Fall in Langkawi, Malaysia brings in warm tropical air mixed with the heaviest rains of the year. The island stays hot and humid, but the shift in weather creates a pretty different travel experience compared to the drier months.
From September through November, you’ll run into frequent downpours, high humidity, and plenty of cloudy skies, making this the wettest season on the island.
Even with all the rain, temperatures hardly budge, and the sea stays warm enough for swimming. Storms usually blow over quickly, so you’ll still get stretches of calm weather to enjoy beaches, mangroves, or outdoor adventures between showers.
This mix of heavy rainfall and steady warmth shapes daily life in Langkawi during autumn.
If you know what to expect, you’ll plan better. Details like average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine hours, and sea conditions help you decide how to make the most of your trip to this part of Asia.
Overview of Fall Weather in Langkawi
Langkawi gets its heaviest rainfall of the year during fall, with frequent wet days and high humidity. Temperatures stay warm and steady, but the weather conditions shift compared to the drier start of the year, making this season stand out for both travelers and locals.
Typical Climate Patterns
Rainfall in Langkawi peaks from September through November. September and October usually see more than 330 mm of rain, with about 20–22 rainy days each month.
By November, precipitation drops a bit to around 215 mm, but showers are still common.
Daytime highs stick between 31°C and 32°C (about 88–90°F), and nighttime lows hover around 23–24°C (73–75°F). Humidity stays high, and skies often look cloudy or overcast.
You’ll only get about 6–7 hours of sunshine per day, which is less than in the drier months.
The sea stays warm at 29–30°C (84–86°F), so swimming and water sports are still doable. But with frequent storms and rougher seas, island-hopping tours and outdoor excursions might get interrupted.
Key Differences From Other Seasons
Compared to January–March, which is much drier with fewer than 10 rainy days per month, fall feels way wetter and less predictable. Monsoon rains set the tone, while the dry season brings clear skies and longer stretches of sun.
Even summer (June–August) brings rain, but fall racks up the highest totals of the year, making it the wettest stretch. In winter, rainfall drops below 100 mm in December, but fall keeps up the heavy showers and higher storm chances.
If you’re visiting, you’ll probably need more indoor options and a flexible schedule. The rainfall pattern really sets fall apart from other seasons in Langkawi.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Fall in Langkawi, Malaysia means steady warmth, with just tiny changes between months. Even though it rains a lot, daily highs and lows don’t shift much, so the island stays hot and humid.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
During fall, daytime highs land between 30°C and 32°C (86°F to 90°F). It’s definitely warm, but not scorching compared to some tropical places.
Even when it rains, the temperature barely drops during the day.
At night, the thermometer dips to 23°C–25°C (73°F–77°F). Not a big difference from the day, so evenings stay warm and humid. You’ll probably want air conditioning or at least a fan.
Sea temperatures hang around 29°C to 30°C (84°F to 86°F), perfect for swimming and snorkeling even when it’s wet. Since humidity is high, the air can feel even warmer than what the numbers say.
Monthly Temperature Trends
In September, daytime highs average about 31°C (88°F), with lows near 24°C (75°F). Humidity is up there, and the heat feels more intense during breaks in the rain.
In October, highs stay close to 30°C (86°F), and lows are still around 24°C (75°F). You probably won’t notice much change from September, though the heavy rain can make the air feel cooler sometimes.
By November, temperatures barely shift. Highs average 30°C (86°F), and lows hover near 23°C (73°F). Rain isn’t as heavy as in earlier months, but the air stays warm and muggy.
| Month | Average High | Average Low | Sea Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| September | 31°C / 88°F | 24°C / 75°F | 29–30°C |
| October | 30°C / 86°F | 24°C / 75°F | 29–30°C |
| November | 30°C / 86°F | 23°C / 73°F | 29°C |
Rainfall and Humidity Levels in Autumn
In fall, Langkawi gets hit with frequent showers and very high humidity. Rainfall peaks in October, but September and November also bring heavy downpours and that sticky air that can mess with outdoor plans.
Monthly Rainfall Averages
Rainfall jumps up in September and hits its highest in October. October averages about 309 mm of rain over 22 days, making it the wettest month.
September is only a bit drier, while November starts to ease up but still sees regular showers.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~250–280 | 18–20 |
| October | ~309 | 22 |
| November | ~200–220 | 15–17 |
So, you’ll probably see rain on most days, usually in short but intense bursts. Roads can flood for a bit, and ferry schedules might get thrown off. If you’re planning something outside, mornings tend to be drier than late afternoons.
Humidity Fluctuations
Humidity stays high all fall in Langkawi. In September, it peaks around 85%, which honestly feels pretty uncomfortable. By November, it drops a little but still stays above 75%, so the air remains warm and damp.
