[241], George Town, long known as the food capital of Malaysia, is renowned for its good and varied street food, incorporating Malay, Chinese, Indian, Peranakan, Thai and European influences into its literal melting pot. [282] Among the libraries in the city are the Penang State Library at Scotland Road and the Penang Digital Library at Green Lane. [39][40] The spice trade also allowed the British East India Company to cover the administrative costs of Penang. Local time in George Town … [17][18][19] Logistically, the Penang International Airport links George Town with several major regional cities, while a ferry service, the Penang Bridge and the Second Penang Bridge connect the city with the rest of Peninsular Malaysia. [114][115][116], The oldest portion of the city centre has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site since 2008. The courts in George Town consist of the Magistrates, Sessions and the High Court, the latter of which sits at the top of Penang's judicial system. [308][309] In addition, the city was one of the pit-stops of The Amazing Race 16, The Amazing Race Asia 4 and The Amazing Race Asia 5. [15][16] The city also serves as the financial centre of northern Malaysia and the nation's most vital medical tourism hub. Find the most current and reliable 7 day weather forecasts, storm alerts, reports and information for [city] with The Weather Network. [106][107], The jurisdiction of George Town covers an area of 305.77 km2 (118.06 sq mi), encompassing the entirety of Penang Island and five of the surrounding islets, including Jerejak Island. [32] The number of incoming vessels rose from 85 in 1786 to 3,569 in 1802; George Town's population had also increased to 10,000 by 1792. Narathiwat: 198.0 km fra George Town; Average temperature per month. [22][23] Once the area was cleared, a simple ceremony was held on 11 August, during which the Union Jack was raised. [44], Aside from government-run and private schools, the city has 11 international schools. In addition, open-topped double deckers, known as Hop-On Hop-Off buses, have been introduced for tourists in the city. It went into decline in the latter decades of the 20th century and is now a dying art form. [27][93][94], In response, George Town's non-governmental organisations and the national press galvanised public support and formed strategic partnerships for the conservation of the historic buildings, and to restore the city to its former glory. [303] One of Malaysia's top dailies currently in circulation, The Star, was founded in George Town in the 1970s, while the country's oldest Chinese newspaper, Kwong Wah Yit Poh, was also founded in the city in 1910. Another example of a hybrid Asian architecture is the Kek Lok Si Temple at Air Itam, which merges Chinese, Siamese and Burmese influences. The temperature here averages 27.5 °C | 81.5 °F. Penang Weather Forecasts. Efforts are also being undertaken to promote pedestrianisation and the use of bicycles as a greener transportation mode. The country's first newspaper – the Prince of Wales Island Gazette – was established in the city in 1806. [240], With increasing urbanisation, high-rises are also springing up within the suburbs of George Town. [174][175], The Peranakans, descendants of mixed Malay and Chinese ancestries, were once the political and business elites in George Town. Heavy rain (total 38mm), heaviest during Thu night. Peranakan townhouses, exemplified by the Sun Yat-sen Museum, dominate the cityscape as well. Not only did the British abandon the Batu Maung Fort south of the city, they also covertly evacuated Penang's European population, leaving the rest of the populace to their fates. [232] Among the more well-known shopping malls within the city are Gurney Plaza, Gurney Paragon, 1st Avenue and Queensbay Mall. [61][65] Penang Island was renamed Tojo-to, after the then Japanese Prime Minister Hideki Tojo. [173] In particular, most of the nearly 1,500 Eurasians remain concentrated at the Pulau Tikus suburb. [40], In the State Legislative Assembly, George Town is represented by 19 state constituencies, namely Padang Kota, Pengkalan Kota, Komtar, Kebun Bunga, Pulau Tikus, Tanjong Bunga, Air Putih, Air Itam, Paya Terubong, Seri Delima, Datok Keramat, Sungai Pinang, Batu Lancang, Batu Uban, Pantai Jerejak, Batu Maung, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Betong and Telok Bahang. We collected past weather data from many thousand weather stations around the world. [21][205] As of 2017[update], the pier recorded 1.35 million tourist arrivals, thereby surpassing Port Klang as the busiest port-of-call in Malaysia for cruise shipping. [239], Since the mid 20th century, modern urbanisation has transformed much of George Town. [298] The private hospitals within George Town include Penang Adventist Hospital, Island Hospital, Gleneagles Medical Centre, Loh Guan Lye Specialists Centre, Lam Wah Ee Hospital, Mount Miriam Cancer Hospital and Pantai Hospital. Sri Mahamariamman Temple. ☼ Time of sunrise and sunset. [268][269], George Town has a relatively well-developed sporting infrastructure. [102][103][227], In addition, a startup community has been growing in the city, which include the likes