The best time to visit Malaysia

The east coast of Malaysia experiences heavy rainfalls during the northeast monsoon season in January, making it less suitable for travel. However, the west coast enjoys sunny skies and minimal rainfalls, making it ideal for exploring. Start the year by wandering through the historic streets of Melaka, savouring mouth-watering street food, or delving into the vibrant capital of Kuala Lumpur. Alternatively, relax on the pristine beaches of Langkawi or Penang where white sands and turquoise waters await.

Whilst the east coast remains rainy, the rest of Malaysia enjoys ideal weather in February. Penang and Langkawi are also warm and dry, making them excellent for sun-soaked beach days and marine adventures. With fewer tourists, February also offers quieter attractions and off-peak pricing, making it a great time to visit.

The west coast of Malaysia enjoys favourable weather during March. For a unique way to explore, take a scenic train journey from Kuala Lumpur to Langkawi. Alternatively, venue into Taman Negara National park, where drier conditions make hiking, jungle trekking and river adventures more enjoyable, with less rain and safer trails.

The east coast begins to brighten up, with islands like Tioman starting to reopen slowly. Venture inland to the cave temples of Pahang or wander bustling markets to sample delicious Malay cuisine. Langkawi and Penang continue to bask in fabulous weather, offering ample opportunities to explore. In the Cameron Highlands or Kuala Lumpur, you may encounter occasional showers, but they’re unlikely to disrupt your plans. Over in Malaysian Borneo, the chance of wildlife sightings increases – visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre or the Bornean Sun Bear Centre to learn about Malaysia’s conservation efforts. Or, hike Mount Kinabalu, with cooler temperatures, fewer crowds and reduced rainfall.

On the west coast, winds begin to pick up and the once-guaranteed sunshine is often interrupted by late afternoon thunderstorms. The east coast, however, is the prime destination with its idyllic white-sand beaches and refreshing sea breezes providing relief from high temperatures. Island life is in full swing on Tioman and the Perhentian Islands, with calm seas offering excellent snorkelling and diving conditions amidst thriving marine life.

June is one of the hottest months in Kuala Lumpur, but with minimal rainfall, it’s an excellent time to explore the capital. Pair your visit with a trip to Kuala Terengganu, the royal capital of Malaysia’s nine royal states. On the east coast, temperatures can reach a balmy 33°C, drawing visitors to the beaches of Redang Island and the Perhentians, which remain busy through August. Tioman Island offers peak diving conditions, attracting marine enthusiasts. Over in Borneo, Kuching’s coast becomes a hotspot for spotting sea turtles.

July marks peak season on the east coast, with visitor numbers soaring due to the European school holidays. The weather here remains fantastic, making it a hotspot for beachgoers. In contrast, the west coast experiences choppy seas, windy conditions and occasional downpours.

August sees peak season continue on the east coast as European school holidays bring high visitor numbers. Booking well in advance is crucial to secure the best accommodations and experiences. The west coast, however, experiences heavy downpours and occasional haze caused by agricultural burning in Sumatra, Indonesia. For those seeking off-the-beaten-path destinations, Malaysian Borneo is an excellent choice. Explore Mulu National Park, visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre or enjoy the vibrant culture of Kota Kinabalu.

The east coast enjoys sunny days at the start of September, with smaller crowds as the school holidays end. This is an excellent time for snorkelling the clear waters of the Perhentian Islands. However, as the month progresses, temperatures begin to dip and seas around the islands only grow rougher. On the west coast, the rainy season starts to ease, bringing more frequent sunny days and the opportunity to take advantage of shoulder season prices.

Malaysian Borneo is on the cusp of its wet season. Visit at the start of the month for orangutan spotting along the Kinabatangan River or on wildlife walks at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre. Keep an eye out for other incredible wildlife, including pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys or the forest dragon. Meanwhile, the east coast faces high winds and heavy rains as the monsoon season sets in. With fewer visitors and more competitive prices, October is arguably one of the best times to visit Malaysia.

Monsoon season grips the east coast, lasting until February, with many resorts shutting their doors. Meanwhile, the west coast basks in mild temperatures and abundant sunshine, attracting visitors and creating a lively atmosphere. Explore Melaka’s vibrant night markets, uncover Penang’s rich colonial heritage or enjoy the cool climate and picturesque tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands.

December mirrors November, with the west coast soaking up the sunshine while the east coast remains in monsoon season and resorts stay closed. Visitors flock to destinations like Langkawi, Penang and Pangkor Island, where warm seas and long, dry days create idyllic conditions. In Borneo, heavy rainfall and rough waters mark the season, with much of the wildlife retreating until drier months. If you’re planning a Christmas getaway, be sure to book well in advance to secure the best accommodations and experiences.