily strong winds and rain, so be sure to keep any important items (electronic devices and paper books as an example) somewhere high and dry, should you choose to go for a swim and see dark, low lying clouds on the horizon that appear to be travelling in your direction.
Average sea temperatures are warm all year round, with the expected average temperature for June being 30°C. The ocean and beaches are popular all year round, however, most tourists tend to travel to Langkawi during the January to March period.
Where to stay
Azio Hotel
Azio Hotel is an excellent accommodation option for backpackers or budget travellers in Kuah. The rooms are comfortable and clean, and the facilities and service are of a good standard. All rooms are provided with a TV, air conditioning and a hair dryer. Be aware that not all rooms have windows, or are non-smoking rooms. The hotel offers complimentary WIFI for its guests. There is ample parking in front of the hotel, and the hotel is within walking distance of duty free stores as well as night markets. The Azio is suitable for travellers who enjoy shopping. Also in the area you will find a variety of coffee shops and restaurants. Most restaurants are covered, which may come in handy at lunch time, for the rainy afternoons that are expected at this time of year.
Langkawi Chantique
The Langkawi Chantique is a new resort (opened 2012) and has 24 rooms. Because of its location, guests may need to consider a rental car or motorbike to get around (approx. 20 minutes' walk to the closest beach - Pantai Cenang). The hotel offers a shuttle bus to the beach and closest shopping mall twice daily. Two room options are available: Superior Room & Family Room. All rooms have the following inclusions: air conditioning, en-suite bathroom, complimentary WIFI, breakfast included. The resort can assist you with organizing and booking tours in and around Langkawi. A salt water pool is available within the resort for guests. The resort does not have a restaurant, however, nearby restaurants and a weekly street market are within walking distance.
Hit the beach
Shark Bay Beach
Although the name 'Shark Bay' Beach (Teluk Yu) may instil fear in some, the name is not referring to sharks that may be in the water. Rather, the name is referring to the Stone Shark monuments that can be seen near the beach. A restaurant is nearby and small beach huts can provide visitors some respite from the midday sun. The calm sea and sheltered bay make it an ideal spot for children to swim.
Eating and Drinking Out
The Woods Kitchen & Bar
Newly reopened, The Woods Kitchen & Bar is a great spot to play a round of darts or pool, share a drink and a laugh with fellow travellers and locals and have a few snacks. Located in Pantai Tengah, The Woods opens from 5pm until the early hours. Often The Woods will have live bands performing which adds to the great atmosphere. Located in Pantai Tengah, its central location is within walking distance of most major hotels and resorts.
Jala Restaurant
If beachside seafood dining in a restaurant with a 'sand floor' is something that sounds attractive, Jala Restaurant in Jalan Teluk Datai, within the Andaman Resort, will tick all the boxes. With tropical rainforest and a white sand beach view from the restaurant, Jala provides the perfect setting to appreciate finely cooked seafood, with a Malay and Western fusion. Weather conditions during better days in June offer the best opportunity to make the most of the restaurant's setting, with mostly clear skies presenting stunning sunsets whilst looking out over the beach.
Things to do
Mangrove Safari Experience
The mangrove safari experience is a good tour to enjoy at this time of year. Visitors will explore the mangrove forests by boat; learning about the resort's natural ecosystem, the tour also includes venturing into local bat caves. These activities can generally be done rain or shine, however, consider that if it is raining heavily visibility will be reduced and you may not be able to appreciate the full beauty of the scenery around you. If the weather is particularly dull on the proposed day/time of your tour, consider postponing it usually the poor weather conditions will not remain so for more than a day at a time.
Langkawi Food & Fruit Fiesta
June is a lively month in spite of the weather conditions. The Fire Extinguishing Contest takes place, and although the event is rather strange in concept, it's nonetheless appealing; with the island's fire department competing to put out intentionally set fires. Another event worth mentioning is the Langkawi Food & Fruit Fiesta. Locals and tourists alike are invited to taste, admire, and buy some of the island's most delicious and mouth-watering fruits. Remember to take a raincoat with you if you suspect rain and will be at any distance from your hotel.