When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

Dreaming of standing atop a skyscraper in Kuala Lumpur, trekking through Borneo’s rainforests, or unwinding on the white sandy beaches of Langkawi?

Malaysia offers thrilling experiences all year round – but when is the best time to travel if you’re seeking the most favourable weather?

Read on to find the best times for your tour to this exciting Southeast Asian country.

Please note, the following guide is advisory, and recommendations may change over time.

Climate & weather in Malaysia

Malaysia has a tropical climate with warm temperatures, high humidity, and a chance of rain throughout the year.

The country’s proximity to the equator means temperatures are fairly constant all year, and when it rains, it often results in heavy but short-lived tropical showers.

The weather in Malaysia is influenced by monsoons, which hit the coasts at different times. This means the weather can vary significantly depending on when and where you travel in the country.

Monsoon seasons in Malaysia

Many countries in Southeast Asia, including Malaysia, are influenced by monsoons. A monsoon is a wind that blows during specific periods of the year. It brings moist sea air, leading to increased rain during the monsoon season.

Malaysia experiences two primary monsoon seasons:

• The northeast monsoon: November to March
• The southwest monsoon: May to September

The northeast monsoon brings heavy rain, especially to the states on the east coast of the Malay Peninsula, the islands off the east coast (e.g. Perhentian Islands and Tioman Island), and parts of Borneo, particularly northeast Sabah and the coastal areas of Sarawak.

The southwest monsoon is more likely to bring rain to the western part of the Malay Peninsula, including islands like Penang and Langkawi.

Therefore, there’s always somewhere in Malaysia where you can enjoy a beach holiday away from the monsoons.

Weather in Malaysia’s regions

Many travellers prefer to tour during periods when the weather is sunniest, stable, and there’s less rain. While rain can occur year-round, there are periods with less precipitation, which are typically among the most popular times to travel. However, there are also advantages to touring during the rainy seasons.

Here, you’ll find an overview of when it’s best to visit Malaysia’s various regions if you’re searching for the best weather.

Malaysia’s coasts

The Malay Peninsula can be divided into two: the west coast and the east coast.

Here, warm temperatures and high humidity prevail year-round, so the year is more often divided by monsoons than by the seasons as we know them in Europe.

The coasts are affected by monsoons at different times throughout the year.

When is the best time to travel to the Malaysian west coast? (Langkawi, Penang)

The ideal time to tour Malaysia’s west coast, including Langkawi and Penang, is between December and March, which marks the dry season. During this time, the west coast largely escapes the north-eastern monsoon.

The rainy season spans from May to September on the west coast, typically impacted by the south-west monsoon. While rainfall increases during this period, there are still sunny intervals to enjoy. The rain showers are generally brief and less intense than those on the east coast, meaning you can often still relish the beach and outdoor activities between showers.

When is the best time to travel to the Malaysian east coast? (Tioman Island, Perhentian Islands)

The best time to explore Malaysia’s east coast, including Tioman Island and the Perhentian Islands, is from March to September, during the dry season.

The east coast’s rainy season occurs between October and February. While the south-west monsoon brings only a slight increase in rain on the west coast, the north-east monsoon impacts the east coast and surrounding islands more significantly. In the worst case, this may cause resorts and hotels to close temporarily due to the weather, such as on Tioman Island from mid-October to mid-February.

Kuala Lumpur and Melaka

Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, and the UNESCO city of Melaka are located in the south-western part of Malaysia.

The weather in this region is also influenced by the monsoon seasons, but they don’t bring as strong winds and heavy rain as, for example, on the east coast. This is due to Sumatra to the west, which shelters the area from the harshest winds.

Kuala Lumpur and Melaka experience more consistent rainfall compared to Langkawi and Penang, typically seeing their wettest months from March to May, and October to November.

When is the best time to travel to Kuala Lumpur and Melaka?

The best time to visit Kuala Lumpur and Melaka is between June and September, as well as January and February, when there’s generally less rainfall than the rest of the year.

The drier weather provides excellent conditions for exploring the cities’ fascinating attractions, colonial architecture, and green spaces.

Cameron Highlands

The Cameron Highlands, a mountainous region of Malaysia, are generally cooler due to their high elevation compared to the capital and the islands.

When is the best time to visit Cameron Highlands?

The optimal time to tour the Cameron Highlands is during the driest periods, in January and February, and from June to August.

Although rain falls year-round in the Cameron Highlands, these months have a lower likelihood of rain and are ideal for experiencing the area’s stunning natural beauty, such as the enchanting Mossy Forest or the exquisite tea plantations. The clear weather provides breathtaking views of the lush landscapes.

However, some people prefer visiting the Cameron Highlands during the rainy seasons when the landscapes become particularly verdant and green.

Borneo

Borneo, the world’s third-largest island, experiences a tropical climate with warm and humid weather throughout the year.

With its extensive rainforests, it is hardly surprising that rain falls all year round.

When is the best time to travel to Borneo?

Borneo can be visited year-round, but the driest period is from April to September. Although rainfall is less during these months, Borneo is in an ‘ever-wet zone’ where heavy but short rain showers can occur throughout the year.

Even in the driest months, humidity is high and the weather can feel steamy. These months are ideal for embarking on the outdoor adventures Borneo has to offer, such as trekking on Mount Kinabalu in Sabah.

So, when should you visit Malaysia?

You can travel to Malaysia all year round. The best time to visit depends on what experiences you’re seeking.

Below you’ll find an overview of the best times for different regions if you’re aiming for periods with the least rainfall:

Overview: Best times to visit Malaysia

Here you’ll get an overview of when the weather is typically best in each region.

Remember: Malaysia has a tropical climate, and short, heavy rain showers can occur at any time of the year – even during the driest periods.

Benefits of travelling during the rainy seasons

While many prefer to travel during the dry seasons, there are also benefits to travelling outside these periods that outweigh the slightly less favourable weather.

Here you can experience:

• Fewer visitors and more space at popular attractions and national parks
• Extra lush landscapes as the rain brings the scenery to life
• Potential for lower tour prices

It’s also advantageous for the destinations when visits are spread throughout the year and not just concentrated in the dry seasons. For example, you contribute to a more even distribution of income for the locals over the year.

Are you still unsure?

Malaysia is a destination that offers adventures all year round, whether you prefer experiencing the vibrant cities, exploring the lush rainforests, or relaxing on tropical beaches.

Are you unsure about when to travel?

Our travel specialists will help you find the perfect time for your dream tour.

TourCompass – From tourist to traveller