Malaysia in April: Weather, Travel Tips and More
For those wanting to explore the verdant landscape and the great wildlife of Malaysian Borneo, a trip to Malaysia in April promises balmy and pleasant weather, while the regions of Sarawak and Sabah (also in the east) become a must-visit.
Most of West Malaysia, meanwhile, experiences a wet season in April, luckily barring a few gorgeous places like the Perhentian islands and the Redang archipelago where the rainy season hasn’t yet hit.
Find more information on adventuring and weather in Malaysia in April in our latest edit.
- Mohameed Sameer
- From Bangladesh
Malaysia Weather in April
Malaysian territory is separated by the South China Sea into East Malaysia (Malaysian Borneo) and West Malaysia (Peninsular Malaysia), splitting not just the country but also the weather, particularly the precipitation. West Malaysia, comprising Kuala Lumpur and Penang, experiences frequent showers in April. Places at higher altitudes or further away from the mainland like Cameron Highlands and Redang are an exception. The sites here can be added to the top things to do in Malaysia in April.
Contrarily, Malaysian Borneo (Sarawak & Sabah) is in its dry this time of the year. Comfortable temperatures (an average of 28°C), fewer chances of rain (around 120 millimeters of rainfall), and light winds pave the way for thousands of square miles of rainforests waiting to be explored!
Unlike precipitation, temperatures don’t vary wildly throughout the country and range from 21°C to 32°C in April.
For more information on Malaysian weather, check out our guide on the best time to visit Malaysia.
Weather in Malaysia in April - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 32 | 32 | 33 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 31 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 22 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 90 | 90 | 92 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 90 | 88 | 88 | 88 | 88 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 72 | 74 | 74 | 76 | 76 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 | 74 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 239 | 200 | 260 | 240 | 190 | 160 | 150 | 160 | 200 | 280 | 290 | 250 |
| Mar | Apr | May | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 33 | 32 | 32 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 23 | 24 | 24 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 92 | 90 | 90 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 74 | 76 | 76 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 260 | 240 | 190 |
Why Visit Malaysia in April
April marks a season of transition weather in Malaysia, which opens doors to explore many memorable sights and nature’s abundance. Clear skies also bring out the street-side food vendors so you can treat your taste buds to the local foods without spending a fortune! Below, find more reasons to travel to Malaysia in April.
- Best Weather to Visit Malaysian Borneo: Borneo (East Malaysia) is replete with prestigious flora and fauna this month. Malaysian weather in April is balmy on the eastern side, giving you the perfect opportunity to explore thousands of miles of rainforest without worrying about the heat, humidity, and the rains!
- Fewer crowds: In April, the crowds are sparse even in the regions where the weather is ideal to visit. Sought-after destinations in the month like the Bako National Park and the Kinabatangan River can be explored in peace or on slow-paced guided tours. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to experience diving in Sipadan islands where only 150 permits are allowed a day to preserve the fragile reefs. The places get filled fast in the peak season, but not in April when the tourists can get access on the same day itself!
- Better rates: The beaches of Malaysian Borneo are lined with 5-star resorts, all offering an economical rate in April. There’s also likely to be a good discount on flights and adventure tours to Malaysia like guided tours and water sports.
- Plenty of festivals: Another big draw when you travel to Malaysia in April is the Songkran Water Festival in Penang. The month-long festival marks the dawn of the traditional Thai New Year and involves fun water splashes and fights! Symbolically, the water signifies washing away bad luck and worries from the past year and starting the new one on a clean slate. You can find this water party mainly taking place around temples.
Where to go & What to do
If you’ve landed in Kuala Lumpur, you can start by visiting Petronas Twin Towers, an indoor tourist attraction so the rains won’t matter. Higher altitude regions in Peninsular Malaysia like the Langkawi and the Cameron Highlands are also perfect destinations for those who want to stay near Kuala Lumpur and explore nature.
To truly get into the wild, travel to Malaysian Borneo—one of the only two places on Earth where you can see orangutans. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a popular place to spot these smart creatures. Plenty of wildlife can be further found at the picturesque Bako National Park, which also has deserted beaches to unwind and de-stress.
Adventure seekers might enjoy a day excursion to Sipadan Islands, one of the top dive sites in the world, or hiking to the tallest mountain in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu.
What to Bring
Pack for a rainy vacation when you travel to Malaysia in April. A raincoat and umbrella should always be in your travel bag. Consider wearing thin and light clothes to survive the humid weather. Further, an insect spray is a must when exploring the wild, otherwise, you’d be swatting the bugs throughout your excursion.
Planning a trip to Malaysia in April?
If a relaxing vacation in nature’s lap is on your mind, Malaysia in April is just perfect. The Borneo Malaysian peninsula boasts ideal weather conditions this month and a trove of picturesque beauty and wildlife to mesmerize any traveler. Some regions in the West Peninsula like the Perhentian Islands can be considered too! Need help devising an itinerary? Our local travel experts can help you with a custom trip to Malaysia (they know the best travel bets to play in April). Make sure to check out our Malaysia travel guide for more information and trip inspiration.
