BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA
Are you planning to travel to Malaysia and wondering when is the best and worst time to visit Malaysia?
Malaysia is a year-round destination – depending on when and where you want to visit in Malaysia – because you can experience blazing sunshine, refreshing afternoon showers, or full-blown monsoon downpours and this is because the country spans two separate landmasses.
There is Peninsular (West) Malaysia and then there is the island of Malaysian Borneo (East Malaysia) and so it is no wonder that the weather varies significantly by region.
Notably, Peninsula Malaysia is also affected by two different and opposing monsoon systems affecting different coasts at different times. One consistency is that both parts of Malaysia has a tropical rainforest climate meaning year-round high humidity and temperatures between 25°C–32°C (77°F–89°F).
I’ve travelled to Malaysia many times – it’s one of my favourite countries in the world. The capital city of Kuala Lumpur is the place I love to use as my ‘Asian Hub’ because the city is so exciting and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) is convenient for travelling so many other amazing Asian destinations.
I’ve also travelled to Malaysia at many different times in the year and this is because there’s always a “good weather” region in Malaysia – even during the monsoon seasons. I like to choose my Malaysian destination based on the time of year of my visit.
So whether you’re after world-class beaches, rainforest trekking, or urban exploration, this month by month guide will help you to decide the best and worst times for you to visit Malaysia.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA AND BORNEO?
- OVERALL BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA
- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA FOR BEACHES AND ISLANDS?
- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA FOR SCUBA DIVING?
- WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA FOR WILDLIFE?
- WHEN IS THE Worst Time to Visit Malaysia
- Understanding Malaysia’s Climate
- Malaysia’s Weather by Region
- WHICH MONTH BEST TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
- Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Malaysia
- Malaysia Traveller Itinerary
- MALAYSIA WHERE TO GO MONTH BY MONTH
- MALAYSIA WEATHER SUMMARY FOR ACTIVITIES
- Beaches and Scuba Diving
- Nature / wildlife / trekking
- BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA WEATHER
- BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA MONTH TO MONTH
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA AND BORNEO?
OVERALL BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA
Answer: Overall Best Months to visit Malaysia are March through to June.
March to June consistently delivers good weather across nearly the entire country.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA FOR BEACHES AND ISLANDS?
Answer: West Coast: December – March. East Coast: April – September
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA FOR SCUBA DIVING?
Answer: Best Borneo diving: April – October
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA FOR WILDLIFE?
Answer: Best for Wildlife (Borneo): June – September
WHEN IS THE Worst Time to Visit Malaysia
Overall Worst Months are November – January (only East Coast & parts of Borneo)
Avoid: East Coast: November – February (monsoon closures)
Borneo: November – January (heaviest rains, reduced visibility)
Understanding Malaysia’s Climate
Firstly, it’s very important to note that Malaysia has two key monsoon weather systems.
The Northeast Monsoon (Nov–Mar): Affects East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (the islands of Perhentian, Redang, Tioman, and the regions of Terengganu, Kelantan) As monsoons mainly impact sea conditions and visibility and not just rainfall this brings rough seas. For this reason, boat schedules to the east coast islands and many hotels on these islands close down completely between the months of November to March.
The Southwest Monsoon (May–Sep): This affects West Coast mildly (Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor). This is a less severe weather season which often means just brief showers. This also means that West Coast destinations can still remain viable all year.
Malaysia’s Weather by Region
1. West Coast (Peninsular Malaysia)
Includes: Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Penang, Langkawi, Pangkor
Best time: December–March
Avoid: No extreme off-season; rain is moderate year-round
Rainfall is more evenly distributed. A great choice during the East Coast monsoon. Langkawi often sees sunny spells even in “rainy” periods
2. East Coast (Peninsular Malaysia)
Includes: Perhentian Islands, Redang, Tioman, Terengganu, Kelantan
Best time: March–September
Worst time: November–February (monsoon shuts down beaches & ferries)
Waters are crystal clear and calm outside monsoon months. Many resorts are closed between November and February.
