Kuala Lumpur is near the equator with heat and humidity year-round, but rain patterns matter. The less rainy periods are May to July and December to February. May and June are warm (28C to 33C) with manageable afternoon showers and the city fully active. July brings clearer skies around the Petronas Towers area and the KLCC park. December and January have cooler evenings for a Malaysian city, around 24C at night, and the Christmas and New Year retail events in Bukit Bintang and KLCC malls are vibrant. The rainiest period is October through November, and March through April. Rain typically falls in intense afternoon thunderstorms lasting one to two hours rather than all-day drizzle. These months suit indoor attractions: the Islamic Arts Museum, KL Forest Eco Park, and the Perdana Botanical Gardens. The Thaipusam festival at Batu Caves falls in January or February and is one of Southeast Asia's most dramatic religious events, drawing over one million pilgrims.