Winter in Johor Bahru doesn’t bring cold winds or snow. Instead, you get warm tropical days with steady temperatures between 30°C and 31°C (86°F to 88°F).
Nights stay humid and rarely drop below 22°C (72°F). You’ll run into frequent rain showers, especially in December, when rainfall hits its yearly peak.
Johor Bahru doesn’t really have four seasons. Locals and visitors notice that “winter” means more rain, not colder weather.
December feels wetter and cloudier. January and February slowly turn drier, and you’ll see a bit more sunshine.
The sea stays warm, so you can enjoy the coast even during the wettest months.
If you visit, you’ll notice daylight hours barely change—about 12 hours a day. The UV index stays high, so sun protection is a must.
This mix of heat, humidity, and rain shapes the winter vibe here. It’s something to think about when you’re picking the best time to explore the city.
Overview of Johor Bahru’s Climate
Johor Bahru, down in southern Malaysia, stays warm and humid all year. Temperatures barely budge, and rain shows up often.
The city’s spot near the equator really shapes its weather.
Tropical Rainforest Climate and Köppen Classification
Johor Bahru sits in the Af category in the Köppen climate classification.
That means it has a tropical rainforest climate—high humidity, lots of rain, and steady warmth, with no real dry season.
Average highs run from 30°C to 33°C (86°F to 91°F). Lows hover near 22°C to 23°C (72°F to 74°F).
The range is narrow, so nights don’t offer much relief from the humidity.
Rain falls throughout the year. Even in February, usually the driest month, you’ll still get around 140 mm (5.5 in) of rain.
The wettest stretch, especially November and December, can top 230–245 mm (9–10 in).
You’ll want to pack umbrellas, light clothing, and airy fabrics. Staying comfortable means being ready for rain at any time.
Proximity to the Equator and Its Influence
Johor Bahru sits just north of the equator, so you won’t see big seasonal swings.
Daylight stays steady, with about 12 to 12.2 hours every day.
The sun hits hard here. The UV index often reaches 11–12, which is about as high as it gets anywhere.
Even on cloudy days, you need strong sun protection.
Seawater stays warm, too. The Straits of Johor usually measure 27.5°C (81.5°F) in January and climb to 30°C (86°F) from May to June.
Swimming’s always an option, no matter the month.
Because Johor Bahru sits so close to the equator, you’ll never see cold weather, frost, or snow.
General Weather Patterns Throughout the Year
Rainfall cycles shape the weather here more than temperature changes.
You’ll spot two main rainy peaks: March–April and October–December.
- February to April: Drier, with a bit more sun.
- May to August: Warm and humid, with moderate rain.
- September to December: Wetter, with frequent storms.
Humidity averages around 80%. If you’re new to the tropics, it can feel a bit much.
Still, steady temperatures make planning simple. You don’t need to worry about packing for cold snaps.
Rain usually comes in short, heavy bursts. Afterward, skies clear up.
You might plan outdoor activities in the morning and expect showers later on.
Winter Weather Characteristics in Johor Bahru
During the winter months, Johor Bahru stays warm and steady.
You’ll notice only slight changes in temperature, humidity, and rainfall. It’s a tropical routine—no dramatic shifts, just a slow decrease in rain and clouds as the season moves forward.
Temperature Ranges and High Temperatures
Winter temperatures in Johor Bahru don’t change much.
Daily highs average 86–88°F (30–31°C), and lows stick near 73–77°F (23–25°C).
The hottest winter days rarely go above 92°F. The coolest ones still hang in the mid-70s.
You won’t feel big drops after sunset. The difference between day and night is small.
That makes planning outdoor activities pretty easy—no need to worry about sudden chills.
Winter is a bit cooler than other months, but not by much.
January is usually the coolest, with highs near 86°F and lows around 75°F. By February, things warm up again.
| Month | Avg High °F | Avg Low °F |
|---|---|---|
| December | 88 | 75 |
| January | 86 | 75 |
| February | 87 | 75 |
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity in Johor Bahru stays very high year-round, including winter.
You’ll feel muggy conditions almost every day, with dew points in the mid-70s.
Even when the temperature feels okay, the air stays heavy and moist.
Since humidity rarely drops, you won’t get much relief at night.
Sweat doesn’t evaporate fast, so outdoor activities can feel sticky.
