It is impossible to say there is a best time to travel to Malaysia because the country is split on two very different, and distant landmasses. Each with their own climate. The first thing is you decide when you can go and that will determine whether you go to Malaysia Borneo or Malaysia Peninsula ― how each landmass, east and west, is known by at least.
And neither side is better or worse off than the other. But if there is torrential rain in one landmass it could be its opposite has had its monsoon or is yet to get it.
Best suited for a tropical Island escape, Malaysia is closer to the equator than some other southeast Asia countries. All year round the average temperature touches the mid-80's Fahrenheit. That's marvelous but there are catches. The high humidity promises you rain at some point in the day.
Most frequently it may be a passing shower, that's okay. But it can be heavier, and it rains at least once most afternoons. But mostly in the afternoons, and not the mornings or early evenings. The best times for traveling to Malaysia are those periods outside the monsoon seasons.
We suggest you visit between late spring and early summer before signs of a monsoon in May. Malaysia Borneo has two parts: Sabah and Sarawak to the north. Both are identical in terms of weather but Sarawak gets slightly more rain in comparison. April is the ideal time to travel to Borneo and what you will get for your trouble are its Island paradises:
Sipadan Island is a firm favorite for its 400 different species of fish swimming in beautiful living corals. The Island is right in the heart of the richest marine environment on the planet. You will never experience anything better than this, anywhere.
Malaysia has two seasons:
But with Malaysia having so high humidity you can expect it to rain at any moment, anywhere in either season.
The monsoon season is usually around the middle of October and lasts until the following March.
Heavy rains from the monsoon are from May to October.
Malaysia is enjoying consistent warmth and sunshine and now is the time to visit Malaysia's best Island getaways. Average temperatures being in the mid-80's Fahrenheit, with a little rain potentially. Langkawi Island is a top-notch holiday destination. Kaula Lumpur too would be more than ideal as a starting platform to experience the Malaysian culture.
It is either January or February that hosts the Chinese Lunar New Year and, in the capital, (and elsewhere across the country, of course) it is safe to assume quality hotel availability will be at a premium. If you have any intention of travelling this month, book in advance to avoid disappointment.
The excitement in February may be the Chinese Lunar New Year were it not held the previous month. The whole country celebrates this event making Malaysia a magnet for culture hungry tourists. If there was rainfall in January then there will be rainfall for this month too and it could be more frequent and/or heavier.
If you don't want your holiday vacation rained on then avoid any coastal towns and beaches, and Islands on the east side of Malaysia. Malaysia Peninsula to the west is a safer bet for exploring the equatorial rainforest jungles, when low humidity is still the case.
Tioman Island is possible to travel to in March and your luck may run as far as the other Islands to the east. Otherwise, good times have arrived in Malaysia for international tourists coming to swim, sunbathe and snorkel. The waters are perfectly pristine and warm.
The most popular month for tourists coming to Malaysia, Penang and Langkawi Islands starting to see crowds forming. The sun is shining every day basking everyone is complete warmth. But. There may be an odd rain shower found in the Cameron Highlands for example, Kuala Lumpur even. Nothing to be bothered about though.
May is the month when the rains become serious in Malaysia Peninsula. Strong winds blow in and bring the potential for late afternoon thunderstorms. Most of the rain that falls on Malaysia you will discover is in the afternoons. You adjust your plans accordingly to pause whilst it rains to only continue after the storm has passed.
Elsewhere to the east there is zero impact from what is happening to the west. Snorkeling and diving are gaining great interest as more and more people flock to Tioman Island or the pair of Perhentian Islands. Expect calm seas and beautiful white sandy beaches. The temperatures can't be faulted either.
Much of the activity you will enjoy is diving beneath the surface for the beautiful coral reefs and marine life. Islands such as Tioman, Redang and the Perhentians are favorites for your holiday. The three of them are experiencing hot temperatures with dry weather. Rains to the west offer little disruption to those holidaying in Kuala Lumpur. They are sharp, short bursts before dissipating ― they don't hang around long enough to spoil anyone's enjoyment.
July isn't a good month to travel to the west of Malaysia Peninsula. There is a greater threat of rain and it is heavier and ferry services will be disrupted, if not cancelled altogether. Shift your attention to the east where the greater number of tourists are headed. There is much more sunshine on the northeast of Malaysia.
In the east, and northeast of Malaysia Peninsula, August is the peak season month. If you haven't booked your hotel accommodation in advance you will be faced with few options. All the best quality rooms and facilities will have been taken.
Despite the west of the peninsula receiving rainfall, that side of Malaysia continues to see people travel. It may be humid but it is also hot in between the downpours. Nonetheless, many are prepared to make a run for cover.
The end of the month will see the monsoon come in from the South China Sea but for now at least the good times continue to the east of Malaysia. On the other hand, the west of Malaysia shows signs of improving. The sun returns more often than not and the rain is less frequent and bothersome.
But because tourist numbers dropped due to the bad weather, they're slow to go back up. Now is the time to book a flight and hotel to arrive in this lull and grab a bargain at the same time.
There are several months of really nice weather to look forward to on Penang and Langkawi Islands. On the east side of Malaysia Peninsula however, people are battening down the hatches and preparing for the worst.
The west of Malaysia continues to bathe in warm sunshine whilst the east side of Malaysia is all but closed off to tourists. The Islands of Penang and Langkawi receive growing numbers of tourists. We suggest early November is your best time for arriving on either Island, having booked your flights and hotel in advance.
To the east side of Malaysia, the shops, cafes and restaurants will not open to tourists. Not until March, at least. Book early your flights and hotel to ensure you get the best accommodation when you arrive. The Christmas and New Year period is one of the best times we reckon, for a holiday vacation to Malaysia.
Due to November, December and January being the low season for tourists to Malaysia, we figure that's when the flights and accommodation will also be at their lowest. The temperatures are all year round, the same, with very little variation. We do not recommend you visit any destination along the east coast, unless you enjoy torrential rain and gale force winds.
Malaysia has too much of a paradise in terms of natural beauty, coral reef and marine life to ignore or forsake it for its lumbering monsoons. Plan your travel for the right time and you are destined for a gorgeous and memorable holiday. And it is relatively easy to understand when to go:
There are two very clear and distinct times therefore you can holiday in Malaysia and be very comfortable and relaxed. Just accept that it will rain sporadically no matter when you go or where, in equatorial Malaysia.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.