gowhereandwhen.comMalaysia 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 booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jun.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Rainy season.
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.
Malaysia month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Kuala Lumpur.
JanuaryHot and wet.Good 52
- Daytime high
- 32°C / 90°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 170 mm
Hot and wet.
FebruaryHot and wet.Good 51
- Daytime high
- 33°C / 91°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 165 mm
Hot and wet.
MarchHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 41
- Daytime high
- 33°C / 91°F
- Overnight low
- 24°C / 75°F
- Rainfall
- 240 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
AprilHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 33
- Daytime high
- 33°C / 91°F
- Overnight low
- 24°C / 75°F
- Rainfall
- 290 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
MayHot and wet.Good 46
- Daytime high
- 33°C / 91°F
- Overnight low
- 24°C / 75°F
- Rainfall
- 200 mm
Hot and wet.
JuneHot and wetGreat 61
- Daytime high
- 33°C / 91°F
- Overnight low
- 24°C / 75°F
- Rainfall
- 130 mm
Hot and wet.
JulyHot and wetGreat 61
- Daytime high
- 32°C / 90°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 135 mm
Hot and wet.
AugustHot and wet.Good 52
- Daytime high
- 32°C / 90°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 170 mm
Hot and wet.
SeptemberHot and wet.Good 49
- Daytime high
- 32°C / 90°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 195 mm
Hot and wet.
OctoberHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 37
- Daytime high
- 32°C / 90°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 280 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
NovemberHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Fair 30
- Daytime high
- 32°C / 90°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 330 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
DecemberHot and very wet, monsoon rains.Good 44
- Daytime high
- 31°C / 88°F
- Overnight low
- 23°C / 73°F
- Rainfall
- 235 mm
Hot and very wet, monsoon rains.
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.
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.
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.
Watch out
Rainy season
all year.
Where to stay in Malaysia
Compare places to stay around Kuala Lumpur. Choose your dates on the booking site.
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Before you choose a stay
- Check the exact location and transport connections.
- Compare the full price, including taxes and fees.
- Read cancellation terms before you book.
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Good to know
What is the best time to visit Malaysia?
When is the monsoon in Malaysia?
Does it rain all the time in Malaysia?
Plan another month or destination
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