3. Malaysian Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak)
Includes: Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Semporna, Kuching, Mulu
Best time: March–October
Avoid: November–January (heaviest rainfall)
Rainfall is common but usually brief. Diving in Sipadan excellent from April–October. Wildlife viewing in Danum Valley best June–September.
WHICH MONTH BEST TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Malaysia
Is January best time to visit Malaysia?
January is best for: West Coast (Langkawi, Penang), Kuala Lumpur
January is worst for: East Coast islands (closed due to monsoon)
Is February best time to visit Malaysia?
Similar to January; great on the West Coast. East Coast is still rainy.
IS MARCH THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
Transition month. East Coast begins reopening. Great for diving in Borneo.
IS APRIL THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
Good weather across most regions. East Coast fully open. Borneo entering peak season.
IS MAY THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
Start of Southwest monsoon, but mild. Still excellent across Malaysia. Calm seas on East Coast.
IS JUNE THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
One of the best months overall. Peak season for beaches and wildlife in Borneo
IS JULY THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
Great for island-hopping. Expect some humidity and short showers.
IS AUGUST THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
Popular month, dry on East Coast. West Coast sees occasional showers.
IS SEPTEMBER THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
Still good on the East Coast early in the month. Late September sees rains increasing in Borneo and East Coast.
IS OCTOBER THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
Rain picks up on the East Coast. Borneo begins wetter season. West Coast remains comfortable.
IS NOVEMBER THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
Northeast monsoon hits. East Coast islands close. Stick to West Coast & cities.
IS DECEMBER THE BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA?
Busy and beautiful month for Penang, Langkawi, KL.
East Coast stormy and inaccessible. Borneo sees higher rainfall.
Malaysia Traveller Itinerary
MALAYSIA WHERE TO GO MONTH BY MONTH
My suggested itinerary depending on which month(s) you plan to travel optimised for both weather and travel experience.
January – February
Where to go: West Coast: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi — generally dry, good for city & beach.
Avoid: East Coast islands — rough seas, many resort closures.
Highlights: Explore Georgetown (Penang), street food, heritage. Beach time in Langkawi
Visit highlands like the Cameron Highlands (cooler and lush).
Tips: Book accomodation early as this is part of the West Coast dry season, so good weather, but can be busy.
Prepare for humid days and possible short showers.
March – April
Where to go: East Coast: The islands (Redang, Perhentian) reopen and seas calm.
Borneo: Ideal time for wildlife viewing and trekking.
Peninsular cities: Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Ipoh.
Highlights: Scuba diving or snorkelling on east coast. Jungle trekking, wildlife in Borneo (orangutans, proboscis monkeys)
Festivals: possibly local cultural events, depending on year.
Tips: Ferries to East Coast islands resume so check schedules and get tickets in advance.
Bring lightweight clothes and good footwear for forest hikes.
May – June
Where to go: West Coast: Still good, though possible occasional showers (Southwest Monsoon).
Borneo: Great window before heavier rains; ideal for diving (Sabah) and wildlife.
Highlands / Inland: Cameron Highlands, Taman Negara.
Highlights: Dive resorts in Sabah (e.g., Sipadan) when sea visibility is good. Jungle experiences and canopy walks.
Relaxed beach time in West Coast with fewer crowds than December – February peak.
Tips: Expect humid, hot weather so pack sun protection. Book tours for Borneo early (popular time).
July – August
Where to go: East Coast: Still relatively good, though late August may see some increase in rain.
Borneo: Continue with wildlife, trekking, diving. Cities: Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Melaka – good for culture, food, nightlife
Highlights: Festivals: e.g., George Town Festival (Penang), Rainforest World Music Festival (Kuching) often held mid-year.
Great underwater experiences: clear seas, good visibility. Nature: hiking to mountaintops, rainforest walks.
Tips: Peak tourism, especially in islands and Borneo so consider booking accomodation in advance.