of Piktochart and DeliverEat. [113][135], The most popular beaches of George Town are situated along the city's northwestern suburbs, specifically Batu Ferringhi, Tanjung Bungah and Tanjung Tokong. However, the capital was then shifted to Singapore in 1832, as the latter had usurped George Town's position as the region's preeminent harbour. [197][198][199] According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, the city contributed US$12,044, or nearly 8%, of Malaysia's personal disposable income in 2015, second only to Kuala Lumpur. Nearby Places . The second Central Business District at Northam Road and Gurney Drive, which lies along the city's northern shoreline, is also home to some of Penang's tallest skyscrapers, including Setia V, Gurney Paragon and BHL Tower. The major cultural and religious festivities in George Town include, but not limited to, the Chinese New Year, Chap Goh Meh, Songkran, Wesak Day, Seventh Month Festival, Nine Emperor Gods Festival, Eid ul-Fitri, Deepavali, Thaipusam, Vaisakhi and Christmas. [326][327][328], Rapid Ferry is a cross-strait shuttle ferry service that connects George Town with the town of Butterworth on the Malay Peninsula. [46] The Penang Strait was also mined to impede Japanese shipping. They held the top positions in some of the city's most influential associations, such as the Penang Chinese Chamber of Commerce and the Penang Straits Chinese British Association. [37] The Supreme Court was then relocated a short distance away to Light Street, where the present building was built in 1903. Get the forecast for today, tonight & tomorrow's weather for George Town, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia. [7], In addition, Greater Penang, which also covers Seberang Perai, and parts of neighbouring Kedah and Perak, was home to 2,412,616 residents as of 2010[update]. [99][100][101] The city's services sector has since been boosted by the private sector and an influx of foreign investors. With free WiFi and excellent coffee, it is easy to spend a lot of time in this location, relaxing and taking in the warm and inviting atmosphere. The available FM radio stations in George Town, both government (including Penang-based Mutiara FM) and commercial, are as listed below. Shortly before Malaya attained independence from the British in 1957, George Town was declared a city by Queen Elizabeth II, making it the first city in the country's modern history. Weather in George Town in March: air temperature, number of sunny days, precipitation, air pressure and humidity. The is a great deal of rainfall in George Town, even in the driest month. Urban Island Studies. [204], Originally established as an entrepôt by the British, George Town's economy is now dominated by other tertiary sub-sectors ranging from manufacturing to finance, whilst newer industries, including entrepreneurial startups, are taking root within the city as well. Information about regional climates. Warm (max 29°C on Mon afternoon, min 24°C on Sat night). Best time to visit . [47][53][54], With improved access to education, a greater level of participation in municipal affairs by its Asian residents and substantial press freedom, George Town was perceived as being more intellectually receptive than Singapore. 147 French and Russian sailors were killed. Mandarin, more widely used by youths, has been the medium of instruction in Chinese schools throughout Penang. ", "Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission", "Penang/Bayan Lepas Climate Normals 1961–1990", National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, "Klimatafel von Penang (George Town) / Malaysia", "Georgetown is among the clean cities in the Asean region", "New list of city councillors to be tabled on 4 Jan", "Results of Contested Election and Statements of the Poll After the Official Addition of Votes: State Constituencies for the State of Penang", "Results of Contested Election and Statements of the Poll After the Official Addition of Votes: Parliamentary Constituencies for the State of Penang", "Alma mater right smack in the centre of historical George Town", "Time to celebrate with Sabah and Sarawak people", "Peninsula states asked to give East Malaysians time off for festivals", "Penang's Kelawei Road where the Eurasians set words to music", "Peranakan (Straits Chinese) community | Infopedia", "The Peranakan Baba Nyonya Culture: Resurgence or Disappearance? Warm (max 28°C on Sun afternoon, min 23°C on Sat morning). The Daily Dose is a coffee and wine bar located in the heart of Penang. [234], George Town is the birthplace of a unique form of Chingay procession, which began with its first parade in 1919. Since 2001, shopping complexes in George Town registered the biggest increases in Malaysia. This was not to last, however – in 1969, the Malaysian federal government revoked George Town's free port status, sparking massive unemployment in the city. This climate is considered to be Af according to the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. Due to the intermingling of the various ethnicities and religions that arrived on its shores, George Town acquired a large eclectic assortment of colonial and Asian architectural styles. November-Janaury promises great weather, whereas February-April will give you emptier streets and a lot more peace and calm to look around and enjoy. [169], According to Malaysia's Department of Statistics, George Town is a Chinese-majority city; as of 2010[update], over 53% of the urban population consisted of ethnic Chinese, including the Peranakans. