What's The Weather Like In Penang In January
Just about any time of the year is the perfect time to visit Penang, but that can be especially true in the month of January. That's because this is one of the driest months in a very wet region and warm temperatures make winter particularly comfortable on the island.
Temperature
The average daily temperature for this time of the year is a very pleasant 28°C (82°F). Even though it might be snowing or cold throughout much of the northern hemisphere, there is no need to pack a jacket when visiting during this month. Instead, visitors will need to bring shorts in order to weather the average afternoon highs of 31°C (88°F). It is also important to have a room with air conditioning as overnight lows will only fall to an average of 24°C (75°F).
Rain
January is also tied for the driest month of the year with only 70mm of rainfall expected. That rain will fall over an average of 10 days, making most of the month dry and the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the area.
Sunshine Hours
However, with only 7 hours of sunshine per day, it is important to get out early in the morning to allow enough time to get back safely from a hike or any time in the jungle. The good news is that this time of the year will also bring cloudless days and clear nights where visitors can enjoy a long stroll along the beach.
Sea Temperature
Despite what the calendar says, this is a good time to head to the beach. With average water temperatures of 29°C (84°F), visitors can take advantage of the beach and water while participating in a number of water sports including snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking and more. Additionally, there is hardly a wind to have to worry about as the chance of experiencing a windy day is only 2 percent.
Penang Hotels In January
Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa
With January a fairly dry month and an ideal time to take a holiday, be sure to make reservations at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort and Spa early. Surrounded by centuries-old trees and nestled among lush foliage, this resort is luxurious on many levels. With gardens, a spa, miniature golf course, main pool, children's pool, three bars and three restaurants, there is plenty to do and see on the resort grounds. If you want to leave, however, the resort runs a daily shuttle back and forth to George Town.
Hard Rock Penang
If you are ready to rock during your holiday, then book a room at the Hard Rock Penang. The hotel features a total of 250 rooms, including 37 suites. Most of the rooms have commanding views of the sea and also offer flat screen TVs, custom designed furniture, private baths and much more. Meanwhile, the hotel features a kid's club, teen club, swimming pool, spa, and a hair salon. Additionally, there is plenty of entertainment each week of the year.
G Hotel
The G Hotel is grand in just about every way imaginable and visitors can feel it from the minute they walk through the front door. The hotel features a contemporary design and opulent features from the lobby to each of the 312 rooms. Additionally, the hotel features some of the best restaurants in the city, a sparkling pool, fully equipped gym, pool bar, coffeehouse, and a luxurious spa. Guests are steps away from some of the best shopping and dining in the city.
Penang Beaches For January
Batu Feringghi
Thanks to warm sea temperatures throughout the year, there is not a bad time to hit the beach. Even though it might be the dead of winter across much of the northern hemisphere, January is one of the best times to visit Penang and its beautiful beaches because it sits directly in the tropics. One of the best and most developed beaches is Batu Feringghi.
This beach consists of soft, white sand and is located near hotels in all price ranges, restaurants and nightlife. Thanks to water temperatures of 29°C (84°F), visitors can enjoy numerous water sports including windsurfing, parasailing, and jet skiing. Of course, visitors can also choose to just relax on the beach and enjoy the wonderful views.
Bars And Restaurants
Kebaya
Known as one of the best restaurants in Penang and located inside the 7 Terraces Hotel, Kebaya is an experience in food and find dining. Together, the chefs have created a menu of classic Indo and Straits Chinese Nyonya dishes fused with French cooking techniques, the result is out of this world food that is full of flavor and will leave you savoring every bite. Guests are urged to share the four courses of an entrée, main course, vegetable and dessert that are served Chinese style.
Andrew's Kampung
Andrew's Kampung is a fun, eclectic restaurant full of mismatched chairs and other odd items, but the food is outstanding and guests come back again and again. Andrew, himself, is a great character as well as charming and friendly and will make any guest feel right at home. The food is freshly prepared and there is something on the menu to please the entire family.
Monkey Bar
If you want to stay out late, then Upper Penang Road is the place to be. With the street closed off to traffic, visitors can safely walk up and down the road and bar hop along the way. One of the oldest bars in the area is the Monkey Bar. Located right in the middle of several nightspots, this bar has an interior of heavy, dark wood chairs and tables. Guests can try cocktails, beer, and stout while enjoying a menu of Thai food, fish and chips or spring rolls. Later in the evening, be sure to try your hand at darts. Best of all, you don't have to hurry in as the bar is open late.
Things To Do In Penang In January
Thanks to warm weather year-round, visitors have plenty of choice on sites to see and adventures to take no matter the month. Additionally, with the warm conditions all year, there are no worries that some sites might be closed because it is the off-season.
George Town
One of the more popular things to do in January or any time of the year is to wander the streets of George Town. This city has earned a place on Unesco's heritage site listing thanks to its unique architecture and colonial history. Here, there are hundred of nooks and crannies to see with each telling its own story.
Metro Bike
One of the best ways to see the city is with a walking tour by the Penang Heritage Trust. Or, visitors can opt for a bicycle tour by Metro Bike. Of course, when you are out exploring be sure to stop by one of the many roadside food stalls to enjoy Chinese, Malay or Indian "fast food" at its finest. With only 70mm of rain for January, now is the time to be outside.
Penang Hill
A trip up Penang Hill is also a popular adventure either by a 30-minute cable car ride or by a three-hour hike through lush rainforest. At the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views from 821 meters above sea level. Nearby are wonderful and grand colonial houses, many of which have been converted into restaurants or guesthouses.