Wearing light clothes and drinking plenty of water helps.
Johor Bahru doesn’t have a “dry” winter like some tropical spots.
The air stays humid, so plan for indoor cooling if you’re sensitive to heat.
Evenings can feel just as humid as afternoons.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rainfall drops steadily through the winter months.
In early December, you might see 9–10 inches of rain. By February, it dips to about 4–5 inches.
Late winter is the driest part of the season.
The chance of a rainy day starts above 50% in December and falls below 30% by February.
Rain usually arrives in short, heavy showers, not all-day drizzles.
Clouds break up more as winter moves on. Early December skies are often overcast, but by late February, you’ll get more sun.
February feels brighter and is a good time for sightseeing.
Tropical showers are the norm here—no snow or frost, ever.
Monthly Breakdown: December to February
Johor Bahru stays hot and humid through winter, though rainfall and sunshine shift a bit each month.
December brings frequent showers. January feels steadier, and February gets a little drier.
December Weather Overview
December marks the peak of the rainy season in Johor Bahru.
Daytime highs average 30°C (86°F). Nights drop to about 24°C (75°F).
Humidity sits high at about 87%, so the air feels heavy.
Rain falls often and hard. On average, the city gets 317 mm of rain over about 20 days.
You’ll see short, heavy downpours, usually in the afternoon or evening.
Still, you’ll get some sunshine. December averages 134 hours of sunlight, so breaks between showers are common.
UV levels stay strong, so don’t forget sun protection.
Wear light cotton clothes and carry a waterproof poncho or umbrella.
Streets can flood briefly during heavy storms, so waterproof shoes or sandals come in handy.
January Weather Overview
January keeps the wet season going, but rain starts to ease up compared to December.
Daytime temperatures stay steady, usually 30–31°C (86–88°F). Nights are warm, about 24–25°C (75–77°F).
Showers are still common but a bit less intense. You’ll notice more dry spells during the day, which makes outdoor activities easier.
Humidity stays high, often above 80%, so expect sticky air.
You get more sunshine than in December, so there’s more time for sightseeing.
Afternoon storms still pop up, but mornings are often clearer.
Pack breathable clothing, sunblock, and reliable rain gear.
If you’re walking around, early mornings are the most comfortable before the heat and humidity kick in.
February Weather Overview
By February, Johor Bahru starts shifting toward its drier season.
Temperatures stay consistent, with highs near 31°C (88°F) and lows around 24°C (75°F).
Rainfall drops even more compared to January.
Showers are shorter and less widespread. You might get several dry days in a row.
Humidity stays high but feels a bit less intense than in December.
Sunshine becomes more reliable, so you can enjoy longer stretches outdoors.
You’ll see brighter skies, though quick tropical showers can still surprise you.
Light, breathable clothing works best. You might not need rain gear every day.
February often feels like one of the more pleasant months for travel in Johor Bahru, with warmth, sun, and fewer rainy interruptions.
Sunshine, Daylight, and UV Index During Winter
In Johor Bahru, winter brings steady daylight but shorter sunshine hours than other times of year.
The UV index stays high even with extra clouds, so sun protection is always a good idea when you’re outside.
Average Sunshine Hours
From December to February, you’ll get fewer hours of direct sun than in other seasons.
The city averages 4 to 6 hours of sunshine per day.
December usually has the least—around 4 to 5 hours—thanks to heavier rain and clouds.
By February, you’ll see closer to 6 hours daily.
Less sunshine doesn’t mean cool days, though.
Tropical humidity and warmth stick around, so it still feels bright, even on overcast days.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, aim for the sunnier parts of the day, usually late morning or early afternoon.
Daylight Duration
Daylight hours in Johor Bahru barely change all year, thanks to its spot near the equator.
In winter, you get about 12 hours of daylight each day.
Sunrise is around 7:00 AM, sunset close to 7:00 PM.
Month-to-month changes are tiny—maybe 10 or 15 minutes at most.
You can plan your day easily, knowing daylight won’t shift much between December and February.
Even if it’s cloudy, the days stay the same length.
That makes it easier to plan sightseeing, travel, or eating outside without worrying about early sunsets.
UV Index and Sun Protection
The UV index in Johor Bahru stays high all year, even in winter.
Levels usually run 11 to 12, which is considered extreme.
