{"id":92957,"date":"2019-02-04T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-02-04T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/best-time-to-visit-malaysia\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:55:26","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:55:26","slug":"best-time-to-visit-malaysia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/best-time-to-visit-malaysia\/","title":{"rendered":"The Best Time to Visit Malaysia Unveiled"},"content":{"rendered":"

Malaysia is a Southeast Asian destination bountiful with exotic tales, lush rainforests and tropical beaches. The best time to visit Malaysia depends on the destinations and activities on your itinerary. Find out when to go with this great guide detailing its weather, daylight hours, sea temperatures, flight prices, and annual events.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @bengoeseveerywhere<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Weather in Malaysia<\/h2>\n

Malaysia experiences hot and humid weather year-round, scattered with tropical showers. Its tropical climate offers warm temperatures throughout the year, ranging between 23\u00b0C and 32\u00b0C. There are two distinct seasons in Malaysia, the wet and dry season<\/strong>. Take note that there is a difference in seasons along the east and west coast as they experience their wettest months at alternate times of the year.<\/p>\n

On the east coast,<\/strong> the wet season occurs between<\/strong> November and February<\/strong>, while the west coast experiences dry and sunny weather during this time. Conversely, the west coast\u2019s wettest months are April to October.<\/strong><\/p>\n

West Coast<\/h3>\n

December to April (dry season) offers the best weather for the west coast islands of Penang<\/a>, Langkawi<\/a> and Pangkor. During the dry season, the weather is particularly balmy in Penang. From December the west coast begins to delight in long, sunny days. Be sure to pack in sunscreen as temperatures average 32\u00b0C. The best time to visit Malaysia\u2019s west coast for its driest weather conditions are\u00a0January and February<\/strong>. February is also the month to catch the Hot Air Balloon Fiesta in Penang – a must see with music, lights, food and colourful balloons floating in the sky. If you want to spot wildlife, the best time to visit Malaysia is between March and October.<\/p>\n

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Image courtesy of @i.love.penang<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

During September and October<\/strong>, the wet season<\/strong> arrives with Penang and Langkawi receiving more rain than usual. During the wet season, sea crossings and rainforest trails are sometimes affected by heavy downpours for a couple of hours a day, which usually happens in the mid to late afternoon. You can expect an average daily temperature of 27\u00b0C. If diving is on your list of things to do, avoid visiting the west coast during September and October as seas are rough, causing bad visibility. The southwest monsoon hits from May to October<\/strong>, with the arrival of rains to the lowlands particularly Kuala Lumpur and Melaka<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Shielded by a mountainous valley, the weather in Kuala Lumpur<\/a> is relatively cooler than most other destinations in Malaysia. May to July is considered the best time to visit Malaysia\u2019s capital city while it experiences a dry spell.<\/p>\n

Average Temperatures in Penang:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Month<\/td>\nJan<\/td>\nFeb<\/td>\nMar<\/td>\nApr<\/td>\nMay<\/td>\nJun<\/td>\nJul<\/td>\nAug<\/td>\nSep<\/td>\nOct<\/td>\nNov<\/td>\nDec<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Low \u00b0C<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n23<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High \u00b0C<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n31<\/td>\n31<\/td>\n31<\/td>\n31<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n31<\/td>\n31<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rainfall (mm)<\/td>\n69<\/td>\n72<\/td>\n146<\/td>\n221<\/td>\n203<\/td>\n178<\/td>\n192<\/td>\n242<\/td>\n356<\/td>\n383<\/td>\n232<\/td>\n114<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Image courtesy of @amazingterengganu<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

East Coast<\/h3>\n

The east coast is best described as hot and sunny for most of the year with the South China Sea\u2019s warm waters conjuring a breeze that somewhat soothes the humidity. November to February<\/strong> is the east coast\u2019s wet season<\/strong> and the islands are best avoided during this period. Kelantan and Terengganu are very quiet this time of year as the northeast monsoon hits the east coast islands. Some islands close during this period, which means that resorts are closed and boats and ferries do not escort tourists to the islands. Consecutive days of rain can occur during the wet season. You can expect thunderstorms, and if you\u2019re lucky there are occasional days without rainy afternoons.<\/p>\n

March is a great time to visit Malaysia, including the east coast islands. Sunny days return to Tioman, <\/em>Redang and Perhentian Islands as tourists make their way to Malaysia\u2019s east coast.<\/p>\n

If you’re looking for the best diving and snorkelling,<\/strong>\u00a0April to October is the best time to visit Malaysia\u2019s east coast<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Average temperatures in Terengganu<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Month<\/td>\nJan<\/td>\nFeb<\/td>\nMar<\/td>\nApr<\/td>\nMay<\/td>\nJun<\/td>\nJul<\/td>\nAug<\/td>\nSep<\/td>\nOct<\/td>\nNov<\/td>\nDec<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Low \u00b0C<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n25<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n24<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
High \u00b0C<\/td>\n29<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n31<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n32<\/td>\n31<\/td>\n30<\/td>\n29<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Rainfall (mm)<\/td>\n292<\/td>\n163<\/td>\n160<\/td>\n155<\/td>\n135<\/td>\n109<\/td>\n117<\/td>\n147<\/td>\n190<\/td>\n279<\/td>\n610<\/td>\n554<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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Image courtesy of @saschaumdiewelt<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Essentials to Pack<\/h2>\n