Shah Alam Climate & Monthly Temperature Overview – Malaysia

Temperature and Humidity

Shah Alam, situated within the tropical rainforest climate zone, experiences consistently warm temperatures throughout the year. The average annual temperature hovers around 27.5 degrees Celsius (81.5 degrees Fahrenheit), with minimal seasonal variation. The humidity levels are also high, typically ranging from 75 to 85 percent, creating a humid and often muggy atmosphere.

Rainfall and Monsoon Season

Rainfall is abundant in Shah Alam, with an average of 2,400 millimeters (94 inches) annually. The city experiences a pronounced monsoon season from October to April, during which heavy rainfall and thunderstorms are common. During the monsoon, the city can experience periods of intense downpours, causing localized flooding and disruptions. However, the rest of the year is relatively dry, with occasional showers providing relief from the humidity.

Climate of Shah Alam, Malaysia

Shah Alam, the capital city of the state of Selangor, Malaysia, experiences a tropical rainforest climate. It is characterized by year-round high temperatures and abundant rainfall. The average annual temperature in Shah Alam is 27.5°C (81.5°F), with little variation throughout the year. The warmest months are March and April, with average temperatures reaching 28.5°C (83.3°F). The coolest months are December and January, with average temperatures of 26.5°C (79.7°F).

Rainfall is abundant in Shah Alam, with an average annual precipitation of 2,500 mm (98.4 in). The wettest months are November and December, when rainfall can exceed 300 mm (11.8 in) per month. The driest months are February and March, when rainfall is typically below 150 mm (5.9 in) per month.

Types of Clouds in Shah Alam

Shah Alam, Malaysia, experiences a tropical climate with abundant rainfall throughout the year. The sky above the city is often adorned with diverse cloud formations. Cumulus clouds, characterized by their fluffy, cotton-ball appearance, are common sights in the morning. As the day progresses, these clouds often evolve into towering cumulonimbus clouds that can bring heavy showers and thunderstorms.

Seasonal Variations in Cloud Cover

The cloud cover in Shah Alam varies depending on the season. During the monsoon season, which typically extends from November to March, the city experiences increased cloudiness and precipitation. The presence of thick nimbostratus clouds, which produce persistent rain, is common during this period. In contrast, the non-monsoon season, from May to September, is characterized by less cloud cover and more sunshine. During these months, high-altitude cirrus clouds often dominate the sky, adding a delicate touch to the landscape.

Rainfall Patterns

Shah Alam experiences abundant rainfall throughout the year, with an average annual precipitation of over 2,500 mm (100 inches). The rainy season typically spans from October to March, during which time heavy downpours are common. The wettest month is November, with an average rainfall of over 400 mm (16 inches). In contrast, the dry season from May to September is characterized by less frequent and lighter rainfall, with August being the driest month.

Factors Influencing Precipitation

The tropical climate and geographical location of Shah Alam play a significant role in shaping its precipitation patterns. The proximity to the equator creates consistent warm temperatures, providing ample moisture for rainfall. Additionally, the prevailing winds from the southwest and northeast bring moisture-laden air to the area, contributing to the high precipitation levels. The presence of the Klang River and nearby marshes also adds to the humidity and moisture in the atmosphere, further enhancing rainfall.

Annual Rainfall Patterns

Shah Alam, located in Malaysia, experiences a tropical climate characterized by abundant rainfall throughout the year. The city receives an average of 2,500 millimeters of rainfall annually, making it one of the wettest cities in the region. The rainy season typically spans from November to March, with the heaviest rainfall occurring during the months of December and January. During these months, daily rainfall can exceed 100 millimeters, often leading to flash floods and road closures.

Influence of Monsoon Winds

The rainfall patterns in Shah Alam are heavily influenced by the monsoon winds that prevail over the Southeast Asian region. During the southwest monsoon season, from June to September, winds from the Indian Ocean bring relatively less rainfall to the city. However, during the northeast monsoon season, from November to March, winds from the South China Sea pick up moisture as they cross the ocean and bring heavy rainfall to Shah Alam and the surrounding areas. The variability of the monsoon winds can result in significant fluctuations in rainfall amounts from year to year.

