Best month to visit Penang — haze and rain?

Anita K.· Local · 2h

Best balance: December–February drier mornings, still hot. September–October can bring regional haze (API spikes) — check Malaysia API before booking; views from Penang Hill disappear in grey soup. April–May is hottest but clearer skies for photos. Monsoon bursts Sept–Nov on west coast — food still works, beach days suffer. Chinese New Year week is packed and some stalls close. For mural photography: February morning light + less haze historically. Always have a rain Plan B hawker under roof.