Malaysia in December: Weather, Islands and More

January is a dry month across the western half of the Malaysian Peninsula, making it a prime time to visit hotspots like Penang and Langkawi. Due to its humid tropical climate, a trip to Malaysia in January may come with some rain—particularly in the east like Borneo and the Perhentian Islands—though far less than in the monsoon months. Celebrate Chinese New Year, explore the exceptional cuisine, hike the Cameron Highlands, or bum around the beach in Malaysia in January. Head west if you’re seeking sunshine, and don’t mind higher prices and fellow holidaymakers. Exploring on a rock-bottom budget? Or can’t stand the crowds? The rainier east coast is your best bet in January.

Planning a trip to Malaysia in February? You’ve chosen well if you’re sticking to the west coast. February sees relatively little rainfall on the western side of the Malaysian Peninsula, where warm sunny days and striking blue skies abound. But not everywhere is picture-perfect this time of year. The peninsula’s east coast and Sarawak (Malaysian Borneo) receive a smattering of rain during the final phase of the northeast monsoon. The upside, of course, is you get thinner crowds and cheaper hotel rack rates.

A trip to Malaysia offers plenty of opportunities for activities like cultural tours, wildlife spotting, and nature hikes. While the month may not be the best time to work on your tan, sun-seekers needn’t despair. They can head to the East Coast where the conditions are relatively dry compared to its western counterpart. Paradise destinations like Tioman and the Perhentian Islands enjoy near-perfect weather this time of year.

As October sees the last of the rains in the east coast and December marks the start of the peak travel season, November is one of the best times to visit Malaysia. Climb the 272 colorful steps leading to the Batu Caves in Gombak, rediscover the olden days at the Time Tunnel Museum in the Cameron Highlands, or take a family trip to Legoland Malaysia Resort in Iskandar Puteri. From outdoor activities like hiking and snorkeling to exploring the city and tasting delicious delicacies, a trip to Malaysia in November will surely leave you in awe.

While Malaysia prominently sees wet and dry climates throughout the year, they don’t always overlap throughout the country. This gives travelers the opportunity to see every nook and corner and enjoy balmy temperatures. And this is true for the season of October, when rainfall is common in the country. Whether you’re gearing up for a street food fiesta in Kuala Lumpur, relaxing on the tropical beaches in Langkawi, or appreciating the country’s rich historical and cultural heritage in Sabah, a trip to Malaysia in October awaits with arms wide open.

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.

The warm, mostly dry weather and modest crowds make a trip to Malaysia in May a fantastic idea. Borneo and the East Coast offer the best weather this time of year, as May falls smack bang in the middle of the eastern dry season. Clear skies and warm sunny days make excellent conditions for outdoor adventures. Over on the West Coast, where the monsoon in Malaysia is just beginning, there will likely be rain; but it usually only lasts about an hour or so, and you can expect pleasant weather for the rest of the day to continue on your explorations.

Malaysia in March dwindles between two separate weather conditions in the eastern and the western parts of the country. Malaysian Borneo (also called East Malaysia) comprising of the gorgeous regions of Sarawak and Sabah is beaming with clear, sunny skies and light winds. Peninsular Malaysia (also called West Malaysia) including regions like Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi is rainy and humid in March. This might deter travelers wanting to explore the cosmopolitan, developed regions on a trip to Malaysia, but Borneo alone is worth a vacation in this tropical country! Read on to know why and more details on things to do in the weather in Malaysia in March.

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.

If you are in Malaysia in July then you are in luck! July is the only month when both east and west coastal areas are relatively dry and no tourist destination is off-limits. Whether you want to explore the hectares of rainforest in Sabah and Sarawak or tour the skyscrapers of Kuala Lumpur, there are plenty of things to do in Malaysia in July. Hike through the undulating landscape of Danum Valley Conservation Area witnessing the charming wildlife or spend some leisurely time on the pristine islands of Langkawi, Redang, and the Perhentian. The list goes on. Read on to find more details on the weather, places to visit, and what to pack on your trip to Malaysia in July.

A trip to Malaysia in June is a magnificent time to visit, especially for exploring the East Coast, Borneo and the buzzing capital of Kuala Lumpur. These destinations and others receive little rainfall in June, so you’re unlikely to get drenched in a tropical storm. While the West Coast gets affected by the southwest monsoon in June, the heavy downpours usually only last an hour or so. As a result, many visitors hop between both sides of the peninsula (and perhaps even Borneo) in a single trip.

Due to its distinct climatic zones, the best time to visit Malaysia depends on where you go. For sunny days and minimal rain, head to the East Coast or Borneo from April to October or the West Coast from December to March. Cheaper rates and thinner crowds make the wet season worthwhile. In each region, the high season entails lower humidity, comfortable temperatures, and relatively infrequent rainfall. But don’t expect to remain completely dry all the time—this is the tropics, after all. Avid divers should plan their trip between March and October. Most of the best diving islands—Tioman, Perhentians, Redang, and Sipadan—reside on the East Coast and Borneo. Keep reading for more info on the best time to tour Malaysia.