Kuala Lumpur
Capital of Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur is the capital of Malaysia, with a population of about 9 million in 2025. Visitors come to see its major architecture, religious sites, and public spaces like the Petronas Towers and Independence Square.
What to see
The city features notable modern and historical structures. High-rise and observation structures include the Petronas Towers, Merdeka 118, and Kuala Lumpur Tower. Historic and government buildings consist of the Sultan Abdul Samad Building, Independence Square, Istana Negara on Jalan Tuanku Abdul Halim, and Carcosa Seri Negara. Religious and cultural sites comprise Batu Caves, Thean Hou Temple, and the National Mosque of Malaysia. Additional points of interest are Bukit Bintang and the National Monument.
When to go
Daily highs remain consistent at 29 °C to 31 °C throughout the year, with lows between 22 °C and 23 °C. Rainfall occurs every month. June sees the lowest rain with 158 mm across about 24 days, while November records the highest rain at 351 mm over about 28 days.
Getting there
The nearest airport is Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah International Airport located in Subang, Malaysia, positioned 16 km away.
Top sights in Kuala Lumpur
Weather by month
Temperatures stay much the same all year, around 26 °C on average. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 30 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 |
| Average low, °C | 22 | 22 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 22 | 22 |
| Rainfall, mm | 190 | 205 | 287 | 331 | 249 | 158 | 178 | 189 | 246 | 307 | 351 | 264 |
| Rainy days | 22 | 17 | 21 | 24 | 26 | 24 | 22 | 25 | 25 | 27 | 28 | 27 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Kuala Lumpur (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- Aquaria KLCC
- As Syakirin Mosque
- Buddhist Maha Vihara, Brickfields
- Federal Territory Mosque
- Forest Research Institute Malaysia
- Islamic Arts Museum Malaysia
- Istana Budaya
- Istana Negara, Jalan Istana
- Jamek Mosque
- Kuala Lumpur Bird Park
- Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park
- Kuala Lumpur Courts Complex
- Kuala Lumpur railway station
- Makam Pahlawan
- National Art Gallery
- National Museum
- National Planetarium
- Perdana Botanical Gardens
- Pusat Sains Negara
- Sin Sze Si Ya Temple
- Sri Kandaswamy Kovil, Brickfields
- Sri MahaMariamman Temple, Kuala Lumpur
- Stadium Negara
- Titiwangsa Lake Park