Today's weather for Penang, Malaysia22nd Nov 2009 08:30

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Weather Overview for Penang

Penang takes pleasure in a year-round equatorial climate similar to most locations along the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Humidity and sunshine is without a doubt to be expected, along with abundant rainfall, particularly during the southwest monsoon season from April to September.

The climate is greatly dictated by its bordering sea and a heavily conducted wind system. Penang's immediacy with Sumatra, Indonesia makes it vulnerable to dust particles carried by wind from perpetual but transient forest fires, generating a phenomenon known as “the haze”.

Temperatures commonly range between 29°C - 35°C during the day and 26°C - 29°C throughout the night. Right through the year, the weather is on the whole consistent, making Penang a fitting destination to be visited all-year-round.

Mornings in Penang are typically hot and sunny, with a natural shower that occurs most afternoons. It is to be found six kilometres from the city centre of Georgetown. The most significant characteristic of Penang Hill is the cooler climate. The central meeting area has an average temperature ranging from 20°C to 27°C. The average minimum temperature is persistently beneath 21°C. The hottest months here are between December and April, while the coolest months are between June and October.

The average annual precipitation of approximately 2670mms is evenly distributed throughout the year, although September to November is measured out to be the wettest period. The northeast monsoon gusts between October and March, and from May to September Penang is influenced by the southwest monsoon. Intense rainfall comes to the island in spring and autumn, when the monsoon changes path; however, this amplified rainfall should not spoil a vacation to the west coast or the hill locations.

In 2004 Penang was hit by the tsunami that destroyed some of Thailand’s most beautiful beaches. The island was affected more than any other region of Malaysia and some of Penang’s most valuable sights were shattered. The worse hit areas were the low-income fishing kampongs; many were completely ruined and the beaches were blown apart when picnicking families were residing at the time.

No matter where you go, how you spend your time and what your exact mood is; one thing that can always tend to bother the tourists is the humid and sometimes very unpleasant climate. Weather and high clamminess is the only aspect which is always with you. The weather can yet place your mood for the day. On a rainy, but still humid day it makes you lazy in the same way to a hot sunny day where the weather is often much to warm to even move. So for travellers who have aversion for hot sticky temperatures; Penang can most certainly rule on your emotions.
This however is no exception for making a holiday in such a stunning place distasteful. A simple day can be turned exhilarating with the glorious beaches and scenic routes of Penang hill; which will experience a more enjoyable and mild climate. It can be said the weather throughout Penang is generally quite uniform.

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