Malaysia travel guide
Malaysia is tropical all year, so the best time depends on the coast. December to February is generally favourable for Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi. March to October is generally better for east-coast islands such as Perhentian and Redang. Highs stay between 31°C and 33°C, and thunderstorms are common. October and November are the wettest months.
Facts checked 2 Nov 2026
| Month | Temperature | Rain |
|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23° to 32°C | 160 mm |
| Feb | 23° to 33°C | 140 mm |
| Mar | 24° to 33°C | 210 mm |
| Apr | 24° to 33°C | 240 mm |
| May | 24° to 33°C | 230 mm |
| Jun | 24° to 33°C | 130 mm |
| Jul | 24° to 33°C | 150 mm |
| Aug | 24° to 33°C | 170 mm |
| Sep | 24° to 32°C | 200 mm |
| Oct | 24° to 32°C | 280 mm |
| Nov | 24° to 31°C | 300 mm |
| Dec | 23° to 32°C | 250 mm |
There is no single best time for all of Malaysia. The west coast, the east coast and Borneo have different rainfall patterns. A first trip to Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi usually works best from December to February. Beach trips to Perhentian, Redang and Tioman work best from March to October. Temperatures barely change, so rain and sea conditions decide the choice.
December to February is generally favourable for these three. January and February are warm and comparatively drier, with 160 mm and 140 mm of rain. December is also a good west-coast and Langkawi month, though rainfall is higher at 250 mm. Expect east-coast monsoon disruption at the same time. If you want city, heritage and beach in one trip, this is the safest window.
March to October is generally better for Perhentian, Redang and Tioman. June, July and August give good beach conditions. The Perhentian Islands are best planned mainly in these months, because northeast-monsoon closures affect boat services and many resorts. Avoid these islands in November.
Christmas to New Year, Chinese New Year, Indian school holidays and July to August can raise resort prices and reduce availability. East-coast islands are most constrained during the northeast monsoon. Book ferries and island resorts early for school-holiday dates. Our Malaysia trip cost guide explains how season affects quotes.
Thunderstorms are common between monsoon seasons, especially in April, May and October. Plan outdoor sightseeing for the morning and keep indoor attractions, markets and food stops ready for the afternoon. Check the forecast before island trips, because tropical weather can change quickly. Travellers also warn that KL Tower's open deck disappoints in rainy weather.
Avoid east-coast islands in November, and treat October as a mixed month. The west coast stays possible in November but is very wet. If you must travel then, stay in Kuala Lumpur and choose indoor-friendly activities.
This guide is compiled from published tourism, weather and transport information and traveller reports. Temperature and rainfall figures are monthly averages and individual days vary. It was last checked on 2 November 2026. Check the forecast again close to your travel date.
Match your dates to places in places to visit in Malaysia, then read things to do in Malaysia and how to reach Malaysia. Return to the Malaysia travel guide, see Malaysia tour packages, or read the Malaysia visa guide for Indians. Our Malaysia Honeymoon 5N suits January and February dates.
Ready-made trips
Kuala Lumpur 2N · George Town, Penang 2N · Kuala Lumpur 1N
Kuala Lumpur 2N · Langkawi 2N · Kuala Lumpur 1N
*Approximate price per person, excl. GST. Contact us for exact pricing.
Packages cover stays, transfers, sightseeing and meals as listed. Flights are not included. Prices are per person, excl. GST.
FAQs
Short answers to what travellers ask about Malaysia.
December to February is generally favourable for Kuala Lumpur, Penang and Langkawi. March to October is generally better for east-coast islands. Thunderstorms can occur in any month. Choose your coast first, then your dates. Check the monthly weather notes before you choose dates.
June, February and July are the driest in our data, with about 130 mm, 140 mm and 150 mm of rain. January is also comparatively drier at 160 mm. Even these months can have showers, so plan flexibly.
November is the wettest at about 300 mm, followed by October at 280 mm and December at 250 mm. East-coast islands are especially affected, and boat services may stop in the northeast monsoon. Plan indoor activities for the wettest weeks, and check the forecast before island trips.
Yes. June is one of the driest months at about 130 mm, with highs of 33°C. It suits east-coast islands and highland visits, and the west coast remains workable. School-holiday demand rises in July, so book early.
Yes, but check the sea and weather. West-coast Langkawi is generally best from December to February, though July is workable. July is busy with school holidays, so book resorts and ferries early. Check the forecast and sea conditions before you book the ferry or resort.
Highs of 31°C to 33°C and humidity near 80% mean sightseeing is warm all year. Start early, rest at midday and use indoor attractions in the afternoon. Afternoon storms are common in April and May.
Avoid them in the northeast monsoon, roughly November to February, when boat services and many resorts close. Plan the islands mainly from March to October, and keep a buffer before any international flight. Speak to your planner about dates before you commit to a boat transfer.
January, February, June, July and December are good family months. Use two-night minimum stays, avoid excessive island transfers and confirm child policies for activities. Book early for school-holiday dates. Plan outdoor activities for the morning and rest in the afternoon with children.
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