Unexpected Snowfall

Shah Alam, the capital city of Selangor, Malaysia, experienced an unprecedented snowfall on February 2, 2023. The rare occurrence caused widespread excitement and astonishment among the locals, who are accustomed to warm and humid weather. The snow, which resulted from an unusual weather pattern causing cold air to descend from higher altitudes, blanketed the city for several hours. Residents took to the streets, capturing the surreal sight on their phones and sharing it on social media.

Impact and Significance

The snowfall, though short-lived, had a significant impact on the city. Schools and businesses were closed, and traffic was disrupted as roads became slippery and hazardous. Nonetheless, the unprecedented event brought joy and a sense of novelty to the city. Many expressed their amazement at witnessing snow in Malaysia, a region that typically experiences equatorial weather conditions. The snowfall also sparked conversations about climate change and the potential for more extreme weather events in the future.

Sunrise and Sunset

In Shah Alam, Malaysia, like most locations near the equator, the sunrise and sunset times do not vary significantly throughout the year. The sun rises between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM and sets between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM, depending on the season. The days are typically longer during the summer months (March to October) and shorter during the winter months (November to February).

Sunlight Hours

Shah Alam receives an average of 12 hours of sunlight per day, with slightly longer days during the summer months and shorter days during the winter months. The intensity of the sunlight varies throughout the day, reaching its peak between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. However, Shah Alam also experiences frequent periods of cloud cover and rain, especially during the monsoon seasons (April-May and October-November). These periods can significantly reduce the amount of direct sunlight received. Despite this, Shah Alam still enjoys ample sunshine throughout the year, which contributes to its warm and tropical climate.

Moon Observation in Shah Alam

Shah Alam, the capital city of the state of Selangor, Malaysia, offers a unique opportunity for moon observation due to its relatively clear skies and low light pollution. The city is home to several observatories and astronomy clubs that organize regular moon viewing events. Visitors can take advantage of these events to witness the moon’s craters, mountains, and other geological features through telescopes and binoculars.

During the new moon, when the moon is not visible from Earth, Shah Alam’s observatories often host meteor shower observation sessions. These events allow participants to witness shooting stars and learn about meteor showers and the objects that create them. The city’s low light pollution also enhances the visibility of faint meteor showers that might otherwise be obscured in brighter urban areas. Furthermore, Shah Alam’s proximity to the equator provides opportunities for observing the full moon and moonrise over the horizon, which offer stunning photographic opportunities for astronomy enthusiasts.

Humidity in Shah Alam

Shah Alam, the capital city of the state of Selangor in Malaysia, experiences a tropical rainforest climate, characterized by high humidity throughout the year. The average humidity level in Shah Alam ranges between 70% and 85%, with higher humidity during the night and early morning hours. The high humidity is primarily due to the proximity to the equator, which results in warm and moisture-rich air masses.

The humidity in Shah Alam varies slightly throughout the year. During the intermonsoon periods (April-May and October-November), humidity levels tend to be higher, reaching up to 90%. This is because of the absence of strong winds and the presence of a weak pressure gradient, which allows the accumulation of moisture in the atmosphere. During the monsoon seasons (June-September and December-March), humidity levels may decrease slightly due to increased rainfall and stronger winds, which help to disperse moisture.

Wind Patterns in Shah Alam

Shah Alam, the capital city of Selangor, Malaysia, experiences a maritime equatorial climate, characterized by ample rainfall and relatively consistent temperatures throughout the year. The wind patterns in Shah Alam are influenced by the monsoon winds that affect the broader region. During the northeast monsoon, which typically spans from November to March, Shah Alam experiences strong winds from the northeast. These winds can reach speeds of up to 30 kilometers per hour and bring with them dry, cool air.

Seasonal Impacts

The shifting wind patterns in Shah Alam have a significant impact on local weather conditions, particularly during the wet and dry seasons. During the southwest monsoon, from May to September, winds from the southwest bring heavy rainfall to Shah Alam. This season is characterized by frequent thunderstorms and occasional floods. In contrast, during the northeast monsoon, the drier winds from the northeast result in a noticeable decrease in rainfall. As a consequence, Shah Alam experiences a distinct wet and dry season cycle.

Best Time to Visit

Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor state, welcomes visitors year-round due to its tropical climate, which features consistent temperatures and high humidity. However, the optimal time to visit falls between January and April. During this period, the weather is at its driest, with minimal rainfall and clear skies. The pleasant conditions offer ample opportunities for outdoor activities, such as exploring the city’s parks, gardens, and other attractions.

