Labuan-Malaysia

Malaysia Weather - The Best Time to Visit Malaysia

Located between 1° and 6°N, Malaysia enjoys a classic equatorial climate, hot and humid throughout the year, nearly without any seasonal changes. The coolest time is from November to January when the temperature drops to 79 °F, so It is a tropical holiday destination all year round. However, the best time to visit Malaysia depends on which region you plan to see. When the west coast experiences sunny, dry weather, in the contrary, the east coast is in the wettest season. Temperatures at sea level range from 70 °F to 90 °F, whilst at highland areas the temperatures are much lower ranging from 59 °F to 77 °F.

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Kuala Lumpur90°F6"90°F6"91°F9"91°F11"90°F9"90°F5"90°F5"90°F6"90°F8"90°F11"88°F11"88°F10"
Cameron Highlands70°F7"72°F6"73°F8"73°F10"73°F10"73°F5"72°F6"72°F6"72°F9"72°F12"72°F13"70°F11"
Langkawi90°F2"91°F1"93°F4"91°F7"90°F11"88°F11"88°F11"88°F12"88°F15"88°F15"88°F9"88°F3"
Penang90°F3"91°F3"91°F5"91°F7"90°F10"90°F7"90°F8"90°F9"88°F13"90°F16"88°F10"90°F5"
Malacca88°F4"91°F4"91°F6"90°F8"90°F7"90°F6"88°F7"88°F7"88°F8"90°F9"88°F9"88°F6"
Mabul island84°F4"84°F2"86°F2"86°F2"88°F3"86°F2"86°F2"86°F2"86°F2"86°F3"86°F4"86°F4"
Sandakan80°F11"80°F9"82°F5"83°F4"83°F5"82°F6"82°F7"82°F7"82°F8"81°F9"81°F10"81°F12"
Kota Kinabalu80°F6"80°F4"81°F3"83°F5"83°F7"82°F8"82°F8"82°F9"81°F10"81°F11"81°F10"81°F8"

Month-by-month Guide to Traveling in Malaysia

Visiting Malaysia in January

Most areas in Malaysia will be bathed in sunshine in January and rainfalls are rare, except the east coast and its islands. It is the perfect time to explore Malacca, visit Kuala Lumpur and enjoy the beaches of Langkawi. The weathers in those places are fine and the temperatures are comfortable.

Events & Festivals

  • Chinese New Year (January or February): it is a national holiday in Malaysia with celebrations and various activities held all over the country. It is an exciting time to visit.
Chinese-New-Year-in-Kuala-Lumpur

Visiting Malaysia in February

Except the east coast, the rest of the country is in good condition for exploring. This is a great time to visit though it is low season, promotional offers and fewer visitors are expected.

Events & Festivals

  • Chinese New Year (January or February): it is a national holiday in Malaysia with celebrations and various activities held all over the country. It is an exciting time to visit.
  • It is the anniversary celebration of the formation of the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory in the year of 1974. It is a state holiday as well.
Chinese-New-Year-in-Malaysia

Visiting Malaysia in March

From March on, the east coast, and islands like Sipadan, one of the top ten scuba diving places begin to busy. Weathers are great in most areas of Malaysia, and a number of places can be chosen to visit. East coast of the county is the perfect place to go as the snorkeling and diving season begins. 

 

East-Coast-of-Malaysia

Visiting Malaysia in April

Malaysia is very popular in April. Langkawi and Penang are still bathing in sunshine and the visitor numbers go up continually on the east coast. There is some odd shower in Kuala Lumpur, Pangkor Island and Cameron Highlands in this month but it does not impact your trip at all.

 

Langkawi

Visiting Malaysia in May

It is time to diving and snorkeling in the east coast of Malaysia. The powder white sands, turquoise waters and calm seas are just perfect to welcome you. While in the west coast at this time of year, wonderful continuous sunshine is no longer guaranteed. Thunderstorms in the late afternoon can be expected.

 

Beaches-of-Malaysia

Visiting Malaysia in June

It is the peak diving season in Sipadan, Redang, Tioman and Perhentians. Monsoon impacts the west coast but eh rains are usually short sharp showers so traveling in the west coast is also possible. It is better to combine Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Terengganu and the Perhentians.

 

Diving-in-Malaysia

Visiting Malaysia in July

This is peak season on the east coast, and visitor numbers will be high due to it coinciding with the European school vacations. The east coast receives some of its best weather, while on the west coast the seas are choppy, winds are up, and you should expect the odd downpour.

 

East-Coast-of-Malaysia-1

Visiting Malaysia in August

Weather is continuously in its best on the east coast, so peak season goes on. It is better to make reservation in advance in order to secure preferred accommodation options, while on the west coast, monsoon brings heavy downpours to this area.

 

Girl-Practicing-Yoga-at-Langkawi

Visiting Malaysia in September

At the start of September, the east coast should still enjoy the sunshine, but as the day goes, the temperatures begin to decline and sea waves become rougher and rougher. On the other hand, the rains begin to reduce and sunny days become more frequent. September is the shoulder season and visitors are less, so travel in this month, you will get better deal.

 

Malaysia

Visiting Malaysia in October

The rains on the west coast are leaving and it may have one last downpour before dry months arrive. The sunshine on Langkawi and Penang should be guaranteed towards the end of the month. Over on the other side of the country, the east coast is welcoming high winds and heavy rains. October is the low season.

Penang-Malaysia

Visiting Malaysia in November

The majority of the east coast island are wreaked havoc by the high winds and heavy rain. They are closed in November. It is time for visit the west coast. Visitors start to flock to Penang and Langkawi. Go at the beginning the month before the crowds come.

 

Cameron-Plateau-Malaysia

Visiting Malaysia in December

The weather in December is quite similar to November, with the west coast is bathing in the sunshine and the east coast is in storming and it will close the door until march. It is the peak season for west coast and be ware to avoid the Christmas rush.

 

West-Coast-of-Malaysia-1