Malaysia in February: Weather, Places and More
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.
- Mohameed Sameer
- From Bangladesh
Weather in Malaysia in February
Malaysia’s warm equatorial climate means consistently hot weather throughout the year. February sees temperatures of 31°C (88°F) – 33°C (91°F) in western hotspots like Kuala Lumpur, Langkawi, and Penang. The east is a little cooler at the end of the monsoon, with average highs of about 29°C (84°F).
While the temperature remains reasonably stable throughout Malaysia (except for its crisp, high-altitude zones), rainfall can vary wildly.
The west coast holiday favorite of Langkawi sees a mere 38mm of rain during February. On the east coast, however, the Perhentian Islands see more than double that precipitation during an average February, expect about 102 mm. But don’t cancel your SCUBA course just yet—102mm is just a fraction of the Perhentian’s monsoon rain (around 600mm in November and December).
Check out our best time to visit Malaysia for an in-depth guide on Malaysia’s weather.
Weather in Malaysia in February - 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 |
| Jan | Feb | Mar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 32 | 32 | 33 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 22 | 23 | 23 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 90 | 90 | 92 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 72 | 74 | 74 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 239 | 200 | 260 |
Why Visit Malaysia in February
There’s a whole host of reasons you should check out Malaysia in February, from dry west weather to quiet east coast beach resorts.
- Idyllic weather (west coast): February is one of the best months to visit west coast highlights like Langkawi and Penang. Although rain can always fall in hot tropical regions, it’s far less of a problem this time of year.
- Uncrowded beaches (east coast): February sees the northeast monsoon slowly draw to a close, yet the eastern high season remains months away. Fewer tourists on islands like the Perhentians, Rendang, and Tioman make for a quiet, cost-effective escape.
- Chinese New Year celebrations: Malaysia has a massive (about 22%) ethnic Chinese population, so loud and colorful New Year shindigs are all but guaranteed. The lunar holiday falls in January or February each year.
Where to Go and What to Do
If optimizing sunshine is a priority, your best bet is to go west. The western half of the Malaysian Peninsula sees far less rainfall in February than most other months, making it a great time to get out and explore.
As the palm-fringed jewel in Malaysia’s tourism crown, Langkawi comes alive during the peak January and February months. Soak up some sun on the sugary white sands of Pantai Cenang or hop on an island-hopping tour—the seas are super calm this time of year. For sweeping viewpoints, Gunung Raya and Langkawi Sky Bridge hit the mark.
About a hundred kilometers south, a Penang tour is another must-do Malaysian destination that enjoys near-perfect weather in February. Tour its enchanting mansions, historic jetties, and dazzling temples before sampling George Town’s world-famous street food. Nature lovers can scale lofty mountains or mosey around the tranquil Penang National Park.
Many travelers start and/or end in Kuala Lumpur for its handy aviation hub, KLIA. This sprawling modern metropolis is awash with glitzy megamalls and authentic restaurants serving lip-smacking cuisine. Don’t miss the Twin Petronas Towers and the impressive Hindu statues inside the Batu Caves. Kuala Lumpur in February can get a tad hot, so get ready to hop between air-conditioned taxis and malls.
Nearby, Malacca makes for a great day trip (or stay longer if you like) for its bustling markets and historical sites.
The relatively dry month of February is an excellent time for trekking. To savor scenic tea plantations and romantic rolling green hills, head for the lofty Cameron Highlands. A vast network of trails keeps hardy trekkers happy for days. In Taman Negara National Park, guided eco-adventures combine jungle trekking, river cruises, and canopy walks.
You’ll find many things to do in Malaysia in February. For more comprehensive information, take a gander at our Malaysia travel guides.
What to Bring
It’s always hot in Malaysia, so leave your nan’s knitted wooly jumper at home. Loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in a breathable fabric will serve you best. The country’s conservative inhabitants will appreciate the effort to cover up. However, do feel free to bring a bikini for the beach.
As February in Malaysia is a top month for trekking, it’s worth packing a pair of trail runners or hiking boots. Wet weather gear will be handy if you venture east.
Planning a Trip To Malaysia in February?
February is a wonderful time to visit Malaysia for its pleasant sunny weather on the West Coast. While the east (including Borneo) can get a little wet, you’ll be visiting during the tail end of the monsoon—it’s usually not a total washout. Contact our expert team today if you need help organizing a customized trip to Malaysia.