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 75°F to 89°F and is rarely below 72°F or above 92°F.. Based on the beach/pool score, the best time of year to visit George Town for hot-weather activities is from mid December to early March. [237] Meanwhile, Indian architecture is more prominent within the city's Little India, which also contains the Sri Mahamariamman Temple. As of 2017[update], Penang attracted almost 8.6 million tourists, with the airport posting a record 7.2 million passenger arrivals and the pier registering another 1.35 million tourist arrivals. [46] The city's main Central Business District at Beach Street, also within the UNESCO zone, is home to banks built in various Art Deco-based hybrid styles. A lot of rain (rainy season) falls in the month of: April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November. [209] Northam Road is now home to a cluster of financial services, with a number of accounting, auditing and insurance firms based along this coastal road. [29] The Governor of Penang, the head of state, also has his official residence within the city. But there’s a catch: Macaque monkeys patrol this lush paradise . George Town, Malaysia - Get the very latest weather forecast, including hour-by-hour views, the 10-day outlook, temperature, humidity and precipitation for your area. [105], Whilst George Town had been declared a city by Queen Elizabeth II in 1957, the jurisdiction of the city was expanded by the Malaysian federal government to encompass the entirety of Penang Island in 2015. George Town is 94 m above sea level and located at 5.39° N 100.29° E. George Town has a population of 300000. [9] Subsequent efforts to clean up the city, and measures to improve traffic flow, cultural and environmental aspects by the new state government led to George Town being ranked Asia's 8th most liveable city by ECA International in 2010. Areca Books: Penang, 2006. [179][180] As of 2010[update], expatriates made up nearly 6% of George Town's population, reflecting the city's popularity amongst foreigners. They were followed by Chinese schools, some of which are also among the oldest in the nation, thus making George Town the nucleus of Chinese education in Southeast Asia. Warm (max 28°C on Tue afternoon, min 24°C on Wed night). * NOTE: not all weather stations near George Town update at the same time and we only show reports from the nearest stations that are deemed current. There are a total of 117 primary schools, 49 high schools, four Islamic religious schools, two vocational colleges and a technical school throughout George Town. [21], A number of cruise ships call Swettenham Pier as their homeport, bringing tourists into and out of George Town towards regional destinations like Phuket and Singapore. The climate in George Town is hot, oppressive, and overcast. The policy's intent was to entice traders from the Dutch ports in the region. [37][38], In the early 19th century, Penang Island became a centre of spice production within Southeast Asia. [45][46] By the end of the 19th century, as mercantile firms and banks, including Standard Chartered and HSBC, flocked into George Town, the city also evolved into a leading financial centre in Malaya. [18][19][86] About 1,000 patients arrive in George Town daily, mostly from Asian countries such as Indonesia, Singapore and Japan. [202][206] The Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, dubbed the Silicon Valley of the East, is the main electronics manufacturing hub within Malaysia. [29][46] This was followed by HSBC in 1885 and the Royal Bank of Scotland in 1888. ", "One family's world of Judaism in Malaysia", "The Jewish community in Penang is all but gone leaving only tombs behind", "Penang Hokkien will be 'dead' in 40 years if people stop using it, says language expert", "Bahasa Tanjong: The Heritage Language of the Jawi Peranakans of Penang", "Translating Penang Hokkien to English with ease", "Shooting to begin for first Penang Hokkien film", "Guan Eng: Penang airport may turn into 'pasar malam, "Malaysia Commercial Real Estate Investment Sentiment Survey 2016", "Projects Approved by State, 2017 and 2016", Malaysian Investment Development Authority, "The Big Read: Penang takes a leaf from S'pore, and bids to become a competitor", "The Malaysian region that became a hardware hub", "List of Company Secretaries, Taxation and Accounting Services", "Penang's Catholic museum documents history of church in the northern peninsula", "A history of local elections in Penang Part II: A legacy to protect", "Malaysia's highest skywalk opens to public", "Lonely Planet: Best in Travel 2016 – George Town", "Penang one of 2016's 'best budget travel destinations, "10 Amazing Asian Vacations That Won't Cost a Fortune", "PIA catat pertumbuhan 8% ketibaan penumpang, tunggu pelaksanaan projek pembesaran", "Nazri