In September, the monsoon really begins to ramp up this month and the next being the two wettest times of the year. As a result, many visitors are driven indoors to the various museums or restaurants to wait out the downpours. Visitors who choose to stay outdoors may also have to be aware of flash flooding in some of the more rural spots.
The average amount of rain for Penang during this time of the year is a very impressive 330mm. As impressive as this might be, it is only the second wettest month of the year. The rain is expected over an average of 21 days. As a result, much of the month is wet. However, other parts of Malaysia may be slightly drier and it might be worth a look at an extended forecast to see if this is a good time to not only visit this region, but others to take advantage of some more sun. If visitors do decide to remain in the area, it is a good idea to bring plenty of rain gear.
Even with the heavy downpours, the temperatures are still very warm. The overnight lows are very warm and the air is muggy with temperatures only falling to 24°C (75°F). Afternoon temperatures may struggle somewhat with all the rainfall, but are still expected to reach a warm and muggy 30°C (86°F). The average amount of sunshine per day is still 8 hours despite the rain.
While this might not be the best time of the year to hit the beach, the warm waters can still be inviting. The good news is that the seas on this side of Malaysia are typically much calmer than those on the east making it still possible to enjoy the warm waters. Seawater temperatures during this time of the year are a pleasant 30°C (86°F).
The four-star George Town City Hotel is located in the heart of Penang and is perfect for a couple or a family on a September holiday. The hotel features a total of 320 guest rooms and suites as well as a restaurant and bar, swimming pool, gym and games room. Guests may choose from three different room styles that come with all the amenities of home.
Another four-star hotel is the Hotel Royal Penang. Ideally situated for easy access to all the major sites of the area, the hotel also features plenty of meeting space as well as an outdoor pool and well-equipped gym. There are four room styles to choose from and guests may also take advantage of the on-site breakfast buffet as well as a selection of international and local dishes for lunch and dinner.
If you are headed to the Hard Rock Penang for entertainment, why not stay there as well? The hotel is nicely appointed and offers a total of 250 rooms including 37 suites if you find yourself needing a little more room. There is a lot to like about this hotel with sea views from all rooms, custom designed furniture and flat screen televisions. In addition to live entertainment, the hotel is also home to a great restaurant, swimming pool, kid's club, teen club and more.
Those looking for a great getaway from the hustle and bustle of the region's crowded cities, will enjoy the peace and quiet of Gertak Sanggul Beach. Located on the southwest coast of Penang, it is known for spectacular sunset views as well as numerous nearby seafood restaurants. While not a good spot for swimming due to the number of fishing boats in the water, visitors can still enjoy the white sandy beach and soak up some rays during the 8 hours of sunshine the region experiences during the month of September.
Known for its wide selection of meats, Kimpo Famous Roasted is one spot that shouldn't be missed. Some of the more popular dishes include the crispy duck along with a variety of pork dishes. This is a good spot to get a quick meal at a good price and enjoy the friendliness of the owners and servers.
Completely renovated and refurbished, Junk Café has some of the best burgers in all of Penang. The inside of the restaurant is almost museum like with memorabilia everywhere you look. While the menu is relatively limited, guests are not disappointed by the food and can enjoy just spending time hanging out and enjoying the vibe.
There are plenty of places to enjoy live music in Penang and one of the most popular is the Hard Rock Café. Here, guests can listen to live local performers every week of the year and also be entertained by international artists from time to time. Along with good food and good drinks, there is plenty to like about this happening nightspot.
September can be wet with an average of 330mm of rain falling, but it is still the time of the Lantern Festival also known as the Mid-autumn Festival. During this time, children carry beautiful paper and plastic lanterns around Penang neighborhoods to celebrate the Chinese uprising against the Mongol Yuan Dynasty in the 14th century. There are also plenty of mooncakes available as a throwback to the time when rebels wrote secret message on them during the time of the rebellion. The cakes come in numerous varieties and should not be missed.
For those who love plants, nothing can be better than a trip through the Penang Botanical Gardens. Also known as the Waterfall Garden, the area was established in 1884 by the British. In addition to hundreds of different type of fauna and flora, visitors don't want to miss the trees in the gardens. There are several famous ones including the rain tree, the cannon ball tree, the candle tree and the ebony tree. This is a great place to spend an afternoon learning more about the plants that inhabit the area.
