Malaysia weather & when to go: October
October overview
The winds of change continue to blow for both sides of peninsula Malaysia in October. The south-east monsoon is nearing its end; however it often has a sting in the tale for both Langkawi and Penang, giving them some of their heaviest rainfall of the year. Over on the east-coast the winds of the north-east monsoon gather momentum, bringing rougher sea conditions and a slight drop in temperature.
October's weather in detail
East Coast
Kuantan, Tioman Island, Perhentian Islands, Terengganu, Redang and Kota Bharu
During October, the winds of the north-east monsoon starts to gather momentum on the east coast of peninsula Malaysia, and the sea conditions can worsen rapidly, however average tempertures remain high (avg temp: 29°C) and a beach holiday can still be enjoyed at this time of year.
West Coast
Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor
The south-east monsoon is coming to an end on the west coast by October. Although it brings some of the heaviest rainfall of the year to Langkawi and Penang. Pangkor is the pick of the bunch on the west coast with half the amount of rainfall as its neighbours and an average day time temperature of 30°C.
Select a month
Select a month
Where's the sun and sand?
Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor Laut
Our recommended journeys
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
The Chinese Moon Cake Festival
September or October. Celebrates the overthrow of the Mongols during the end of the Yuan Dynasty (120G- 1341 AD) in China. It falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth moon. The festival is celebrated with colourful lanterns.
Awal Muharram (Maal Hijrah)
Celebrated by Muslims, as the day symbolises two happy events in a Muslim's life. The start of the Muslim calendar coincides with the Prophet Muhammad's journey from Mecca to Medina on the first of Muharram in 622AD.