Aziz: Tourism Tax collection will be split 50-50 between state and federal governments", "Can Penang lead the way in sustainable tourism? Meanwhile, George Town's Swettenham Pier has emerged as the busiest port of call in Malaysia for cruise ships. [41], In 1826, George Town was made the capital of the Straits Settlements, an administrative polity that was also composed of Singapore and Malacca. [47] The latter culminated in the Penang Riots of 1867, during which rival Chinese triads clashed in the streets of George Town. [167], According to the 2010 Census conducted by the Malaysian federal government, George Town had a population of 708,127. [120], Among the restrictions in force within the zone is a ban on the construction of any structure exceeding 18 m (59 ft) in height, and that any new building which is located adjacent to a historically important structure must not exceed the height of the latter. The High Court remains at Light Street to this day, along with the Magistrates and Sessions Court across the street. The George Town Inner Ring Road and the Penang Middle Ring Road are the two major ring roads around the city centre. [139] Rising 833 m (2,733 ft) above sea level, the peak of Penang Hill is accessible via the Penang Hill Railway from its base station off Hill Railway Road. [188], As in the rest of Malaysia, Malay is currently the official language in George Town. [80][89][90], The city's decline continued into the early 2000s. [243][244][245] The more prominent local dishes include asam laksa, char kway teow, curry mee, Hokkien mee, nasi kandar, oh chien (fried oyster omelette), rojak and chendol. George Town (Pulau Pinang, Malaysia) forecast issued: The Long-range 12 day forecast also includes detail for George Town weather today. It serves as the main airport for northern Malaysia, with frequent links to major Asian cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Taipei, Hong Kong, Guangzhou and Doha. By 1807, Penang was accorded a Royal Charter which provided for the establishment of a Supreme Court and the appointment of the first Supreme Court judge, designated as the Recorder. [190][191] Meanwhile, George Town's Chinese population uses a variety of Chinese dialects, including Hakka and Cantonese. In addition to the sister cities and areas, George Town has inked five other friendship city agreements. The city of George Town includes the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone, a high-tech manufacturing hub regarded as the "Silicon Valley of the East". Please also visit George Town Historical Weather, Weather widget and Weather Charts pages. [296] It is complemented by the Balik Pulau Hospital, which is also managed by the country's Ministry of Health.[297]. Current weather in George Town and forecast for today, tomorrow, and next 14 days [64], George Town fell to the Imperial Japanese Army on 19 December 1941, marking the start of a brutal period of Japanese occupation. The northwestern suburbs are somewhat more affluent, given their seafront locations which attract tourists and expatriates. [171][172] Ethnic Indians comprised another 9% of George Town's population. [253], In 2012, as part of the annual George Town Festival, Lithuanian artist Ernest Zacharevic created a series of wall murals depicting local culture, inhabitants and lifestyles. Average Weather in George Town Malaysia. In general, temperatures range between 29°C - 35 during the day and 26°C - 29°C during the night, with the months June to August being the hottest. [123][124][125] Even for roads that have been renamed in Malay, such as Jalan Masjid Negeri, Penangites in general still prefer to use the road's former colonial name, which in this particular case is Green Lane. Mostly dry. [248][249] Boria is another traditional dance drama indigenous to Penang, featuring singing accompanied by violin, maracas and tabla. Meanwhile, an incoherent urban planning policy and poor traffic management led to worsening traffic congestion, while decades of brain drain also took its toll as the city lacked the expertise to regulate urban development. George Town is home to some of the oldest schools in Malaysia, making it a pioneer in the country's education system. George Town is Malaysia's third most populous city with 708,127 inhabitants as of 2010[update], while Greater Penang is the nation's second largest conurbation in the country after Greater Kuala Lumpur with a population of 2,412,616. It was subjugated by Japan during World War II, before being recaptured by the British at war's end. George Town Live Weather Today: Recent reports from weather stations near George Town, Light winds from the E.