Malaysia in August: Weather, Celebrations and More
August is the dry season on the eastern coast of Malaysia. Brimming with sunny skies and pleasant temperatures, there’s plenty to see and do on a trip to Malaysia in August. Hike the forested reserves of Sabah and Sarawak, laze around on the pristine beaches of Lankayan Island, and attempt to climb Mount Kinabalu. West (Peninsular) Malaysia in August is gradually coming under the grasp of the rainy season. But visitors could still tour the indoor attractions and cultural sites. The region is also comparatively cheaper than its eastern counterpart during August. Read on to find out more about the weather, things to do, and places to visit in Malaysia in August.
- Mohameed Sameer
- From Bangladesh
Malaysia Weather in August
Malaysia is hot and humid throughout the year, and August is no different. The temperatures vary between 22°C and 33°C and the average humidity hovers around 80 percent across the country. While the rainy season has begun in the capital, Kuala Lumpur, and the nearby destinations like Penang and Langkawi islands, it is not bad enough to ruin your trip. You will find plenty of time to explore between the occasional downpours.
The Borneo parts of Malaysia in August differ from the West in terms of precipitation. There’s minimal rain and less humidity. This makes for great conditions for beach lounging, island-hopping, diving, and snorkeling.
Read our article on the best time to visit Malaysia for a month-by-month insight into Malaysia’s weather.
Weather in Malaysia in August - 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 |
| Jul | Aug | Sep | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 32 | 32 | 31 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 90 | 90 | 88 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 74 | 74 | 74 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 150 | 160 | 200 |
Why Visit Malaysia in August
From beaches to wildlife to culture, Malaysia has a lot to offer its visitors all year round. But there are special perks of visiting Malaysia in August. Here are some of them:
- Fewer crowds in Peninsular Malaysia: Peninsular Malaysia’s second rainy season is about to begin in September and the drizzles start in August. This means the crowds begin to disperse causing the rates for accommodation and activities to drop. Tourist attractions of Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, and Penang see shorter queues. You can tour more landmarks in less time than usual.
- East opens for tourism: As the crowds gather to bask in the glorious sun shining on Borneo Malaysia, several activities open. The best of diving instructors and nature enthusiasts come to town for a private or small-group tour of the secluded gems in the area. Sign up for island-hopping excursions, diving expeditions to off-the-beaten locations, and private guided tours to wildlife reserves.
- Food galore: The dry season in the East makes August a great time to devour local delicacies prepared by street-side vendors. Popular beaches like Tanjung Aru and Pantai Dalit are lined with them.
- Merdeka Day (Independence Day): August 31st marks the Independence of Malaysia from Great Britain, and though the parades, cultural dances, and fireworks happen in abundance on the main day, the celebrations on a small scale start from the first week of August itself.
Where To Go & What To Do
Some of the best places to visit in Malaysia in August lie on the eastern side of the peninsula. An unmissable activity here is spotting orangutans in the wild. Borneo and Sumatra are the only two places where you can see orangutans, and East Malaysia’s dry season (May to August) is the best time to witness these great apes in their natural habitat. The sought-after Kinabatangan River Safari includes orangutans, along with other wildlife species and birds like pygmy elephants, sun bears, kingfishers, pig-tailed macaques, hornbills, etc.
Favorable sea conditions also make diving and snorkeling a popular activity. Day tours to Sipadan Island, Lankayan Island, and Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are popular among water sports and beach enthusiasts during this time. Redang and Tioman Island located near Peninsular Malaysia are also great options if you are looking for a perfect beach vacation. Active travelers and nature lovers, meanwhile, can enjoy trekking up Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia.
If you are willing to brave rain showers, head to western Malaysia for the tour of popular sights and attractions at highly affordable rates. Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi have tons of cultural and natural attractions that you can explore without the high season tourist crowds and at cheaper prices.
What To Bring
Malaysia is a tropical country and it can rain anytime. Pack an umbrella to protect yourself from getting wet. Applying sunscreen is also a must before heading out. If you’re exploring the wilderness of East Malaysia, mosquito repellent is essential.
Planning A Trip To Malaysia In August?
Whether you’re drawn to the captivating orangutans in the wild, interested in bird-watching along the trails of Kinabalu Park, or want to brave the showers to explore the sight-seeing locations of Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in August offers an array of experiences.
For a personalized travel itinerary, get in touch with our travel experts for a customized trip to Malaysia. Browse through our curated Malaysia travel guide for instant inspiration.