Use morning/afternoon strategy: plan outdoor activities early when skies are clearer.
September – October
Where to go: West Coast / Highlands: Good, with occasional showers.
East Coast: Early September is still good; later in October rain may build up.
Borneo: Generally still okay, but increasing rainfall later in the month.
Highlights: Scenic drives and cultural sightseeing (Melaka, Kuala Lumpur).
Visiting Cameron Highlands – lush and green thanks to earlier rains.
Wildlife and nature: birdwatching, jungle hikes.
Tips: Take advantage of shoulder season rates (slightly cheaper/fewer tourists).
Be ready for afternoon cloud build and occasional storms.
November – December
Where to go: West Coast: Still relatively safe and pleasant — Penang, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur.
Avoid/Be Cautious: East Coast islands (due to Northeast Monsoon).
Borneo: Rain picks up especially in some coastal regions.
Highlights: City escapes: Museums, shopping, food tours in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
High-altitude/highlands: Cameron Highlands remain a good escape.
Cultural festivals: possibility of Deepavali (varies), Christmas, New Year celebrations.
Tips: Be flexible as weather is more unpredictable. Pack for rain but don’t let it stop you doing indoor/cultural activities.
MALAYSIA WEATHER SUMMARY FOR ACTIVITIES
Beaches and Scuba Diving
East Coast – March–September
West Coast – December–March
Borneo – March–October
Nature / wildlife / trekking
Borneo: March – October.
Highlands (Cameron): fairly good year-round especially March – June or October – December.
Late-year for festive vibes (Nov–Dec).
Shoulder months (April, September, October) for fewer tourists and more manageable weather.
West Coast: Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca.
East Coast: Tioman, Redang, Perhentian Islands.
Borneo: Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Sandakan, Sipadan.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA WEATHER
West Coast (Peninsular Malaysia)
Best: December – March
Shoulder: April, November
Wettest: May – October
Destinations: Langkawi, Penang, Pangkor, Kuala Lumpur
Notes: Rainfall here is light/consistent; generally good year-round.
East Coast (Peninsular Malaysia)
Best: March – September
Monsoon: November – February
Destinations: Perhentian Islands, Redang, Tioman, Terengganu
Notes: Many resorts close Nov–Feb due to rough seas.
Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak)
Best: March – October
Wettest: November – January
Destinations: Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Danum Valley, Sipadan
Notes: Great for wildlife and diving during dry months.
BEST TIME TO VISIT MALAYSIA MONTH TO MONTH
January – February
Best For: Beaches (Langkawi, Penang) City breaks (Kuala Lumpur).
Avoid: East Coast islands
March – April
Best For: East Coast beaches. Borneo wildlife. Diving (Sipadan)
Also Good: Kuala Lumpur, Melaka
May – June
Best For: Borneo jungles. Diving. Highlands (Cameron Highlands).
Good: West Coast cities.
July – August
Best For: Island hopping (East Coast). Festivals (Penang, Sarawak). Wildlife treks
Busy Season Alert: Book ahead
September – October
Best For: City exploration. Highlands retreats. Cultural sightseeing.
Notes: East Coast begins storm season late September.
November – December
Best For: West Coast beaches. Shopping / food trips (KL & Penang). Festivals (Deepavali, Christmas, NYE)
Avoid: East Coast (heavy monsoon). Borneo diving
Malaysia is truly an all-year-round destination thanks to its unique geography, which ensures that even when one region is experiencing monsoon rains, another is enjoying sunny, travel-perfect weather!
With its two coastlines influenced by different monsoon seasons, travellers can always find clear skies – whether that’s on the West Coast during the Northeast Monsoon or the East Coast and Borneo when the Southwest Monsoon arrives.
Add in consistently warm tropical temperatures, vibrant cities, lush rainforests, diverse wildlife, rich cultural experiences, and world-class beaches open somewhere at any given time, Malaysia offers reliable travel opportunities every month of the year!