Your skin can burn fast without protection, even when it’s cloudy.
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear sunglasses with UV protection, and put on hats or light clothing to cover up.
Midday, between 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM, brings the strongest UV rays.
If you’re doing water activities, remember that sunlight bouncing off the sea can make UV even stronger.
Taking simple steps lets you enjoy the outdoors while cutting down the risk of sunburn or heat stress.
Wet Season and Its Impact on Winter
Johor Bahru stays warm in winter, but the wet season brings heavy rainfall and frequent cloudy skies.
Steady showers shape daily routines, travel plans, and outdoor activities.
Rainfall Frequency in Winter Months
Winter in Johor Bahru, from December to February, marks part of its wet season. You’ll notice rainfall is frequent, with monthly totals often above 200–300 mm.
December and January usually bring the most rain. February, on the other hand, tends to be a bit drier.
Rain falls on many days, not just in isolated storms. You might see 15–21 rainy days each month, so more than half the days could bring showers.
These rains don’t usually last long, but they can be intense. Humidity stays high, often above 83–87%.
The wet season won’t cool things down. Daytime highs stick around 30–31°C (86–88°F), and nights stay warm at 24–25°C (75–77°F).
Instead of cooler temperatures, you’ll notice more cloudy or overcast days.
Effects on Outdoor Activities and Travel
Frequent rain really changes how you plan your day. Outdoor sightseeing, walking tours, and open-air markets can get interrupted by sudden downpours.
You’ll probably need an umbrella, a light raincoat, or just a quick way to duck indoors.
Travel on the roads slows down when surfaces get wet and visibility drops. Afternoon showers are common, so it’s smarter to schedule activities for early morning if you want a better shot at dry weather.
Boat rides or coastal trips might get delayed or canceled when storms roll in. Indoor attractions like shopping centers and cultural sites don’t skip a beat, so they’re solid options if the rain gets heavy.
Travel Tips and Best Time to Visit Johor Bahru in Winter
Winter in Johor Bahru brings slightly cooler temperatures, higher humidity, and plenty of rain. If you plan things out, you can still enjoy cultural events, evening outings, and indoor attractions without the weather ruining your plans.
Optimal Months for Visiting
Johor Bahru’s winter season runs from December through February. Temperatures usually sit between 23°C and 31°C (73°F to 88°F).
Rain is common, especially in December, but the heaviest showers usually don’t last long.
January and February are better months for a visit. Rainfall drops off a bit after December, and evenings feel cooler, so it’s easier to explore night markets or stroll the city.
If you’d rather dodge the worst of the rain, aim for late January or February. These months also line up with Chinese New Year celebrations, bringing fireworks, parades, and festive bazaars.
This period draws more visitors, but honestly, it’s the best time to catch Johor Bahru’s culture in full swing.
Packing and Preparation Advice
The winter weather stays humid, so pack light, breathable clothing like cotton shirts and quick-dry fabrics. Don’t forget a compact umbrella or rain jacket—showers can hit fast and hard.
Waterproof footwear makes sense if you plan to walk around in wet conditions.
Even with all the rain, the daytime sun gets pretty strong. Toss sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat in your bag for when the clouds break.
Stay hydrated—humidity can make the heat feel even more intense.
A small backpack comes in handy for water, rain gear, and personal items. If you’re heading to festivals or religious sites, bring at least one set of modest clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.
It’s practical for cultural respect and keeps you comfortable in chilly, air-conditioned places.
Notable Attractions: Sultan Iskandar Mosque
If you’re planning a winter trip, you really shouldn’t skip the Sultan Iskandar Mosque in Bandar Dato’ Onn. Locals and visitors alike admire its bold blue-and-white look, and honestly, the prayer hall is massive—it fits thousands.
When you visit in winter, you’ll notice the evenings feel cooler, which makes wandering the grounds a lot more pleasant. Non-Muslims can visit outside of prayer times, but you’ll want to dress modestly.
Grab a pair of long pants or a skirt, and make sure your shoulders are covered. You won’t find the crowds here that you would at Johor Bahru’s big shopping centers, so it feels pretty peaceful.
Snap a few photos of the mosque’s mix of modern and traditional architecture, but steer clear of the prayer areas unless you’re joining in worship. If you’re into culture or architecture—or just want a quiet spot—this place stands out.