Best Time to Visit Malaysia

city panorama (Matthias Hiltner)  [flickr.com]  CC BY 
License Information available under 'Proof of Image Sources'
On this page, you will find information about the climate and the best time to visit Malaysia. We created climate tables and charts for the locations of Kuala Lumpur, Sandakan und George Town. These contain details about temperatures, precipitation and more.

Furthermore, we analyzed all climate data and provide a recommendation about which months are best to visit Malaysia for your holiday.

Climate Overview

Thermometer Symbol 22 °C to 34 °C
Waves Symbol 27 °C to 29 °C
Rainy Cloud Symbol 1.8518.43 in (5 – 26 Days of Rain)
Average Annual Temperature is between 26.6 °C (Kuala Lumpur) and 27.9 °C (Langkawi)
Show temperatures in degree

General & Geography

Malaysia is a country in Southeast Asia, bordering Thailand to the north, Singapore to the south and Indonesia and Brunei to the east.

Around 29 million people live in this multicultural state. The capital of Malaysia is the metropolis of Kuala Lumpur, one of the most exciting destinations in all of Asia.

Malaysia consists of the Malay Peninsula (western part of the country) and parts of the largest Asian island Borneo,
which is divided between Malaysia, Indonesia and the Sultanate of Brunei.

While Borneo is particularly popular with nature lovers for its unique flora and fauna, the Malaysian Peninsula offers a wide range of pulsating cities and cultural highlights to dreamlike beaches.

Besides the capital Kuala Lumpur, the most popular destinations in Malaysia include the islands of Langkawi and Penang on the west coast.

Further inland, the Cameron Highlands and Taman Negara National Park, the oldest forest area on earth, are particularly fascinating. On the east coast, the islands of Perhentians, Tioman Islands and Redang are the main attractions.

Arrival is usually via Kuala Lumpur, which is served daily by all major airlines.

Climate in Malaysia

Sunset by the Bay / SML.20110203.7D.07258 (See-ming Lee)  [flickr.com]  CC BY-SA 
License Information available under 'Proof of Image Sources' The climate in Malaysia is tropical with very high humidity and only slight temperature fluctuations throughout the year. With the exception of the altitudes (e.g. Cameron Highlands), day temperatures average 30 °C to 33 °C all year round and rarely drop below 23 °C even at night.

The seasons in Malaysia are strongly affected by the monsoon, but they are subject to strong regional differences. In concrete terms, it can be said that even within the Malay Peninsula, between the east and west coasts, most precipitation falls at completely different times.

The east coast with the offshore islands is particularly affected by heavy monsoon rains between the end of October and mid-February, many hotels and diving schools are completely closed during this travel season. In the west, however, there is no pronounced rainy season, but rather there can be short welcome coolings all year round.

In the region around the capital Kuala Lumpur most rain falls from March to April and in autumn from October to Christmas. Penang and Langkawi have the highest rainfall in April and May and in September and October. Borneo is humid all year round, the driest months are March to May.

Best Time to Visit Malaysia: Overview

JanuaryJan
Best time to traveltime
perfect for Langkawi, Penang & Kuala Lumpur
FebruaryFeb
Best time to traveltime
perfect for Langkawi, Penang & Kuala Lumpur
MarchMar
Good time to traveltime
perfect for the eastern coast
AprilApr
Good time to traveltime
perfect for the eastern coast
MayMay
Good time to traveltime
perfect for the eastern coast
JuneJun
Good time to traveltime
perfect for the eastern coast and Kuala Lumpur
JulyJul
Good time to traveltime
perfect for the eastern coast and Kuala Lumpur
AugustAug
Good time to traveltime
perfect for the eastern coast and Kuala Lumpur
SeptemberSep
Suitable time to traveltime
good conditions at the eastern coast
OctoberOct
Suitable time to traveltime
good conditions at the eastern coast
NovemberNov
Very wet
not perfect in all of the country
DecemberDec
Best time to traveltime
perfect for Langkawi, Penang & Kuala Lumpur

When is the best time to travel to Malaysia?


Malaysia is actually a typical year-round destination due to the large regional differences, as there is a suitable region at any travel season. When looking at the best travel time for Malaysia, we try to limit ourselves to the most important destinations and routes:

For Kuala Lumpur and the west coast with Penang and Langkawi we recommend December to February and June to August as the best travel season. In general, however, the West of Malaysia is good to visit all year round. For the east coast we particularly recommend the months April to October.

Malaysia round trips are also possible all year round, but the European summer (June to September) shows a good intersection of good climatic conditions on the entire Malaysian peninsula. Borneo is also possible and highly recommended at this time of the year.

Best Time to Visit the Regions

Find the best time to visit the regions (Malaysia) in the following overview.

LocationBest Time to Travel
Kuala LumpurJanuary, February, June, July, August, and December
SandakanMarch, April, May, June, July, and August
George TownJanuary, February, and December
LangkawiJanuary, February, March, April, and December

Climate Charts Malaysia

In the following, you will find climate charts for the regions.

Furthermore, there are some charts you can use for quick comparison of climate between the regions.

Show Climate Chart for    

Kuala Lumpur

Climate Chart Kuala Lumpur
Show temperatures in degree

Sandakan

Climate Chart Sandakan
Show temperatures in degree

George Town

Climate Chart George Town
Show temperatures in degree

Day Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Night Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Average Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Water Temperatures

Show temperatures in degree

Precipitation

Hours of Sunshine per Day

Source of Data: German Weather Service (Offenbach) and Wikipedia

Climate Tables Malaysia

In the following, you will find some climate tables for Malaysia, containing information about Temperatures, Precipitation, Water Temperatures, and Hours of Sunshine.
Show climate table for    

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature32°33°33°33°33°33°32°32°32°32°31°32°
Night Temperature22°22°23°23°23°23°23°23°23°23°23°23°
Water Temperature27°28°28°29°29°29°29°28°28°28°28°28°
Precipitation (inch)6.425.718.5811.227.2455.085.757.5610.7110.839.06
Rainy days161417191715151718222520
Hours of Sunshine677777766655
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Kuala Lumpur is 26.6 °C.