March and April

The months of March and April stand out as the ideal time to visit Shah Alam. This period coincides with the city’s dry season, ensuring fewer chances of rainfall and more favorable conditions for sightseeing. The average temperature during these months hovers around 31-32 degrees Celsius (88-90 degrees Fahrenheit), making it comfortable for exploring the city on foot or by bike. Additionally, March and April often offer beautiful blooms, adding color and vibrancy to the urban landscape.

Potential for Solar Energy in Shah Alam

Shah Alam, the capital of Selangor, Malaysia, has a high potential for solar energy utilization due to its favorable geographical location and climate. The city receives abundant sunshine throughout the year, averaging over 5.5 kWh/m²/day. This solar irradiance makes it suitable for grid-connected and off-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The presence of established industrial and commercial zones in Shah Alam provides a strong demand for renewable energy sources, further enhancing the potential for solar energy adoption.

Challenges and Opportunities

Despite the significant potential for solar energy in Shah Alam, there are challenges to its widespread adoption. The initial capital investment required for PV systems can be a barrier for some businesses and homeowners. Additionally, the intermittent nature of solar power requires careful planning and integration with the grid or battery storage systems. However, the Malaysian government has introduced various incentives and support mechanisms to encourage the adoption of solar energy. These include feed-in tariffs, tax exemptions, and capital subsidies. These incentives, combined with the falling cost of PV modules, create opportunities for businesses and individuals to invest in solar energy and reap the benefits of reduced energy costs and environmental sustainability.

Terrain and Elevation

Shah Alam, the capital city of the Malaysian state of Selangor, is situated on the western coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Its topography is characterized by relatively flat terrain, with elevations generally ranging from sea level to approximately 100 meters (328 feet) above mean sea level. The city’s urban core is situated on a gentle slope that descends from the west to the east, creating a gradual elevation change.

Landforms and Bodies of Water

Shah Alam’s topography also includes several notable landforms and bodies of water. One prominent feature is Bukit Kayangan, a hill located north of the city center that rises to an elevation of 129 meters (423 feet). The city also boasts several rivers, including the Klang River, which forms the western boundary of Shah Alam, and the Kerayong River, which flows through the eastern part of the city. These rivers contribute to the city’s drainage system and provide recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. Additionally, there are several lakes and reservoirs in the Shah Alam area, including the Shah Alam Lake Gardens and the Setia City Park, which offer scenic views and recreational amenities.

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (SZB)

Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport (IATA: SZB), also known as Subang Airport, is the nearest airport to Shah Alam, Malaysia. It is located approximately 15 kilometers (9 miles) northwest of the city center and takes about 30-45 minutes to reach by car, depending on traffic conditions. SZB primarily serves domestic flights within Malaysia, including destinations such as Langkawi, Penang, and Kota Kinabalu. It also handles a limited number of international flights to neighboring countries like Indonesia and Thailand.

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL)

Kuala Lumpur International Airport (IATA: KUL) is another major airport that serves Shah Alam and its surrounding areas. KUL is located approximately 50 kilometers (31 miles) southeast of Shah Alam and takes around 1-1.5 hours to reach by car. As Malaysia’s main international airport, KUL offers a wide range of domestic and international flight connections, making it a convenient option for travelers from both within and outside the country. However, due to its distance from Shah Alam, it may take longer to reach compared to SZB.

Living in Shah Alam, Malaysia

Shah Alam, the capital city of Selangor, is a vibrant and modern metropolis that offers a high quality of life for its residents. Known as the “Green City,” Shah Alam boasts ample green spaces, well-developed infrastructure, and a thriving economy. The city is well-connected to Kuala Lumpur and other parts of the Klang Valley, making it an ideal choice for commuters who seek a quieter and more affordable living environment. Shah Alam is home to numerous shopping malls, restaurants, and entertainment venues, providing residents with a wide range of amenities and leisure options.

Education and Healthcare in Shah Alam

Shah Alam is renowned for its educational institutions, including the prestigious Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) and the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM). The city also offers a variety of international schools, catering to the needs of expatriate families. In terms of healthcare, Shah Alam is well-equipped with modern hospitals and clinics. The Shah Alam Hospital is one of the largest in the state, providing specialized care in various medical fields. Additionally, the city is home to a number of private healthcare providers, offering a wide range of services to meet the needs of its residents.