When is the best time to visit Malaysia? — The best, worst, affordable & best time to travel to Malaysia

Malaysia is part of Southeast Asia, known as a “miniature Asia” due to the diverse ethnicities and cultures gathering here. You can find many ethnic groups and skin colors living in residential areas with their unique architecture. In addition to these highlights, this land is famous for its profound natural landscape and many authentic, different dishes. So, what is the best time to travel to Malaysia, when is the best time to visit Malaysia? Let’s check out our suggested best season to visit Malaysia (best season to travel to Malaysia), best time to go to Malaysia, best time to travel to Malaysia as well as Malaysia weather best time to visit, worst time to visit Malaysia, cheapest time to visit Malaysia as below!

Malaysia has long been referred to as a tropical paradise with warm weather all year round. Thanks to such characteristics of a humid tropical land, the ecosystem of this country is also prolific and impressive.

When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

Malaysia is a country with a tropical marine climate and the average temperature is quite warm. Malaysia’s weather is hot and humid throughout the year with rainfall and precipitation depending on the specific time of year. The average temperature all year round is about 27–35 degrees Celsius. The climate in Malaysia consists of two seasons: the dry season (from April to September) and the rainy season (from October to March of the following year).

The ideal time for you to travel to Malaysia is from April to September. This is Malaysia’s dry season when the weather is rather pleasant without too much rain, so it will be more convenient for your trip. However, the dry season in Malaysia is often humid and there is always a chance of rain. Even the temperature at night rarely drops below 20 degrees, which does not hinder tourism in Malaysia. If you would love to visit the coast, arrange your trip around May and June. You will be able to explore the area and relax on sandy beaches by the blue ocean.

Furthermore, whether it rains or not, Malaysia’s weather is still somewhat stable, especially in Kuala Lumpur. The desirable weather also creates a very unique characteristic of Malaysia. Therefore, visitors can choose many times of the year to travel to this Muslim country. The busiest season tends to coincide with the holidays when there are large numbers of visitors from Europe and neighboring Asian countries. Anyways, you can come to Malaysia at any time of the year.

With relatively stable weather all year round, the capital Kuala Lumpur is one of Malaysia’s top tourist destinations that always attracts large crowds of tourists annually. In Kuala Lumpur, the temperature during the day usually ranges from 29 to 35 degrees Celsius and around 26 to 29 degrees Celsius at night. During the rainy season, this city can be a little colder because the location is surrounded by mountains and valleys. In general, the climate in Kuala Lumpur is also cooler than other areas in Malaysia, and less affected by monsoons from either the East or West Coast.

Notes

A small note for you is that late December to early January is considered the peak season for tourism in Malaysia. This is the celebration period of the Lunar New Year and Christmas. If you want to travel to Malaysia at this time, it will be difficult for you to find good hotels or air tickets. Because on this occasion, Malaysia welcomes a huge number of Asian and Western tourists coming in, restaurants and hotels are expensive at this time. However, this is an opportunity for you to explore and immerse yourself in the beautiful culture of Malaysia. A series of consecutive holidays make tourists flock to Malaysia, especially in Kuala Lumpur.

Another interesting thing about traveling to Malaysia at this time is that this is the occasion for heavy discounts on fashion items. If you are a shopaholic or love to hunt for discounted clothes, this is an ideal travel and shopping opportunity because Malaysia is considered one of the top places offering low prices compared to other tourist destinations.

Overview of Malaysia’s weather (# best season to visit malaysia)

December to February – Visit the West Coast of the Malaysian Peninsular

When traveling to Malaysia during this time, you will find drier weather on the West Coast bordering the Andaman Sea. This is a good time to hit the beaches on tropical islands like Langkawi or wander the small shop-lined alleys of George Town in Penang. On the other hand, this is the wettest time of the year in Sabah and Sarawak of Malaysian Borneo. The downside to good weather on the West Coast is bigger crowds and higher hotel prices.