(Wind varies from 040 to 140 degs). Weather and Climate offers all the information you need to know about the climate in George Town. Weather forecast Georgetown (Penang) this week. Moderate rain (total 16mm), heaviest on Sun night. Here you will find the 14 day weather forecast for Georgetown (Penang). Light rain (total 2mm), mostly falling on Sun afternoon. [94][95][96] As a result of the widespread resentment over George Town's decline, the then federal opposition coalition, Pakatan Rakyat (now Pakatan Harapan), was voted into power within Penang in the 2008 State Election. Home Weather Hour-by-Hour Forecast for George Town, Penang, Malaysia George Town Hour-by-hour Hour-by-Hour Forecast for George Town, Penang, Malaysia Time/General In particular, Gurney Drive forms part of the city's second Central Business District, and is a shopping haven with two upmarket shopping malls – Gurney Plaza and Gurney Paragon. [71][72], Between 1944 and 1945, Allied bombers based in India repeatedly bombed George Town, seeking to destroy the naval facilities and administrative centres. [322], The Port of Penang consists of seven facilities along the Penang Strait, including Swettenham Pier in George Town. [157] The current Mayor is Yew Tung Seang, who took office in 2018. [69][70] Between 1942 and 1944, the Port of Penang was utilised by submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy, the Kriegsmarine and the Regia Marina. George Town is the capital city of the Malaysian state of Penang. ... Penang Botanic Gardens. Local time in George Town is +08. [158] Penang-based non-governmental organisations are also allocated four of the 24 councillor positions. [43][52] More investments were also made on the city's health care and public transportation. [46] The zone also covers various places of worship, such as St. George's Church, the Kapitan Keling Mosque and the Goddess of Mercy Temple, as well as the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion and the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. [275][276] In addition, George Town will host the Asia Pacific Masters Games in 2018, the first Malaysian city to be selected to host this regional multi-sports tournament.[277]. [273] In addition, the Penang Turf Club, established in 1864, is Malaysia's oldest horse racing and equestrian centre. [129][130] Aside from these, George Town is home to popular promenades such as Gurney Drive, the Esplanade and Karpal Singh Drive. [9] Recognised as having a "unique architectural and cultural townscape without parallel anywhere in East and Southeast Asia", George Town contains one of the largest collections of pre-war buildings in Southeast Asia. Aside from the Penang International Airport, Swettenham Pier, conveniently located within the city centre, also serves as one of the major tourist entry points into Penang. The city's Malays also use a variant of the Kedah Malay dialect, with slight modifications made to the original dialect to suit the conditions of a cosmopolitan city. Bon Odori is celebrated yearly at the Esplanade by the Japanese, while St. Patrick's Day and Oktoberfest, traditionally celebrated by the Irish and the Germans respectively, have also been gaining popularity amongst the locals. The Penang General Hospital, administered and funded by the Ministry of Health, is the main public hospital in George Town and serves as the tertiary referral hospital within northern Malaysia. Penang, Malaysia: Annual Weather Averages March is the hottest month in Penang with an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) and the coldest is July at 27°C (81°F) with … [202][203] George Town's popularity amongst foreign investors has contributed to Penang gaining the largest share of Malaysia's foreign direct investments within the same year. [284][285][286] The Penang Japanese School is the only international school in George Town that caters for expatriates of a specific nationality. [67][68], George Town's harbour facilities were also put to use as a major U-boat base by Nazi Germany. George Town - Weather warnings issued 14-day forecast. Check out our current live radar and weather forecasts for George Town, Pulau Pinang, MY to help plan your day [149], George Town's proximity to the island of Sumatra makes it susceptible to dust particles carried by wind from the perennial but transient forest fires, creating a yearly phenomenon known as the Southeast Asian haze. Land reclamation projects have been carried out to provide more low-lying land at high-demand areas, such as at Gurney Drive, Tanjung Tokong and Jelutong. [213][214], In recent years, George Town has received numerous international accolades, further putting the city on the world stage. [119] The zone includes the city's administrative precinct, which is home to the most historic landmarks like Fort Cornwallis, City Hall and the Penang State Museum, as well as the main Central Business District along Beach Street. [258] Other museums within the city focus on religious and cultural aspects, as well as famous personalities, including the Penang Islamic Museum, Sun Yat-sen Museum, P. Ramlee's House, Batik Painting Museum, and Universiti Sains Malaysia Museum and Gallery. [168] These figures placed George Town as Malaysia's second largest city by population. [301][302], George Town was once the centre of Malaysia's print media. [93] The western half of the island, where Balik Pulau forms the main population centre, remains sparsely-populated, although urbanisation has encroached into the area in recent years. However, the population growth also created social problems, such as inadequate sanitation and public health facilities, as well as rampant crime. 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