Best time to visit Malaysia

Best time to visit Malaysia: quick answers

When is the best time to go to Malaysia?

Malaysia has no single best month because two monsoons hit different coasts. A simple rule: go to the west coast, Penang and Langkawi from December to March, and to the east coast, Perhentian and Tioman from about April to October. Borneo is generally easier from roughly March to October.

When is the rainy season in Malaysia?

The north-east monsoon brings heavy rain to the east coast, roughly from November to February, and some islands there close. The south-west monsoon, from about late May to September, is drier overall but can still bring rain to the west coast and Sabah.

What is the best month to visit Malaysia?

For a mixed trip of Kuala Lumpur, Penang and the west coast, January and February work well. For the east coast islands, choose May to September.

Malaysia by region

• Kuala Lumpur: hot and humid all year, with rain possible in any month, usually as afternoon showers. It is a good city stop in any season; carry an umbrella.
• Penang and Langkawi (west coast): best from December to March, the driest time. This is also high season, with higher hotel rates.
• Perhentian, Redang and Tioman (east coast islands): best from about April to October. During the north-east monsoon, boat transfers can be unreliable and some resorts close.
• Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak): generally drier from roughly March to October, with December to February the wettest. Check conditions for the exact area.
• Cameron Highlands: cooler all year, with rain at any time.

Month by month

• December to February: west coast high season; east coast monsoon. Late November to early January is also local school holiday time, so popular places are crowded.
• March to May: a good bridge: the west coast is still good early on, and the east coast and Borneo improve.
• June to August: east coast islands and diving at their best; Borneo wildlife trips are popular.
• September and October: a transition period with showers; fewer crowds.
• November: the monsoon starts on the east coast; the west coast begins to dry.

Choose by what you want

• Beaches and diving: west coast December to March; east coast April to October.
• Wildlife in Borneo: the drier months. See our guides to Borneo and orangutans in Borneo.
• City and food trips: year-round. See our Malaysia itinerary.
• Fewer crowds: avoid late November to early January.

Plan your Malaysia trip with us

Tell us your dates and we will match the coast and Borneo stops to the monsoon. Explore our private Malaysia tours.

Best time to visit Malaysia: FAQ

What is the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur?

Any time works; rain can fall year-round. Many travelers prefer December to March or June to August.

What is the best time to visit Langkawi?

December to March is the driest.

When is the best time for the Perhentian Islands?

About April to October; some islands close during the north-east monsoon.

When is the wet season in Borneo?

Generally from about December to February.

Is there a month with good weather everywhere?

No single month suits every region; choose coasts by season.