This is the time when Malaysia goes through its rainy season. Traveling to Malaysia at this time, you will easily encounter sudden rains. Thus, remember to bring umbrellas and raincoats to avoid showers. Furthermore, Malaysia’s rainy season often comes with unexpected tides, so it is not suitable for swimming and sports activities at sea, as well as restaurants and services on some islands also stop operating at this time. Consequently, visiting Malaysia at this time of year does not seem ideal.

March to May – The mildest weather of the year in Malaysia (# when is the best time to visit malaysia)

If you are curious about which season is best to travel to Malaysia to enjoy the beaches in a warm but not stuffy atmosphere, this is the perfect option for you. Not coincidentally, this is also the right time to explore wildlife in Malaysia’s wonderful national parks. Dry days become more interesting with outdoor activities such as scuba diving and hiking to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu.

May to early June

This is the right time for sea tourism. Traveling to Malaysia during this time, you will lie on the white beach, enjoying a great swim and sunbathing. Besides, you can explore and admire the incredible life of sea creatures in the ocean. Since Malaysia has many beautiful beaches and pristine islands, it has become a recent destination targeted by many young tourists.

However, if you would like a romantic and quiet trip to Malaysia, this is not the ideal time. The reason is that it is summer vacation for students in Malaysia and neighboring Singapore and Middle Eastern countries. That’s why the beaches are often crowded with people, including private beaches in hotel or resort areas. Along with it, room prices, services, and air tickets are also very costly.

June to September – Tour Kuala Lumpur and the East Coast

The Northern Hemisphere summer months are the driest time of the year in Kuala Lumpur, and the weather is also relatively dry on the East Coast of the peninsula and in many parts of Borneo. This season is a popular time for tourists from the Gulf States causing an increase in the number of resorts near the coast for improved customer service.

This is when Malaysia experiences the dry season. With an average temperature of 29–35 degrees, traveling to Malaysia at this time you can enjoy ecotourism and tropical fruits without worrying about the sudden rains that last from October to the beginning of March (Malaysia’s rainy season). It is the ideal time to travel to Malaysia.

October to November – Visit Melaka and the Cameron Highlands

The rainy season arrives on the peninsula from October to November. However, this is a good time to visit shopping malls, museums, and other attractions. Stores offer discounts, and major cities carry plenty of fun indoor activities.

Which is the best month to visit Malaysia?

January – Religious celebrations

January is high season in Langkawi and Penang, two of the most popular offshore islands on the peninsula’s West Coast. Notable events include Thaipusam, a Hindu religious procession and mortification ceremony. Depending on the year, the holiday time of the Lunar New Year for the Chinese community in Malaysia will be different. Note that sometimes, there will be rain on the East Coast and in Borneo (especially in Sarawak).

• Main events: Thaipusam, Lunar New Year (possibly in February), Pongal
• You should go to Melaka, Kuala Lumpur (traveling to Kuala Lumpur at this time, you will encounter the rainy season though it is much more crowded than other months), Langkawi, Sabah, and Kota Kinabalu. Everyone should avoid going to Perhentian Island or Tioman in January.

February – Suitable to visit islands on the West Coast

In some years, the Lunar New Year falls in February, bringing with it huge demand for transportation and hotels. Other than that, there is not much difference between January and February in Malaysia in terms of weather. Tourists will mostly gather in Langkawi and Penang.

• Main events: Lunar New Year (possibly in January), Federal Territories Day
• You should go to Penang, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur (less rain than in January), and Kota Kinabalu. It is not recommended to go to the Perhentian and Tioman islands at this time.

March – It’s dry on the East Coast and rainy on the West Coast

March marks the start of drier weather on the East Coast, although rain begins to fall on the West Coast and in Kuala Lumpur. Tourists will be sparser, except for the school holidays in Malaysia near the end of the month when local families visit resorts.

• Main events: Birth of Kuan Yin, Raptor Watch, Le Tour de Langkawi
• Should go to Penang and Langkawi, do not go to Cameron Highlands, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka.

April – Time to go to the beaches and climb mountains (# malaysia weather best time to visit)

One of the best months to take advantage of the dry season weather in Malaysia – the time is suitable for beaches and all kinds of outdoor activities, especially mountain climbing. The declaration of Malacca as a Historic City in 1989 is celebrated every year as a kind of “Melaka Day” in this small state.

