Best time to visit Malaysia | Weather and price

We found the ideal time for all the best activities in Malaysia.

We’ve got the perfect suggestions for when to visit for scuba diving and snorkelling, for hitting the beaches and for sightseeing from coast to coast.

Overview

Malaysia has consistent hot and humid weather year round. The west coast experiences its wet season from April to October, but thundershowers are usually only brief and provide a relief from the humidity. The east coast’s rainy season is from November to February and has heavier rainfall than the west coast. Most beaches and accommodation are closed during this period but reopen in March.

Temperatures are consistent all year round ranging from 21ºC to 32ºC at sea level. In the highlands, it is cooler with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C. The shoulder season months of November and March are ideal for travel deals and smaller crowds.

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Best time to visit Malaysia for...

• Sightseeing. November to March is best for sightseeing since this is the time when you’re most likely to catch the least amount of rain. In Kuala Lumpur, you can visit the Petronas Twin Towers as well as the nearby Batu Caves.
• Beaches. You can enjoy the beach anytime of the year, but you can expect rain showers daily. The best time to visit the beaches on the east coast is from March to September since it is typically drier than the rest of Malaysia during this time. For the west coast, visit from November to August as the heaviest showers are from September to October.
• Snorkelling and diving. The majority of the best dive and snorkelling spots are located on the eastern peninsula making the best time of year to visit between April and September. Monsoon season hits from October to March, making the water murky and visibility unclear. Some of the best islands to visit are Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Lankayan, Layang-Layang, Mataking, Pom, and Sibuan. For diving and snorkelling on the west coast, you should plan a visit between November and August.
• Honeymoon. Honeymoons are ideal at resorts on the east coast. March to mid-May and September will give you the best weather, lower prices and less crowds with minimal rain.

Best time to visit Singapore and Malaysia:

Singapore and Malaysia have consistent weather year round. It’s best to avoid the heavier rainy season by travelling in November, February and March. These months also avoid the peak tourist season around Christmas, New Year’s and Chinese New Year, so there will be minimal crowds.

Best time to visit Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand:

Thailand has the least consistent weather of these countries and the best time to visit is from November to March. April brings extreme heat and humidity as well as the start of the rainy season. The best weather for all three countries is between November and March, but this is also peak tourist season. March is ideal for weather, prices and smaller crowds.

Heading off? These travel deals to Malaysia can save you a bundle:

Kayak

London flights from $1,006 return

Valid for travel from 4-19 November 2019 with Malaysia Airlines. Sample fare is from Sydney.

Last verified 11 Sep 2019

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Deal ends 18 Sep 2019

Kayak

Thailand flights from $439 return

Valid for travel between January - March 2020. Valid for travel departs from Sydney to Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia.

Last verified 26 Aug 2019

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Deal ends 30 Sep 2019

Millennium & Copthorne Hotels

Asia: Up to 20% off dining + Extra 10% off bookings for members

Valid for stays on select dates in 2019. Destinations include Phuket, Singapore, Manila, Kuala Lumpur, Jakara, Penang and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 13 Aug 2019

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Deal ends 1 Oct 2019

Trafalgar Tours

Extra 10% off Asia 2020 tours

Valid for travel between January - December 2020. Destinations include Thailand, Japan, Malaysia, Vietnam, Cambodia and more. T&Cs apply.

Last verified 17 Jul 2019

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Deal ends 18 Dec 2019

Berjaya

Up to 25% off stays in Kuala Lumpur

Book in advance and get up to 25% off your stay in Langkawi, Malaysia.

Last verified 6 Feb 2018

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Berjaya

Up to 25% off stays in Langkawi

Book in advance and get up to 25% off your stay in Langkawi, Malaysia.

Last verified 6 Feb 2018

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Stephanie Yip

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Stephanie Yip is the travel editor at Finder and has been writing about travel and lifestyle for over a decade. She has written for Travel Weekly, Escape, Thomas Cook Magazine, Showpo, The Nibbler and Hostelworld. She was also the editor of kids magazine DMAG. Stephanie has a Bachelor of Communications from the University of Technology Sydney and has visited over 50 countries (and counting). She has a passion for sharing her experiences and knowledge of travel and helping readers stretch their dollars while on holiday.