Malaysia in March: Weather, Attractions and More
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.
- Mohameed Sameer
- From Bangladesh
Malaysia Weather in March
March is sunny and balmy in East Malaysia while cloudy and rainy in the western parts of the country. The weather in the capital Kuala Lumpur in March is rainy, with 260 millimeters of rain expected throughout the month, and humid, with temperatures averaging out at 28°C. This temperature is generally the same throughout the country; the day-time average stands at 32°C and the night-time average is 21°C.
It’s the dry season in the Borneo regions of Malaysia and rains are sparse. Places at higher altitudes in the west also experience cooler temperatures and lower chances of rain. This includes Penang Hills and Genting Highlands.
Since Malaysia is a tropical country with plenty of coastline, weather can be unpredictable. It’s always advisable to check the weather forecast before making any travel plans.
Read our guide on the best time to visit Malaysia for an in-depth insight into the weather.
Weather in Malaysia in March - 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 |
| Feb | Mar | Apr | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 32 | 33 | 32 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 23 | 23 | 24 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 90 | 92 | 90 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 74 | 74 | 76 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 200 | 260 | 240 |
Why Visit Malaysia in March
March in Malaysia offers fewer crowds and affordable rates. The school session ends in late March, so locals aren’t usually traveling much either. Here are a few more reasons to visit Malaysia in March.
- Reasonable prices: Malaysia is quite affordable as compared to its counterparts like Singapore. The Borneo region of the country is also more economical than the Western, more developed part. You will be able to save on every aspect of travel, from flights to food and accommodation. However, some activities can be above average like guided tours, which are sought-after in the national parks and reserves.
- Good weather for hiking: Cooler temperatures as compared to other months open many hiking trails. Travelers can choose hiking trips to Malaysia from easy to difficult trails in places like Bako National Park, Tabin Wildlife Reserve, and Gunung Mulu National Park.
- Lip-smacking food: Borneo’s cuisine is a tantalizing mix of cultural influences and you can try the local foods in the eateries and street-side vendors lining the beaches and tourist spots. Some must-haves are laksa, curry puffs, kolo mee, and sarawak layer cake.
- Lush beauty: Rains have just receded in the eastern parts of the country, unleashing the verdant landscape of the rainforests. The oceans will be brimming and the leaves the perfect green. Wildlife also comes out to enjoy pleasant temperatures, making this an ideal time to see them in their natural habitat.
Where to go and what to do
The Malaysian part of Borneo is the best place to visit in March. Here, you can choose to luxuriate in the stunning boutique resorts by the beach, partake in forest adventures, or go on a wildlife tour in Malaysia and explore its famous national parks and reserves like Bako National Park. Being one of the two places on Earth where you can see orangutans, you can visit the dedicated Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center or spot them in the wild with other endemic species by taking a cruise along the Kinabatangan River.
If you want a relaxing beach day, consider traveling to the picturesque Sipadan Islands, located off the east coast of Sabah. The island’s dreamy white sand beaches and turquoise waters are popular for sunbathing and activities like diving and snorkeling.
For those who seek offbeat activities, Turtle Islands Park is an amazing option. Being a designated national park, here you will see turtles up close. Consider staying for a day to witness the marvelous scene of turtles landing and hatching themselves!
What to bring
Malaysian weather in March is a mix of rainy, sunny, and humid. Pack an umbrella in your travel bag and a bug spray to protect yourself from insects. Light, cotton clothes will help you survive the humidity. Another must-have is sunscreen! UV rays are strongest near the Equatorial regions, so reapply sunscreen every 3 to 4 hours.
Planning a trip to Malaysia in March?
Overall, Malaysia in March can be a rewarding experience for nature & wildlife lovers. For tourists who like to include lively, cosmopolitan cities in their travel plans, this may not be the best month. Do you need help planning your Malaysian itinerary? Our travel experts can devise a customized Malaysia tour for you. Make sure to read our Malaysia travel guide for more information.