• Main events: Declaration of Malacca as a Historic City (Melaka), Nuzul Al-Qur’an, Regatta Lepa in Semporna
• You should go to Tioman, Terengganu, and Kuantan. And if you want to go to Penang or Langkawi, go on the first days of the month. In April, you still shouldn’t go to Kuala Lumpur or Melaka.

May – Participate in major religious celebrations

Drier weather makes May a good time for visitors. Vesak Day is one of the main holidays for Buddhists in Malaysia. At the same time, the Hari Raya Aidilfitri Festival at the end of Ramadan is a major event for the majority Muslim population. Pay attention and participate in special parties of local people to enjoy delicious food.

• Main events: Vesak Day, Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Harvest Festival (Sabah)
• In May, you should go to the islands of Perhentian, Tioman, Redang, or Tenggol and should not go to Penang or Langkawi anymore because these two places enter the heavy rainy season with thunder and lightning. In May, the rainfall in Kuala Lumpur has decreased compared to April, so you can start traveling to Kuala Lumpur.

June – Tourists gather in larger numbers

The tourist crowds are starting to swell now as the dry weather makes exploring around Kuala Lumpur a breeze. The East Coast of the peninsula offers dry days and good weather for diving. The Gawai Festival celebrates the culture of the Dayak people of Borneo.

• Main events: Dragon Boat Festival (Penang), Gawai Festival (Sarawak), Pesta San Pedro (Melaka)
• You should go to Perhentian, Tioman, Redang, and Kuala Lumpur around this time

July – Quite hot but still crowded with tourists

With Malaysia being so close to the equator, it’s no surprise that July gets blistering. Tourists consisting of families often vacation at coastal resorts along the peninsula.

• Main events: Sabah International Folklore Festival (Kota Kinabalu), George Town World Heritage City Day (Penang), George Town Festival (Penang), Rainforest World Music Festival (Kuching).
• You should choose locations like Tioman, Terengganu, Perhentians, and Kuala Lumpur. Penang and Langkawi still have heavy rain and there may be thunder and lightning, so it’s not recommended to go there.

August – The return of showers (# what is the best time to travel to malaysia)

Rain and high humidity begin to appear in late August, ending with Hari Merdeka–Malaysia’s National Day, marked by parades and patriotic events. This is still a busy time for tourists with good weather conditions for diving on the East Coast.

• Main events: Hari Merdeka (National Day), China’s Hungry Ghost Festival
• You should choose locations like Tioman and Redang, Kuala Lumpur, and Melaka and continue to avoid Penang and Langkawi.

September – Many cultural events in Kuala Lumpur

This time the rains begin hitting East Malaysia (Borneo). There are very few tourists coming here this season, so services and businesses become less busy. Several major cultural events that bring some artistic vibes to the capital are held at this time.

• Main events: Cooler Lumpur Festival (Kuala Lumpur), Diverse City (Kuala Lumpur)
• You should choose the capital Kuala Lumpur, Tioman, the Perhentians, Redang, and Terengganu as your destinations in Malaysia.

October – Time for heavy rainfalls

The Hindu holiday of Diwali/Deepavali takes place, bringing the festive colors of Indian lands to Malaysia, especially Penang and Kuala Lumpur.

• Main events: Diwali/Deepavali
• October is the time when Malaysia often experiences storms, so it’s best not to visit during this time.

November – Quiet and cool

The “coldest” month in Malaysia usually has the lowest temperature of around 23ºC, and the temperature in the highlands will be lower. With such a quiet travel scene, this is the coolest and low-peak time to go to Malaysia.

• Main events: Diwali/Deepavali (in October), George Town Literary Festival (Penang), Urbanscapes (Kuala Lumpur)

December – Holiday celebrations in Christian centers

Christmas is an important holiday in parts of the country with large Christian populations, including Sabah, Sarawak, Penang, and Melaka. New Year’s Eve will be a party across the country, often celebrated with enthusiasm in major cities. If you tour Malaysia during this season, it will be a very special experience!

Malaysia in December is still in the stormy season, you should not go to the islands or visit the sea but, instead, you can travel around Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, or Johor Bahru.