After it rains, you’ll notice the heavy, moist air the most, since evaporation bumps up the humidity even more. Indoors, air conditioning helps, but outside, get ready for sticky conditions almost all day.
High humidity also makes breezes less refreshing. Even with daytime highs of 30–32°C, it feels hotter because sweat just doesn’t evaporate as well. Light clothes and drinking lots of water are a must.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Hours
During fall, Langkawi’s skies stay cloudy, with frequent overcast days and not much sunshine compared to the drier parts of the year. You’ll get fewer clear skies and more diffused light thanks to all the clouds.
Seasonal Cloudiness Patterns
Early September brings the most cloud cover. Sometimes, the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy for more than 90% of the day. That’s just how it goes during the wet season.
By late November, skies clear up a little. The chance of overcast skies drops to about 80%, so most days are still cloudy, but you’ll get the occasional break.
Compared to other times of year, fall is easily one of the cloudiest in Langkawi. If you’re hoping for blue skies, you might want to lower your expectations. Clear or mostly clear weather happens less than 20% of the time by the end of the season.
Average Daily Sunshine
Because of the heavy cloud cover, fall sunshine hours are shorter than in the dry season. On average, you might get 4 to 6 hours of sunshine per day, but it really depends on how thick the clouds are and how much it rains.
There’s still about 12 hours of daylight from sunrise to sunset, but most of that is filtered through clouds.
The strongest sun usually pops out in short bursts during late morning or early afternoon, when rain showers are less likely. If you want some sun, plan your activities around these times—just don’t count on long, sunny stretches.
Sea Temperature and Beach Conditions
The sea around Langkawi stays warm all fall, with barely any change from September to November. These steady conditions make the water inviting, even if rain and clouds cut into your beach time.
Average Sea Temperatures
From September to November, Langkawi’s sea temperature averages between 29.7°C and 29.8°C (about 85°F). The warmth barely changes month to month.
| Month | Average Sea Temp |
|---|---|
| September | 29.8°C |
| October | 29.7°C |
| November | 29.7°C |
That’s very warm by anyone’s standards. You can swim for ages, even in the evening. Unlike places with cooler seasons, Langkawi’s water stays nearly the same all year, which is honestly pretty great for planning.
You won’t notice any real difference between early and late fall, since the sea rarely drops below 29°C. This reliability is one reason beach lovers keep coming back.
Suitability for Swimming and Water Activities
The warm sea lets you swim whenever you like, and you can stay in the water for as long as you want. Snorkeling and casual diving are totally doable, since the temperature never gets chilly.
But fall lines up with the monsoon. Rainfall goes up and seas get choppier, especially in October and November. The water stays warm, but bigger waves and lower visibility can limit things like snorkeling or kayaking.
You’ll get fewer clear, sunny beach days compared to the dry season. On average, only 7–9 sunny days per month pop up in fall. Still, the warm sea means you can swim whenever it’s calm enough.
Travel Tips for Visiting Langkawi in Fall
Rain showers show up more often in Langkawi during fall, but the island still has warm temperatures and lots of outdoor options. You’ll want to plan around the mix of sun and rain, keeping comfort and flexibility in mind.
What to Pack for the Weather
Langkawi’s fall brings high humidity, daytime temperatures of 30–32°C, and regular afternoon downpours. Light, breathable clothes like cotton or linen help you stay cool. Quick-dry stuff is handy, since sudden showers are pretty common.
Pack a compact umbrella or a lightweight poncho. Rain usually passes quickly, but you’ll be glad for some cover when a storm hits. Comfortable sandals or water-resistant shoes work well, since puddles form fast.
Even when it’s cloudy, sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat are important. UV levels stay high all year. Bring a reusable water bottle to help with the humidity and avoid dehydration.
For evenings, grab some insect repellent. Mosquitoes love the post-rain air, especially near gardens or mangroves. Carrying a small power bank is smart too, since heavy storms can sometimes knock out the power for a bit.
Best Outdoor Activities in Autumn
Sure, fall brings wetter weather, but I still find it a great time to explore Langkawi’s natural spots. Mornings usually stay dry, so I’d suggest heading out early for island hopping tours or maybe a walk along Pantai Cenang Beach before the rain sneaks in.
Short hikes like the Telaga Tujuh Waterfalls trail feel extra rewarding this time of year. After the rain, the waterfalls really come alive, but the paths get slippery—so definitely grab some good shoes.
If you’re leaning toward something more relaxed, you might enjoy mangrove tours by boat in Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. Most tours head out in the morning when the weather tends to cooperate.
If rain messes with your outdoor plans, just pivot to indoor spots. You could check out the Langkawi Cable Car base station exhibits or settle in at a local café.