Kota Bharu Weather Today

Climate and Weather in Kota Bharu, Malaysia

Kota Bharu is the capital city of the Kelantan state in Malaysia. It is located in the northeastern part of the country, near the border with Thailand. The city has a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. Let's explore the climate and weather patterns in Kota Bharu in more detail.

Temperature

Kota Bharu experiences warm and consistent temperatures year-round. The average daily temperature ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (90°F). The hottest months are usually April and May, with temperatures sometimes reaching 35°C (95°F) or higher. The coolest months are December and January, with average temperatures around 24°C (75°F).

Rainfall

Kota Bharu receives significant rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of about 2,500 millimeters (98 inches). The city experiences two distinct monsoon seasons, namely the Northeast Monsoon and the Southwest Monsoon. The Northeast Monsoon occurs from November to February and brings heavy rainfall to the region. During this period, Kota Bharu receives the majority of its annual rainfall. The Southwest Monsoon, which occurs from May to September, brings relatively less rainfall compared to the Northeast Monsoon.

Humidity

Kota Bharu has high humidity levels throughout the year, which is typical of tropical rainforest climates. The average relative humidity ranges from 80% to 90%. The humidity can make the weather feel even hotter, especially during the peak of the dry season.

Seasonal Variation

Kota Bharu experiences relatively consistent weather patterns throughout the year, with only slight variations between seasons. The main difference lies in the amount of rainfall received during the two monsoon seasons. During the Northeast Monsoon, the city experiences heavy rainfall and occasional thunderstorms. This period can be characterized by cloudy skies and cooler temperatures. On the other hand, the Southwest Monsoon brings less rainfall and more sunshine, resulting in hotter and drier conditions.

Climate Graph

Below is a climate graph depicting the average monthly temperature and rainfall in Kota Bharu:

Month	Temperature (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	24	96
February	25	35
March	26	44
April	27	96
May	28	148
June	28	142
July	28	154
August	28	147
September	28	158
October	27	284
November	26	414
December	25	265

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Kota Bharu largely depends on personal preferences. If you enjoy warmer and drier weather, the months from May to September are ideal as they fall during the Southwest Monsoon. During this period, you can expect less rainfall and more sunshine. However, if you don't mind occasional rain and prefer slightly cooler temperatures, the months from November to February are suitable. This period coincides with the Northeast Monsoon, and while it brings more rainfall, it also provides a respite from the intense heat.

Conclusion

Kota Bharu has a tropical rainforest climate with high temperatures and abundant rainfall throughout the year. The city experiences two distinct monsoon seasons, which bring heavy rainfall during the Northeast Monsoon and relatively drier conditions during the Southwest Monsoon. The best time to visit depends on personal preferences, with the months from May to September offering drier and hotter weather, while November to February brings slightly cooler temperatures and more rain. Please note that the climate data provided is an average and can vary from year to year. It is always recommended to check the current weather conditions before planning a trip to Kota Bharu.