Travel time to Malaysia by region (# best time to travel to malaysia)

When should I travel to Kuala Lumpur and Melaka (Malacca), Malaysia?

The climate in Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, Malaysia is hot and humid with rain all year round, so you have to be prepared in advance. Even if you go during the month with the least rainfall, there is still a possibility of encountering showers here and there.

The rainiest months in Kuala Lumpur are from October to April of the following year. The less rainy months in Kuala Lumpur include June, July, and August while July is the least rainy month of the year in Kuala Lumpur. However, in the last months of the year when Christmas, New Year, and Lunar New Year are celebrated, the number of visitors to these two places increases sharply even when it rains.

Which season is best to visit Penang, Malaysia? (# best time to travel to malaysia)

If you want to travel to Penang, Malaysia, choose any time from December to March next year, in which January and February are the best months. You absolutely should not travel to Penang in September, October, and November because these are the three rainiest months in Penang. From April to August, you can also travel to Penang because this is the beach tourism season; however, during this time you are likely to encounter heavy rains but they will not last long.

The ideal time to travel to Langkawi, Malaysia (# best time to travel to malaysia)

Langkawi is a super hot tourist island in Malaysia with beautiful scenery and beautiful clear blue seawater. The peak tourist months in Langkawi, Malaysia are December, January, and February. And, from May to September is the time when you should stop coming to Langkawi because you may get stung by jellyfish. Note that if you are stung by a jellyfish, purchase a bottle of vinegar immediately to wash the wound and relieve itching.

What month should I travel to Cameron Highlands, Malaysia?

It is very difficult for you to choose the best time to travel to the Cameron Highlands because it rains almost every month on this plateau. If the rain doesn’t fall continuously for a few days, it will rain for at least half a day. Thus, it totally depends on your luck. If you like big crowds, travel to Cameron Highlands on weekends and holidays. Otherwise, avoid these days.

The best time to travel to Malaysia according to purpose

• Sightseeing: from November to March of the following year
• Swimming: from March to September
• Scuba diving: from April to September
• Honeymoon: from March to mid-May

We suggest the best time to visit Malaysia would be from February to September. Although the country is hot and humid all year round interspersed with tropical showers, it is still one of the top tourist destinations selected by tourists from many countries and always crowded throughout the year.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, to from Kuala Lumpur you can refer to

• Private Airport Transfers (KLIA/KLIA2) for Kuala Lumpur
• Shared Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Transfers for Kuala Lumpur
• Premium Private Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Transfers
• Private Transfer between Genting Highlands and Kuala Lumpur Airport (KLIA/KLIA2)
• Shared Bus Transfers between Kuala Lumpur International Airport 2 and KL Sentral by AeroBus
• Kuala Lumpur Half Day City Tour
• KL Pass in Kuala Lumpur
• Kuala Lumpur City Full Day Tour
• Kuala Lumpur Suburbs and Batu Caves
• Kuala Lumpur Food Experience
• KL Hop-On Hop-Off Sightseeing Bus Pass (24/48 Hours)
• Genting Highlands Day Trip
• KL TravelPass (Metro Card) in Kuala Lumpur
• Genting Highlands and Batu Caves Day Tour
• KLIA Ekspres Airport Train Tickets (QR Code Direct Entry)
• Colmar Bukit Tinggi and Japanese Village Day Tour from Kuala Lumpur
• Atmosphere 360 Revolving Restaurant in KL Tower
• Genting Highlands Day Trip
• Kuala Lumpur City Tour with 21 Attractions and KL Tower Ticket
• Museum of Illusions Ticket in Kuala Lumpur
• Historical Malacca Tour with Lunch from Kuala Lumpur
• KL Tower Ticket in Kuala Lumpur
• [SALE] 4G Prepaid SIM Card (MY Airports Pick Up) for Malaysia
• 4G WiFi (MY Airport Pick Up) for Malaysia

Are you looking for more Kuala Lumpur travel guide and top things to do in Kuala Lumpur: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Kuala Lumpur 1 day itinerary — How to spend 24 hours in Kuala Lumpur?