Malaysia is an often overlooked country on trips to South East Asia, but one you shouldn’t miss. Most tourists come to Peninsular Malaysia, with Penang and Kuala Lumpur being the most visited spots.
However, if you are looking for something a little more adventurous, Borneo (East Malaysia) should also be considered! Today we are going to discuss the best time to visit Malaysia to help you plan your next trip itinerary.
Weather in Malaysia
The weather often varies throughout different parts of Malaysia. Even if you are just traveling between Penang and Kuala Lumpur, you will notice a difference.
Malaysia’s location is near the equator, so the weather is quite similar throughout the year. The country has two main seasons, rain and dry, but the temperature does not change much.
Whenever you choose to visit, expect the average Malaysian temperature to be about 30°C with a humidity of over 80%.
There is one major exception to this, and that’s the highland areas. If you are visiting the Cameron Highlands, temperatures are around 25°C. This can drop down to below 15°C in the winter, so pack appropriately if you are visiting this area.
See also: 15 Best Things to Do in Johor Bahru, Malaysia
Weather in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur is the first stop on most people’s visit to Malaysia, and the main airport to fly into. The city has a tropical climate, so be prepared for rain at any time during your stay! Expect the most rain in April, October and November.
The driest time to visit is between June and August. However, the city does get more than 200 days of rainfall a year!
As it’s a city with plenty of shopping centers and cafes, there’s always somewhere nearby to hide. Showers usually pass quickly here, and then you can get on with your day.
Humidity-wise, the highest levels are experienced between September and November.
If you prefer to travel in what will feel like a cooler month, I’d recommend January. January can have low temperatures of 23°C, making it one of the best times to visit Kuala Lumpur.
Weather in Penang
After Kuala Lumpur, the next most popular spot for tourists is Penang. Located in the north, Penang is known for its fantastic food and places to visit.
The driest months to visit here are between December and March. The start of the year in January and February is also a good time to visit, but it can be very hot!
To escape the rain, consider avoiding September and October, which are the wettest months. It’s not unusual to experience up to three rain showers a day while visiting here, so pack for the everchanging Malaysia climate!
Weather in Borneo
Heading east from the Malaysian Peninsula, we get to the world’s third-largest island, Borneo. There are so many outdoor adventures to be had here, so I’d recommend visiting between June and August.
However, due to the tropical rainforests on the island, rain can be expected throughout the year. If you travel between December and February, expect heavy rainfall that can disrupt hiking and other adventures.
Weather Elsewhere in Malaysia
Another popular vacation spot is Malaysia’s Perhentian Islands, which experience the best weather between June and August.
The islands are extremely busy with locals and visitors during this time, so book ahead. You can visit in the winter, however many beach resorts and restaurants do close during this time.
I would also recommend a visit to Langkawi, which is very popular for its beautiful beaches.
The high season here is between December and February, and the weather is best at this time. A lot of people complain about jellyfish in the ocean here, especially between May and October.
One final spot I recommend is Tioman Island, located close to Singapore. Between April and September, you will experience dry weather here, and this is also a quieter island to visit. I love exploring these gorgeous Malaysian beaches during this time.
Festivals and Events in Malaysia
When choosing the best time to visit Malaysia, it’s also worth considering the festivals and events taking place. Some of the highlights throughout the year include:
- January/February (dates vary): Chinese New Year. This is a national holiday in Malaysia, and throughout the country, you will see celebrations. It’s a vibrant and exciting time to visit! Thaipusam Festival is another cultural event that takes place in January.
- June: Birthday of Yang di-Pertuan Agong. Kuala Lumpur, in particular, celebrates the birthday of Malaysia’s king in June. This is a national holiday for the country.
- June/July: Dragon Boat Festival. If you happen to be in certain areas during this time, this is a fun sight to see! Rowing boats dressed as dragons race in Melaka, Penang and Kota Kinabalu. This is to commemorate the drowning of a Chinese scholar who protested against political corruption.
- July: Hari Raya Aidilfitri. This may be a time to avoid traveling during. This celebration marks the end of Ramadan and is one of the most important dates in the Islamic calendar. Travel can be hectic during this time due to families gathering for feasts.
- 31st August: National Day (Hari Merdeka). This day commemorates the independence of Malaysia from British ruling. It’s celebrated with parades and fireworks and is a fantastic sight for visitors to see!
- 16th September: Malaysia Day (Hari Malaysia). September 16th commemorates the Malaysian Federation’s formation. This is now a national public holiday.
- Between September and November: Awal Muharram. Sometime between September and November falls the beginning of the Islamic New Year. This is marked by religious gatherings, singing and praying.
- December: Christmas Decorations. Like many places in the world, Christmas can be a magical time to visit. Cities like Kuala Lumpur decorate their streets with lights and colourful decorations, making it an excellent time for photography.
There is a lot to take into consideration when planning a trip to Malaysia, including Malaysia’s climate and various festivals. The weather is generally quite consistent, but you should pack umbrellas and coats for any visit!
Whatever time of year you visit, you will find at least two areas that have good weather during that time. I think Malaysia is an often overlooked country in Southeast Asia. It’s well worth factoring into your next visit to this part of the world.
LIKE IT? PIN IT
