Best Time to Visit Malaysia

°C °F
  • JAN Avg Daily: 32 °C Avg Nightly: 22 °C Avg Daily: 90 °F Avg Nightly: 72 °F Avg Rainfall: 239 mm
  • FEB Avg Daily: 32 °C Avg Nightly: 23 °C Avg Daily: 90 °F Avg Nightly: 73 °F Avg Rainfall: 200 mm
  • MAR Avg Daily: 33 °C Avg Nightly: 23 °C Avg Daily: 91 °F Avg Nightly: 73 °F Avg Rainfall: 260 mm
  • APR Avg Daily: 32 °C Avg Nightly: 24 °C Avg Daily: 90 °F Avg Nightly: 75 °F Avg Rainfall: 240 mm
  • MAY Avg Daily: 32 °C Avg Nightly: 24 °C Avg Daily: 90 °F Avg Nightly: 75 °F Avg Rainfall: 190 mm
  • JUN Avg Daily: 32 °C Avg Nightly: 23 °C Avg Daily: 90 °F Avg Nightly: 73 °F Avg Rainfall: 160 mm
  • JUL Avg Daily: 32 °C Avg Nightly: 23 °C Avg Daily: 90 °F Avg Nightly: 73 °F Avg Rainfall: 150 mm
  • AUG Avg Daily: 32 °C Avg Nightly: 23 °C Avg Daily: 90 °F Avg Nightly: 73 °F Avg Rainfall: 160 mm
  • SEP Avg Daily: 31 °C Avg Nightly: 23 °C Avg Daily: 88 °F Avg Nightly: 73 °F Avg Rainfall: 200 mm
  • OCT Avg Daily: 31 °C Avg Nightly: 23 °C Avg Daily: 88 °F Avg Nightly: 73 °F Avg Rainfall: 280 mm
  • NOV Avg Daily: 31 °C Avg Nightly: 23 °C Avg Daily: 88 °F Avg Nightly: 73 °F Avg Rainfall: 290 mm
  • DEC Avg Daily: 31 °C Avg Nightly: 23 °C Avg Daily: 88 °F Avg Nightly: 73 °F Avg Rainfall: 250 mm
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Malaysia, a veritable collection of cityscapes engulfed and split by the South China Sea, often feels like two countries rolled in one, the urban jungles of Kuala Lumpur and the Malaysian Borneo biospheres. Malaysia has long been home to many a tourist for adventures such as the Petronas Towers, and the sun-kissed picturesque beaches of Langkawi. Sample the rich cultural heritage that is truly reflected in the food, or take a walk along the traditional long houses of the villages of Sarawak. There is plenty to do in Malaysia. However, as with all popular tourist destinations, it may be critical to find out whether the weather in Malaysia is right for you to visit. Want to know when to visit Malaysia? Read on to find out!

Quick Facts

  • High Season: December - February
  • Low Season: March - June
  • All Seasons: July - November, March - June, December - February
  • The best time to visit Malaysia is between December and February. End of school holidays and end of year holidays can cause a boost in the prices though.
  • The low season is between March and June, which is when the country experiences the worst rains coupled with low humidity. Most attractions, particularly those by the beach, may be closed or inoperable at this time.
  • Overall, the weather of Malaysia makes it easy to visit the country round the year, provided one does their research. This can help avoid crowds and wait times at the most popular attractions bringing your vacation a more peaceful feel.

Malaysia possesses a tropical climate and weather pattern thus making it mostly suitable to be visited round the year. However, that being said, the downside with a tropical climate is the humidity and wetness associated with it, and it may be important to know these to avoid them while traveling. Malaysia enjoys a good winter with temperatures not rising to their normal highs, and the weather being quite dry for the most part.

Between December and February is when most crowds end up visiting Malaysia due to the simultaneous closing of schools and businesses coinciding with the winter holidays and breaks. This season is known for its resplendent sun and may be the best time to visit Malaysia.

The shoulder seasons between July to November are also the best time to visit Malaysia. The weather is usually quite pleasant during these shoulder months, barring occasional showers. This is when the month of Ramadan ends, thus making travel activity fall and rise as the month progresses.

Seasonal Overview

December to February — Winter/High season

December to February may be considered the high season in Malaysia particularly in the city of Kuala Lumpur. December to February is when the crowds are at their highest due to the impending holiday season, so it would do well to book accommodation well in advance. In terms of weather, barring occasional showers, the weather is quite pleasant, despite the winter months, and the heat never really reaches unbearable heights. Through the peninsular region surrounding Kuala Lumpur, you may expect showers every day, however these barely last more than an hour and are always followed by swift sunshine.

  • Avg. Temperature: 81° F / 27° C (in Kuala Lumpur)
  • Rainfall: 250 mm
  • Season: Winter
  • Highlights: The Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur may be perfect to visit at this time. Erected around 1998, the brainchild of Argentinian architect Cesaar Pelli, for the National Oil and Gas Company Petronas, the towers have indubitably become the symbol of a changing Malaysia from its humble backgrounds of a Malay fishing village to a global village. The 88 storied towers once boasted the title of tallest tower in the world, and the floor plan is based on an eight sided star that is reminiscent of old Arabic patterns. The tower boasts more Islamic patterns and the five tiers in each tower are representative of the five pillars of Islam. The tower is definitely a sight to behold when seen at night.

March to June — Monsoon/Low Season

Colorful streets of Malaysia
Spend time getting lost in the labyrinthine lanes and narrow streets of Malaysia.

March to June is a low season in Malaysia owing to the heavy rains and constant humidity that surrounds the air. The southwest monsoon continues to blow particularly along the western coastline with heavy thunderstorms and turbulent seas. This would make places such as Langkawi particularly difficult to visit and navigate at this time. However, it may important to note that through peninsular Kuala Lumpur, the monthly rainfall averages may be lower and showers are normally concentrated around the afternoon. One upside is that accommodation may be particularly easier to afford as crowds are at an all-time low during these months.

  • Avg. Temperature: 82° F / 28° C (in Kuala Lumpur)
  • Rainfall: 260 mm
  • Season: Monsoon
  • Highlights: Georgetown has long been hailed as a must visit destination in Malaysia. Once declared as a UNESCO World Heritage zone due to its intricate shop houses and rich heritage, being a mix of Indian, Chinese and even Malay cultures. This eclectic mix of culture makes the city and its surrounding areas a worthy treasure for exploring. Get lost in the labyrinthine lanes and narrow streets, or enjoy the burgeoning art scene that has made many a lover of fine art.

July to November – Summer/Shoulder Season

Langkawi beach in Malaysia
Langkawi Island is the perfect beach getaway.

July to November is when the shoulder season of Malaysia takes place with the Ramadan ending. Temperatures rise but not as much as the seasons before and Kuala Lumpur transitions from the monsoons to the slow winter months.

  • Avg. Temperature: 81° F / 27° C (in Kuala Lumpur)
  • Rainfall: 200 mm
  • Season: Summer
  • Highlights: This is may be a good season for you to wander off into the nearby jungles for a plethora of wildlife and fauna. Visit some of the jungles around Langkawi for a good taste of the wildlife and the beaches that surround the island.
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