Planning a trip to Malaysia? You should be aware of the variables that could impact your travels, such as the weather, or festivals and public holidays. Figuring out the best time to visit Malaysia is a crucial first step in planning your trip, and we’re here to help!
As Malaysia is located near the equator, the weather is stable year-round. Although there are two seasons, rainy and dry, the temperature doesn’t change much throughout the year.
However, because of Malaysia’s geographical shape and location, the seasons differ from one side of the peninsula to the other, so the best time to go to Malaysia varies depending on which part of the country you’re travelling to!
Best time to travel to Malaysia
Weather in Malaysia by region
Best season to visit Malaysia
- Best time to visit Malaysia in winter
- Best time to go to Malaysia in spring
- Best time to travel to Malaysia in summer
- Best time to visit Malaysia in autumn
Weather in Malaysia by region
For the best weather in Malaysia, you’ll need to be aware of the disparities between different regions at different times of the year.
If a beach holiday is what you’re after, you’re in luck! A beach holiday can be enjoyed year-round in Malaysia, as the east and west coasts experience their rainiest months at alternate times of the year.
Love beaches? Check out our list of the best beaches in Malaysia.
During the wet season on the west of the peninsula (April – October), expect brief thunderstorms in the afternoons.
The east coast tends to have a heavier wet season and is best avoided during this time (November – February). Many of the beach resorts close during these months and re-open in March.
West Coast
Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor
The west coast mainland and islands off the Malay Peninsular are typically tropical – hot, sunny and humid, with showers year-round.
During September and October, expect heavier showers, and don’t visit during these months if you’re visiting for scuba diving – visibility is bad due to heavier seas at this time of year.
Lowlands & Highlands
Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Cameron Highlands
Both Kuala Lumpur and Malacca are hot and humid throughout the year, and showers occur almost daily. Luckily, downpours during the rainy season (April – October) are not much heavier than the rest of the year, and they can actually be a refreshing break from the humidity.
Malacca benefits from a sea breeze, which brings the temperatures down by 1 or 2 degrees.
The Cameron Highlands have a very different climate to the rest of Malaysia, however, as it’s located at an altitude of 1,500m above sea level. Temperatures average at a very pleasant 22ºC in the daytime and a cool 15ºC at night.
A typical day consists of blue skies in the morning, showery afternoons and chilly nights, with rainfall at its heaviest between September and early December.
East Coast
Kuantan, Tioman Island, Perhentian Islands, Terengganu, Redang and Kota Bharu
The east coast is hot and sunny for the majority of the year. The North-East Monsoon strikes between November and February, so it is generally best to avoid the islands during these months.
Because the rain is much heavier on this side of the peninsula, boat crossings can be disrupted, and some of the resorts close during these months.
When is the best season to visit Malaysia?
Best time to visit Malaysia in winter
Between December and February, temperatures are only slightly lower in the early mornings and evenings, and humidity levels are generally lower. This is the best time to go to Malaysia if your travel plans include outdoor activities and island getaways.
The northeast is best avoided in winter as the area will be affected by the monsoon. If you’re in Malaysia for shopping, however, winter is a good time for retail therapy, as end-of-year sales will be in full swing in Malaysia’s capital city. Kuala Lumpur is home to some of the region’s biggest shopping centres, so make the most of your time there!
Visiting Malaysia in December-February
January to February is the best time to visit Langkawi, as calm seas and dry weather make it easy to explore the plentiful nature of this island. The weather will be ideal to hike Langkawai’s highest mountains and enjoy the views, or to take a boat trip around the island’s beautiful beaches.
Penang is another ideal destination during these months. As well as exploring the natural wonders of the island, Penang’s International Dragon Boat competition is definitely worth watching, and it takes place in December.
These months are peak season in both Langkawi and Penang, so make sure you book well in advance!
Best time to visit Malaysia in spring
The weather in spring brings little rain or wind, which can be ideal if most of your trip involves outdoor exploration.
Though Malaysia is mostly known for its islands and rainforests, spring is a great time to explore the country’s mountains, such as Mount Kinabalu in Borneo, Gunung Ledang near Singapore, or Brinchang in the Cameron Highlands.
Visiting Malaysia in March-May
March marks the beginning of the dry season in Borneo. This is a popular time of the year for rainforest retreats or wildlife watching trips.
Spring is also the dry season in the northeastern coast of peninsular Malaysia, so it’s the best time to visit Malaysia for an idyllic beach getaway.
The Perhentian Islands are a wonderful destination for a beach holiday, as well as offering opportunities for jungle exploration, wildlife watching, and even turtle hatching.
Best time to visit Malaysia in summer
Malaysian summers are hot and wet. Humidity is high and the weather can vary quite a lot. If you visit during the summer, plan for wet weather and prepare to be flexible with your travel plans.
Early summer is one of the best times to visit Malaysia if you’re interested in nature and wildlife. The island of Borneo is the perfect summer destination for nature enthusiasts, with top landmarks including Sabah’s Lost World (also known as the Maliau Basin Conservation Area), and the national parks in Gunung Mulu and Bako.
Visiting Malaysia in June-August
June and July are the best months of the year to go on a relaxing getaway to Tioman Island, near Singapore. The island is known for its dive sites, which have beautiful corals, sea fans and sea sponges, as well as shipwrecks.
The weather during these months is ideal: with minimal chances of rain, the seawater stays warm and crystal clear. Ferry connections between the mainland and the islands are very reliable, so if you’re daydreaming of picture-perfect paradise, this may be the best time to go to Malaysia for you!
During the summer months, Borneo’s rainforests are deep into the fruiting season, and this increases the chances of seeing orangutans in the wild. If you’re an animal-lover, you should definitely make the most of this incredible opportunity!
Best time to visit Malaysia in autumn
Autumn is monsoon season throughout the majority of Malaysia. Though there’s rain and thunderstorms daily, they tend to take place in the afternoon, so it’s still possible to enjoy your trip as long as you plan your activities accordingly.
Heavy rainfall also has its benefits – the tropical greenery will be at its most spectacular, especially towards the end of the season.
Visiting Malaysia in September-November
October and November are usually dry in Melaka, making these good months to visit the UNESCO World Heritage Site home to dozens of colonial buildings.
November is also the best month to explore the Cameron Highlands. At this time of the year, the hills are covered in vibrant green thanks to the abundant rainfall of previous months. Strawberry picking, hiking in moss forests, visiting honey and lavender farms, and trips to tea plantations are the Highland’s star attractions.
Festivals and public holidays in Malaysia
There are many different cultures and religions represented in Malaysia, so it’s very likely that your trip will coincide with some sort of festival regardless of when you visit the country!
It’s always good to check for festivals in advance, however, as some are public holidays and may disrupt even the best-planned travel itineraries. The dates of many festivals change annually according to the lunar calendar, so be sure to check before you plan your trip.
So when is the best time to go to Malaysia?
Overall, you will need to base your decision on where exactly you will be travelling during your trip. The months between March and October are generally the best time to visit the country, as you’re most likely to find dry weather and clear skies during this time, as well as a slight drop in humidity levels.
Of course, the weather varies depending on where you go, so do your research and prepare for the trip of a lifetime!
Check out our Malaysia Travel Guide for tips on everything you need
to know when planning your trip to Malaysia so you can make the
most of your time in this amazing country!
