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Best time to visit Malaysia: month by month
Short answer
Malaysia is hot all year, with highs of about 30–32°C and frequent tropical showers. The west coast (KL, Melaka, Penang) is best from December to February and June to August, with the heaviest rain around April and October–November. Sabah is driest from March to October, while the east-coast islands close from November to February for the monsoon.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30°C | 23°C | 20 | high |
| Feb | 32°C | 24°C | 18 | high |
| Mar | 32°C | 24°C | 24 | medium |
| Apr | 31°C | 24°C | 28 | medium |
| May | 32°C | 25°C | 22 | medium |
| Jun | 31°C | 24°C | 24 | high |
| Jul | 31°C | 24°C | 19 | high |
| Aug | 31°C | 24°C | 27 | high |
| Sep | 31°C | 24°C | 23 | medium |
| Oct | 31°C | 24°C | 24 | medium |
| Nov | 30°C | 24°C | 28 | medium |
| Dec | 30°C | 24°C | 27 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
Highs of about 31–32°C and humid, with 22–28 rainy days a month; April is one of the wettest months on the west coast.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Highs of about 31°C, with 19–27 rainy days, mostly short storms; a good time for the west coast and the best season for the east-coast islands.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
Highs of 30–31°C; October and November are among the wettest months on the west coast, and the east-coast monsoon begins in November.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Highs of 30–32°C and slightly fewer rainy days on the west coast; the east-coast islands are closed or very quiet.
Events worth planning around
- Thaipusam at Batu Caves — January or February
- Chinese New Year — January or February
- Merdeka (Independence) Day — 31 August
- Deepavali — October or November
When to avoid
Avoid the east-coast islands (Perhentian, Redang, Tioman) from November to February, when the monsoon closes many resorts and boats. Around Chinese New Year and Hari Raya, transport and hotels are packed.
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Common questions
When is the best time to visit Malaysia?
For the west coast, December to February and June to August. For the east-coast islands, March to October.
When is the monsoon in Malaysia?
The east coast has its monsoon from November to February. The west coast has heavier rain around April and October–November.
When is Thaipusam at Batu Caves?
In January or February, following the Tamil calendar. Expect huge crowds.