For comparison: London 11 °C, NYC 12 °C, LA 17.9 °C

Warmest month: May (27.2 °C)
Coldest month: December (26 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Kuala Lumpur is 29 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.

Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
all months

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 93.15 inch on 215 rainy days

For comparison: London 24.06 in, NYC 41.57 in, LA 12.01 in

Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): March, April, May, September, October, November, and December
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 65.2 in

You cannot expect snow in any month in Kuala Lumpur.

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, February is the sunniest month with an average of 6.8 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 6.1 hours of sunshine per day on average. For comparison: London has 4.1, NYC has 7 and LA has 8.9 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in Sandakan (Malaysia)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature29°30°30°32°32°32°32°32°32°32°31°30°
Night Temperature24°23°23°23°23°23°23°23°23°23°23°23°
Water Temperature28°28°28°29°29°29°29°29°29°29°29°28°
Precipitation (inch)17.0510.087.444.965.477.527.058.869.1310.3113.1918.43
Rainy days18121191112121514151820
Hours of Sunshine567887776665
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in Sandakan is 26.8 °C.

Warmest month: April (27.5 °C)
Coldest month: January (26.1 °C)

The maximum water temperature in Sandakan is 29 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.

Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
all months

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 119.49 inch on 167 rainy days

Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): all except April, and May
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 109.06 in

You cannot expect snow in any month in Sandakan.

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, April is the sunniest month with an average of 8.2 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 6.6 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Temperatures, Precipitation, Sunshine in George Town (Malaysia)

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Day Temperature32°32°32°32°32°31°31°31°30°30°31°31°
Night Temperature23°24°24°24°24°24°23°23°23°23°23°23°
Water Temperature27°28°29°29°29°29°28°28°28°28°28°27°
Precipitation (inch)2.643.465.558.359.766.898.319.1313.4314.769.84.13
Hours of Sunshine888777765667
Show temperatures in degree
Temperatures
The annual average temperature in George Town is 27 °C.

Warmest month: April (27.7 °C)
Coldest month: October (26.4 °C)

The maximum water temperature in George Town is 29 °C. You can take a bath at these temperatures.

Months with water temperature of at least 21 °C (adequate for beach vacation):
all months

Precipitation
Overall annual precipitation: 96.22 inch

Rainy season (months with more than 6.9 in of precipitation): all except January, February, March, and December
Overall precipitation in the rainy season: 80.43 in

You cannot expect snow in any month in George Town.

Sunshine
As our climate table shows, February is the sunniest month with an average of 8.2 hours of sunshine per day. Over the year, there are 6.7 hours of sunshine per day on average.

Popular Activities

More attractions

Kuala Lumpur: KL Tower Admission Ticket | From Kuala Lumpur: Batu Caves and Firefly Watching Tour | Kuala Lumpur: Half-Day City Tour | Kuala Lumpur: Private Tour to the Batu Caves | Group Tour: Batu Caves & Cultural Exploration Tour | From Kuala Lumpur: Batu Caves Cultural Temple Tour | From Kuala Lumpur: Cameron Highlands Full-Day Tour |

Current Weather and Forecast

Current Weather in Kuala Lumpur
few clouds     few clouds, 24.5 °C
Clouds: 20 %       Wind: 0 mph
Air Pressure: 1003 hPa       Humidity: 89 %
Last updated: 8th Feb 2023, 12:52 am
The next days …
8th Feb 20239th Feb 202310th Feb 202311th Feb 202312th Feb 202313th Feb 2023
light rain24 °C to 32 °Cmoderate rain23 °C to 31 °Cmoderate rain23 °C to 32 °Cmoderate rain23 °C to 29 °Clight rain23 °C to 32 °Clight rain24 °C to 31 °C
24 °C to 32 °C23 °C to 31 °C23 °C to 32 °C23 °C to 29 °C23 °C to 32 °C24 °C to 31 °C
Clouds: 98 %Clouds: 69 %Clouds: 26 %Clouds: 73 %Clouds: 88 %Clouds: 99 %
0.25 in of rain0.66 in of rain0.35 in of rain0.57 in of rain0.31 in of rain0.37 in of rain
Weather information provided by OpenWeatherMap. (CC BY-SA)
Show temperatures in degree

Important Regions and Cities

We have extended climate information for the following regions:

Malaysia: Experiences of our Visitors

There are 4 reviews for Malaysia holiday already. Average rating is 4 of 5 stars.
  1. Avatar Preview
    Michaela, 54 years old was there in November

    were already twice in November – was great both times!
    were in George Town and Langkawi – simply brilliant!

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

  2. Avatar Preview
    Julia, 33 years old was there in June

    In Kuala Lumpur it was mostly sunny and muggy-hot during the day, towards evening sometimes light showers, which did not last longer than 1 hour.
    Also in Melakka and Kuching (Sarawak/Borneo)

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

  3. Avatar Preview
    Anna, 25 years old was there in November

    Mostly sunny, occasionally short showers (10 min), tropically warm

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

  4. Avatar Preview
    Mateusz, 39 years old was there in September

    partly cloudy, a few showers in 2 weeks, generally good

    Weather Rating: 4 stars – Good

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