Malaysia: weather & when to go
When is the best time to visit Malaysia?
The weather in Malaysia is hot and humid year round, interspersed with tropical rain showers. The wet season on the east coast is between November & February, which is when the west coast experiences sunny, dry weather. Conversely, the wettest months on the west coast are April to October, which are the driest months on the east coast.
Weather overview
Situated between 1° and 6°N, the whole of Malaysia has a classic equatorial climate, with high temperatures and wet months throughout the year. Temperatures at sea level range from 21°C to 32°C, whilst at higher elevations it is much cooler, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. Annual rainfall varies from 2,000mm to 2,500mm.
A beach holiday can be enjoyed all year round in Malaysia, as the east and west coasts experience their wettest months at alternate times of the year.
The wet season on the west of the peninsula (Apr-Oct) brings thunderstorms in the afternoons, but these are usually brief, and the odd downpour is a welcome way to reduce the humidity.
The east coast, however, tends to have a heavier wet season, and is best avoided during the rainy period (Nov-Feb). During these months, many of the beach resorts close, and re-open in March.
West Coast
Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor
The west coast mainland and islands off the Malay Peninsular are typically tropical; hot, sunny and humid with showers all year round. During September and October the showers are heavier, however even during the rainy season it is still possible to enjoy a week or two's holiday experiencing little more than the occasional short tropical downpour.
With heavier seas at this time of year, diving is poor during September and October due to bad visibility.
Lowlands & Highlands
Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Cameron Highlands
Kuala Lumpur and Malacca are both hot and humid throughout the year, temperatures range from 22ºC to 32ºC year round and with a tropical climate, showers occur almost daily. Downpours during the rainy season (Apr–Oct) are not much heavier than the rest of the year and these can bring welcome relief to the sometimes stifling humidity.
Malacca benefits from a sea breeze which brings the temperatures down by 1 or 2 degrees and on a humid day this can make all the difference!
Located at an altitude of 1,500m above sea level, the Cameron Highlands have a distinctly different climate to the rest of Malaysia. Temperatures average a very pleasant 22 ºC in the daytime and a relatively cool 15 ºC at night – an excellent climate for growing tea, flowers and fruit, and for visitors it offers a pleasant contrast to the hotter lowland areas. A typical day consists of blue skies in the morning, showery afternoons and chilly nights, with rainfall at its heaviest between September and early December.
East Coast
Kuantan, Tioman Island, Perhentian Islands, Terengganu, Redang and Kota Bharu
The east coast is hot and sunny for much of the year with the warm waters of the South China Sea generating a breeze that moderates the humidity somewhat. The North-East Monsoon strikes between November and February and so the islands are generally best avoided during this period. The rains are a lot heavier on this side of the peninsula and they can disrupt boat crossings, and some of the resorts close during these months, re-opening in March.
Outside of the North-East Monsoon months, the east coast is usually drier than the rest of Malaysia and therefore offers the perfect destinations for hitting the beach.
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Malaysia Beach & Adventure Self Drive gives you a taste of independent travel along the country’s strikingly calm and well maintained roads. Start in the vibrant capital of Kuala Lumpur, drive north to trek through Belum-Temengor rainforest, cross to Penang for foodie culture, and finish on Langkawi’s idyllic beaches.
See all our itineraries in Malaysia
Key Festivals & Religious Ceremonies
Chinese New Year
12th February 2021
Ramadan
23rd April - 23rd May 2020
Hari Raya Puasa
23rd - 24th May 2020
Malaysian Labour Day
1st May 2020
Wesak Day
Date of birth, enlightenment & nirvana of Buddha. 7th May 2020
The King’s Birthday
6th June 2020
Hari Raya Haji
31st July 2020
Merdaka Day
31st August 2020
Malaysia Day
16th September 2020
Deepavali
14th November 2020
