Malaysia
The best time to visit
When to go to Malaysia
Malaysia is warm and humid all year. The west coast and islands (Langkawi, Penang) are driest from December to March, while the east coast (the Perhentians, Tioman) is best from March to October and closes for the monsoon in winter.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Kuala Lumpur. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jun.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Rainy season.
In short
The year at a glance
Malaysia sits on the equator, so it is hot and humid year round with rain possible any day, and the trick is matching the coast to the season. The month ratings track Kuala Lumpur, which is steamy throughout but workable any month.
The two coasts run on opposite calendars. The west, including Langkawi and Penang, is driest from December to March. The east, including the Perhentian Islands and Tioman, is best from March to October and largely shuts down during the northeast monsoon from November to February.
Month by month
Malaysia month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Kuala Lumpur.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 170 mm | Good 52 | Hot and wet. |
| February | 33°C / 91°F | 23°C / 73°F | 165 mm | Good 51 | Hot and wet. |
| March | 33°C / 91°F | 24°C / 75°F | 240 mm | Fair 41 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| April | 33°C / 91°F | 24°C / 75°F | 290 mm | Fair 33 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| May | 33°C / 91°F | 24°C / 75°F | 200 mm | Good 46 | Hot and wet. |
| June | 33°C / 91°F | 24°C / 75°F | 130 mm | Great 61 | Hot and wet. Kuala Lumpur hotels in June |
| July | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 135 mm | Great 61 | Hot and wet. Kuala Lumpur hotels in July |
| August | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 170 mm | Good 52 | Hot and wet. |
| September | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 195 mm | Good 49 | Hot and wet. |
| October | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 280 mm | Fair 37 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| November | 32°C / 90°F | 23°C / 73°F | 330 mm | Fair 30 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
| December | 31°C / 88°F | 23°C / 73°F | 235 mm | Good 44 | Hot and very wet, monsoon rains. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
Kuala Lumpur and the centre
Hot and humid year round, with short, intense downpours and malls and covered attractions for when it pours.
Langkawi, Penang and the west coast
Driest and best from December to March, the prime window for the western islands and beaches.
The Perhentians and the east coast
Best from March to October for diving and beaches. The monsoon closes many island resorts from November to February.
Go for
Best time to visit Malaysia for
West coast islands
December to March for Langkawi and Penang, the driest, sunniest stretch on that side.
East coast diving
March to October for the Perhentians and Tioman, with calm, clear water for snorkelling and diving.
Cities and food
Year round in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, where the rain comes in bursts and the eating never stops.
Borneo and the rainforest
Drier months from March to October for Sabah, orangutans and Mount Kinabalu.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
West coast dry season, Dec to Mar
Langkawi and Penang enjoy their sunniest, calmest beach weather.
East coast diving, Mar to Oct
The Perhentian and Tioman reefs open up with clear, calm seas.
Rainy season
all year.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Malaysia
Compare hotels and rentals around Kuala Lumpur, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions