When is the best time to visit Malaysia?
The best time to visit Malaysia depends on the region you wish to visit. The country is split into two main areas: Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. Here are some travel tips for your Malaysia tour.
Malaysia is hot and humid for most of the year, and interspersed with tropical rain showers. The monsoon season on the east coast 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.
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
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 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
- Visit the beautiful Cameron Highlands and visit tea plantations and strawberry farms
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
- While in Kuala Lumpur, treat your tastebuds to Malay cuisine at Bukit Bintang
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
- Head to the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Borneo, and spot wildlife amid dense tropical rainforests
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
- Spend time in the UNESCO World Heritage site George Town, the capital city of Penang Island
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, home to a pristine million-year-old rainforest an array of wildlife
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 Kuala Lumpur Bird Park, a tropical paradise, which is among the world’s largest covered bird parks
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
- 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
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
- Trek through the Taman Negara National Park, the largest national peninsular Malaysia with one of the longest rope walkways in the world
- Join a local host in their home for an authentic Malaysian dinner in Kuala Lumpur
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Best time to visit Malaysia by season
Peninsular Malaysia (east coast) i.e. Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang, Langkawi, Taman Negara: June to September is ideal, but March to May and October are also moderately good months to go.
Borneo: May to September; February to April, and October to November 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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