Malaysia in May: Weather, Destinations and More

The southwest monsoon usually begins in May, bringing an elevated average monthly rainfall to West Coast islands like Langkawi (291 millimeters) and Penang (245 millimeters). But that doesn’t mean your holiday will be a washout. Monsoonal rain usually falls in about an hour each afternoon, making way for clear skies for the rest of the day. Typical maximum daily temperatures hover around 32°C (90°F) and expect the wet-season humidity to be high.

The East Coast is a safer bet if you want to island-hop or work on your tan. A monthly average rainfall of just 112 millimeters along the eastern seaboard ensures idyllic days on the water. Over in the thick jungles of Borneo, minimal rain (around 154 millimeters) makes for great trekking weather. This climatic trend is typical in Malaysia: when it’s dry on one side, it’s wet on the other. Due to its location near the equator, the average temperature in Malaysia doesn’t vary much throughout the year.

For a month-to-month insight into the weather, make sure to read our guide on the best time to visit Malaysia.

May is a brilliant time to visit Malaysia for its excellent weather, affordable prices, manageable crowds and intriguing festivals.

• Sunny weather: While the southwest monsoon brings daily rain, these short, intermittent downpours aren’t a deal-breaker. Over on the East Coast and in Borneo, May is about as dry as it gets.
• Low-cost travel: May in Malaysia offers lower airfares and hotel prices on the West Coast. The East Coast and Borneo welcome more visitors in May, but you can still snag some decent deals.
• Uncrowded attractions: Most visitors hit East Coast islands like Redang, Tioman, and the Perinthians. Nonetheless, these somewhat off-the-beaten-path destinations never really get overrun. Over on the wetter west side, crowd favorites like Langkawi are far from crowded.
• Festivals: Travelers in Borneo mustn’t miss the Sabah Festival, a week-long extravaganza showcasing the state’s unique culture.

With ample sunshine and calm, translucent seas, May is the ideal time to island hop across the East Coast of the Malaysian peninsula.

First-time SCUBA divers will find Asia’s cheapest PADI Open Water courses at the Perinthians Islands, a palm tree-fringed paradise flanked by technicolored reefs. Further down the coast, Redang Island is famed for its squeaky white sand beaches and bright aquamarine waters. Tioman Island is another diving hotspot and a duty-free haven with dirt-cheap drinks. Looking to venture off the well-trodden track? Tiny Kapas is a hidden paradise with only a smattering of rustic seafront resorts.

May is also an awesome time to explore the wildlife-rich jungles of Borneo. In Sarawak, Bako National Park is a prime place to rub shoulders with macaque monkeys, monitor lizards, and other curious critters. Book a guided jungle hike of the Danum Valley to spot wild orangutans or visit one of the numerous sanctuaries around the island. Up for a challenge? Dry weather and modest cloud cover make May a top time to climb Mount Kinabalu. At 13,435 feet (4095 meters) above sea level, it’s the tallest peak in Southeast Asia.

While the West Coast is wetter in May, there’s no need to avoid it entirely. The glitzy shopping malls of Kuala Lumpur still buzz with activity, and the street food scene in Penang will delight. For a drier West Coast beach holiday, try the Pangkor Islands, which receive less rainfall than others on the Malacca Strait.

No matter what month you visit Malaysia, it will be warm. Pack appropriate hot-weather clothing, preferably lightweight, long-sleeved attire, to protect your skin from the sun and hungry mosquitos. Malaysia is a conservative country, so revealing apparel is best reserved for the disco or the beach.

Although not essential, snorkelers and divers may prefer to pack their own gear. Either way, ensure you’ve got ample sun protection.

Need help organizing a tour of Malaysia in May? Get in touch with our in-house team of experts today. Whatever your interests, we can custom-create the perfect itinerary so you can travel to Malaysia in May. You can also visit our Malaysia travel guide for more information on related topics like things to do in Malaysia.