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Best Time To Visit Malaysia

An overview of Malaysia’s seasons

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

overview

With its equatorial climate, Malaysia is warm through the year, and while temperatures may dip to the low 20s during night time – keep the sunscreen handy between 11 am and 3 pm! With the rains lashing the east around this time, expect a fair amount of showers as well.

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 George Town, the capital city of Penang Island

overview

Expect average temperatures to hover around the low 30s during February. This is the driest time of the year on the west coast, but be prepared for strong winds and heavy rain in the east.

we recommend

  • Head to Kinabatangan in Borneo and visit the Sepilok orangutan rehabilitation center to meet these shaggy-haired creatures

overview

March marks the end of the monsoons on the east coast, so expect drier weather here. The west coast is also sunny at this time of the year but the highlands and the capital city of Kuala Lumpur receive a fair amount of rain.

we recommend

  • Spend time on the pristine beaches of Langkawi
  • While in Kuala Lumpur, treat your tastebuds to Malay cuisine at Bukit Bintang

overview

Expect temperatures to hover around a balmy 30°C 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

overview

Temperatures across the region usually average around 32ºC. The monsoons will have set in on the west coast, so expect popular tourist destinations to receive a fair amount of rain.

we recommend

  • Visit Bako National Park in Sarawak, Borneo, to see rainforests, waterfalls, beaches and rare proboscis monkeys

overview

Expect dry and sunny weather on the east coast, but be prepared for short but heavy bursts of rain on the hot and humid west coast.

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
  • Head to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Borneo, and spot wildlife amid dense tropical rainforests

overview

It is high season time in Malaysia, and the hot temperatures across the country mean it is the perfect time to relax on the beaches! While the east coast is largely dry, the monsoons are still making their presence felt on the west.

we recommend

  • Plan a trip to Kuching, Sarawak’s beautiful capital city

overview

Expect the rains to continue on the west coast, but as short, sharp showers. The east coast remains largely dry during this time.

we recommend

  • Go snorkeling or scuba diving off the waters of Redang Island or simply relax on its white beaches
  • Explore the bustling bazaars of Kota Kinabalu for its vibrant culture and cuisine. Don’t forget to shop for some of Sabah’s famous pearls!

overview

Expect temperatures to average around 33°C, with heavy rain, since this is peak monsoon time on the west coast.

we recommend

  • Explore Danum Valley in Borneo, home to a pristine million-year-old rainforest an array of wildlife
  • 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, the rains start moving in on the east coast so make sure you carry your rain jacket wherever you go!

we recommend

  • Visit the beautiful Cameron Highlands and visit tea plantations and strawberry farms

overview

By November, the east coast starts experiencing stormy weather with heavy rain. On the west coast though, hot and largely dry weather will be the norm.

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 enjoys some of its best weather during this month with temperatures averaging around 30°C with lots of sunshine. But if you are traveling to the east, 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, Western Borneo: June to September; March to May are also moderately good months to go.

Best time to visit Malaysia

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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From language and currency to communications, health information and safety, find all that you need to know from our destination experts in our Malaysia travel guide.

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From eating seafood in all the coastal regions, including Kota Kinabalu, Penang and Langkawi, to street food paradises in Kuala Lumpur and Kuching, discover the diversity of Malaysian cuisine.

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