Malaysia in September: Weather, Crowds and More
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.
- Mohameed Sameer
- From Bangladesh
Malaysia Weather in September
Just how wet is Malaysia in September? Around 380 millimeters and 335 millimeters of rain will fall in Langkawi and Penang, respectively. Kuala Lumpur and Malacca remain relatively dry, with about 200 millimeters of rainfall in September. If you must hit the beach on the peninsula’s western side, try the drier Pangkor Islands instead, which only get about 180 millimeters of rainfall in September.
Over on the East Coast and Borneo, hot sunny days and clear blue skies are the norm. When it does rain, it is usually a short, intense downpour followed by more sunshine. In terms of temperature, Malaysia has a consistently hot equatorial climate. Expect the average daytime temperature of 31°C (88°F) if you are visiting Malaysia in September.
For an in-depth month-by-month look at the weather, read our guide on the best time to visit Malaysia.
Weather in Malaysia in September - 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 |
| Aug | Sep | Oct | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 32 | 31 | 31 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 23 | 23 | 23 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 90 | 88 | 88 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 74 | 74 | 74 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 160 | 200 | 280 |
Why Visit Malaysia in September
There’s a plethora of compelling reasons to visit Malaysia in September. Here are some of them:
- Idyllic East Coast weather: Picture-perfect sunny days and infrequent rain guarantee a dream holiday on eastern islands like the Perhentians, Tioman, Redang, and Kapas.
- Moderate crowds: September is a shoulder season month in Malaysia, as the summer vacation throngs from North America and Europe have gone home. However, expect more holidaymakers from the Middle East instead.
- Attractive prices: West Coast hotels in Langkawi slash their rates as the monsoon scares most tourists away. International airfares are also cheap in this shoulder season month.
- Fabulous festivals: A wide range of colorful events are celebrated in Malaysia during September, from the Festival of the Hungry Ghosts to the Moon Cake Festival and the Hindu holiday of Navaratri.
Where to Go and What to Do
The East Coast and Borneo offer splendid weather throughout September, which falls towards the end of the dry season. The dry season also sees calmer seas, ideal for snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping tours.
Perhentian Islands offer some of Asia’s most affordable PADI Open Water courses if you are interested in diving. If you just want to kick back on a hammock and gaze at the turquoise waters, islands like Redang and Kapas are blissfully chill. Hit Tioman if duty-free liquor and jaw-dropping scenery tickle your fancy.
Wildlife enthusiasts might scoot over to Borneo, a sprawling jungle-smothered island shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei. Within the capital of the Malaysian province of Saba, you can spot exotic birdlife among steamy mangroves at the Kota Kinabalu Wetlands. Like the rest of Borneo, the Kota Kinabalu weather in September is warm and dry. If giant orange apes appeal, sanctuaries such as Semenggoh in Sarawak house majestic orangutans.
Once you’ve checked out the highlights like the Petronas Twin Towers and Batu Caves, make a beeline for Bangsar to mingle with the cool kids and munch on delectable local delicacies. The capital’s Indian enclave of Brickfields comes alive during Navaratri.
While Langkawi and Penang are a washout, the historic West Coast city of Malacca is a top September contender. Clear, warm weather gives cause to hire a bling-bling rickshaw and explore the city’s colorful, old-timey sites.
If trekking between lush mossy forests and quaint tea plantations sounds more like your jam, head up to Cameron Highlands. Speaking of jam, this pretty hill station produces some of Asia’s finest strawberries (and every related by-product imaginable).
What to Pack
Pack plenty of wet weather gear if you’re heading west. Insect repellent is essential wherever you may roam.
As Malaysia is a conservative country, most locals dress modestly outside of lively inner-city bars and Westernized beach resorts. Follow their lead to avoid attracting unwanted attention.
Planning a trip to Malaysia in September?
While most of the West Coast is a washout, September brings hot, sunny weather to the east of Malaysia and hotspots like Kuala Lumpur and the Cameron Highlands. Being selective with your destinations allows you to enjoy a fine and dry vacation this time of year.
Need help planning a trip to Malaysia? Contact our friendly team of Malaysia travel experts today for a customized Malaysia tour or read our Malaysia travel guide for inspiration.
