The best time to visit Malaysia depends on the region you wish to visit. The country is split into three main areas: Peninsular Malaysia West, Peninsular Malaysia East and Borneo. Here are some travel tips for your Malaysia tour, and also a list curated by our experts on the top things to explore in Malaysia.
Malaysia is hot and humid for most of the year, and interspersed with tropical rain showers. The monsoon season on the eastern side of the Peninsula is between November and February, which is at the same time when the west coast experiences sunny and dry weather. Conversely, the wettest months on the west coast are April to October, which are the driest months on the east coast. The months between March and October are the best time to visit Borneo.
Best Time To Visit
This chart shows travel ratings for each month. Use Tab to explore individual month ratings, then navigate to month selection below.
Most Ideal
Low Season
overview
With its equatorial climate, Malaysia is warm through the year. Keep sunscreen handy between 11 am and 3 pm. Temperatures may dip to the high 60s during night time. The west coast of Peninsular Malaysia is sunny, dry and hot. However, heavy rains lash the east during this month.
we recommend
Visit Batu caves, one of Kuala Lumpur’s most popular tourist destinations. The limestone caves feature Hindu shrines along with depictions of Hindu mythology
Spend time in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of George Town, the capital city of Penang Island
Observe pygmy elephants bathing and drinking in the Kinabatangan River in Sukau, Borneo
overview
Expect temperatures to hover around the high 80s during February. This is the driest time of the year on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, but be prepared for strong winds and heavy rain in the east. February is one of the best months to visit Borneo’s Kota Kinabalu.
we recommend
Explore the bustling bazaars of Kota Kinabalu, known for its vibrant culture and cuisine, and shop for Sabah’s famous pearls
overview
March marks the end of the monsoons on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, so expect drier weather here. The west coast is also sunny this month but the highlands and the capital city of Kuala Lumpur receive intermittent rain. The Sabah region of Borneo continues to enjoy excellent weather, and this is also a good time to visit western Borneo.
we recommend
Spend time on the pristine beaches of Langkawi
While in Kuala Lumpur, treat your tastebuds to Malay cuisine at Bukit Bintang
Explore the islands of Pulau Gaya and Pulau Sapi in Borneo’s Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
overview
Temperatures hover around the 80s in April, with most parts of the country staying dry and warm.
we recommend
Trek through the Gunung Raya rainforest in Langkawi to spot amazing wildlife
Visit the iconic Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, the world’s tallest buildings until 2004
Discover traditions of Borneo at the Mari Mari Museum Village, not far from Kota Kinabalu
overview
Temperatures across the region usually average around 90 degrees. The monsoons will have just set in on the west coast, so expect frequent showers here. The beaches of the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia are dry and sunny during this month. As for Borneo, May is a good time to visit both Sabah and Sarawak.
we recommend
Spend time on the beaches of Perhentian Islands, Redang, and Tioman. Sunny days and calm waters, make it ideal for swimming, snorkeling and diving
Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary in Sandakan, Borneo
overview
Expect dry and sunny weather on the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, but be prepared for short, heavy bursts of rain on the hot and humid west coast. June marks the beginning of the best time to visit Borneo.
we recommend
Head to the second longest river in Malaysia, Kinabatangan River, one of two spots in the world where you can witness ten species of wild primates
Visit Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Borneo, and spot wildlife amid dense tropical rainforests
overview
This is high season in Malaysia, and the hot weather makes it is the perfect time to relax on the beaches. While the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia is largely dry, the monsoons are still making their presence felt on the west. Borneo continues to enjoy good weather.
we recommend
Plan a trip to Kuching, Sarawak’s beautiful capital city
overview
Expect the rains to continue on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, but as short, intense showers. The east coast remains largely dry during this time. Borneo boasts great weather this month.
we recommend
Go snorkeling or scuba diving off the waters of Redang Island, or simply relax on its white beaches
Explore the Danum Valley, home to a pristine rainforest that has remained unchanged and untouched for over a million years
overview
On the Peninsula expect temperatures to be in the early 90s, with heavy rain. This is peak monsoon time on the west coast. However, it is a good time to visit Borneo, where you will have warm, sunny days and minimal rainfall.
we recommend
Discover the world of orangutans on a visit to the Semonggoh Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Kuching
Trek through the Taman Negara National Park, the largest national peninsular Malaysia with one of the longest rope walkways in the world
overview
While the monsoon is losing steam on the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, the rains start moving in on the east coast so make sure you carry your rain jacket wherever you go. In Borneo, this is a good time to travel to the eastern part of the Sabah region.
we recommend
Visit the beautiful Cameron Highlands with its tea plantations and strawberry farms
Observe proboscis monkeys at the Labuk Bay Nature Reserve in Sandakan, Borneo
overview
By November, the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia starts experiencing stormy weather with heavy rains. This applies to Borneo as well. However, on the west coast you will have hot and dry weather.
we recommend
Take the funicular train ride up to the top of Penang Hill and explore its many historical and religious landmarks
Join a local host in their home for an authentic Malaysian dinner in Kuala Lumpur
overview
The west coast of Peninsular Malaysia enjoys some of its best weather this month, with temperatures averaging around 86 degrees and lots of sunshine. But if you are traveling to the east or Borneo, be prepared for rain and choppy seas.
we recommend
Visit the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, a tropical paradise, which is among the world’s largest covered bird parks
Best time to visit Malaysia by season
One of the key things to keep in mind when planning a trip to Malaysia is deciding on the time that is right for you. For example, if you want to avoid the rains, then you would need to plan accordingly.
Peninsular Malaysia (west coast) i.e. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, Cameron Highlands, Taman Negara: December to February is ideal, but March to August are also moderately good months to go.
Peninsular Malaysia (east coast) i.e. Perhentian, Redang, Tioman, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu, Kuantan: Avoid the months of November to February, which experience heavy rainfall.
Sabah, Eastern Borneo: January to May; June to October are also moderately good months to go.
Sarawak, WesternBorneo: June to September; March to May are also moderately good months to go.
What to Pack for Malaysia
Since the weather is warm throughout the year in most parts of the country, we recommend that you pack light summer clothes for your tour, e.g. cotton clothing. Don’t forget to carry a hat and long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from the tropical sun. During the monsoon season you will also need a rainproof jacket. For those going to Sandakan (Sukau/Abai) and/or Lahad Datu (Danum Valley / Tabin), please bring along swimwear, binocular, towels, sun block lotion, personal toiletries, insect repellent, torchlight, hat, leech socks, walking shoes and a raincoat. For Kuching, Mulu, Kota Kinabalu – sunblock lotion,insect repellent, hat, walking shoes. For other regions, pack good walking shoes and comfortable cotton T-shirts with long or short pants.
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