🌤️ When to go?
Best time to visit Malaysia
The best time to visit Malaysia for backpacking is during the dry season, which is from March to October. During this time, you can enjoy pleasant weather with less rainfall and lower humidity. However, keep in mind that Malaysia's climate varies depending on the region, so it's always a good idea to check the weather forecast for the specific areas you plan to visit. Additionally, it's worth noting that Malaysia can be quite crowded with tourists during major holidays and festivals, so if you prefer a quieter experience, it may be best to avoid these peak periods.
Why visit Malaysia in March?
March is a great time to visit Malaysia because it falls within the dry season, offering visitors plenty of sunshine and comfortable temperatures. This makes it an ideal time to explore the country’s stunning beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities without the interruption of heavy rainfall. The pleasant weather also makes it a perfect time for outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and wildlife spotting.One of the major highlights of visiting Malaysia in March is the celebration of the Hindu festival of Thaipusam. This colorful and vibrant festival is celebrated with great fervor at the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur, where devotees gather to fulfill their vows and seek blessings. The festival offers a unique cultural experience for visitors to witness and participate in.
On the downside, March is considered a peak tourist season in Malaysia, so popular destinations can be crowded and accommodation prices may be higher. Additionally, some attractions and activities may require advanced booking due to the increased demand. Visitors should also be prepared for higher airfare and limited availability for last-minute travel plans.
Why visit Malaysia in April?
April is an ideal time to visit Malaysia due to its favorable weather conditions. The country experiences less rainfall during this month, making it perfect for outdoor activities and exploring the diverse landscapes and natural attractions.One of the main reasons to visit Malaysia in April is to experience the cultural celebrations and festivals that take place during this time. One of the most significant festivals is the Songkran festival, which is celebrated by the Thai community in Malaysia and involves water fights and traditional performances. Additionally, the Tamil New Year, known as Puthandu, is celebrated by the Tamil community with colorful processions and cultural performances.
April is also an excellent time to visit Malaysia for wildlife enthusiasts. The Taman Negara National Park and Borneo’s rainforests are teeming with wildlife, and the dry weather makes it easier to spot animals in their natural habitats. Visitors can embark on jungle treks, river cruises, and wildlife safaris to observe a wide variety of species, including orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and exotic birdlife.
Furthermore, April offers an opportunity to explore Malaysia’s beautiful beaches and islands without the crowds. Whether it’s diving in Sipadan, snorkeling in the Perhentian Islands, or simply relaxing on the pristine shores of Langkawi, the pleasant weather makes it an ideal time to enjoy the country’s coastal attractions.
Why visit Malaysia in May?
May is a great time to visit Malaysia because of its diverse cultural and religious celebrations. One of the most significant events is the Wesak Day, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. Visitors can witness colorful processions, visit temples, and take part in various religious activities. Another major event in May is the Harvest Festival, celebrated by the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun people in Sabah. This festival showcases traditional music, dance, and food, providing a unique cultural experience for tourists.In addition to the cultural festivities, May offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities. With the monsoon season coming to an end, travelers can enjoy the beautiful beaches and islands without the heavy rainfall. This makes it an ideal time for water sports, snorkeling, and diving in popular destinations like Langkawi, Perhentian Islands, and Tioman Island. The lush rainforests and national parks also become more accessible for hiking and wildlife spotting during this time.
Furthermore, May is a shoulder season, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices for accommodations and flights. This allows visitors to explore the country’s attractions without the peak season hustle and bustle, making it a more relaxed and budget-friendly experience.
Why visit Malaysia in June?
June is a great time to visit Malaysia because it falls within the dry season, offering visitors plenty of sunshine and warm temperatures. This makes it an ideal time to explore the beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities that Malaysia has to offer.One of the major reasons to visit Malaysia in June is to experience the annual Harvest Festival, known as Gawai Dayak in the state of Sarawak and Pesta Kaamatan in the state of Sabah. These festivals celebrate the end of the rice harvest and are filled with traditional music, dance, and cultural performances, providing a unique insight into the indigenous cultures of Malaysia.
Additionally, June is a great time to visit Malaysia for outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and wildlife spotting. The dry weather makes it easier to explore the country’s national parks and nature reserves, where visitors can encounter diverse flora and fauna, including the iconic orangutans in Borneo.
Overall, June is an excellent time to visit Malaysia for its favorable weather, cultural festivals, and outdoor adventures, making it a memorable and enriching travel experience.
Why visit Malaysia in July?
July is the perfect time to visit Malaysia for its vibrant festivals and cultural celebrations. One of the most notable events is the Rainforest World Music Festival, held in Sarawak, where visitors can experience a diverse range of music and dance performances from around the world. Additionally, the George Town Festival in Penang showcases a variety of arts and cultural events, including street performances, art exhibitions, and workshops, making it a great opportunity to immerse in the local creative scene.The weather in July is generally warm and sunny, making it an ideal time to explore Malaysia’s beautiful beaches and islands. From the pristine shores of Langkawi to the crystal-clear waters of Perhentian Islands, visitors can indulge in water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and island hopping. Furthermore, the Taman Negara National Park and the Cameron Highlands offer stunning natural landscapes and outdoor adventures, including jungle trekking, bird watching, and waterfall visits.
July also marks the beginning of the durian season, and for food enthusiasts, this is the perfect time to indulge in the ”King of Fruits” at its freshest. The abundance of durian stalls and markets across the country provides a unique opportunity to savor this exotic delicacy in various forms, from creamy durian ice cream to traditional durian feasts.
Why visit Malaysia in August?
August is the perfect time to visit Malaysia for its vibrant cultural celebrations and festivals. One of the most significant events is the Hari Merdeka, or Independence Day, which is celebrated on August 31st. This is a great opportunity to experience the country’s patriotic spirit and witness colorful parades, fireworks, and cultural performances.The month of August also marks the start of the harvest festival known as Gawai Dayak in the state of Sarawak. This is a time when the indigenous Dayak community comes together to celebrate with traditional music, dance, and food, providing a unique insight into the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia.
Additionally, August is an excellent time to explore Malaysia’s natural beauty, with favorable weather conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, diving, and exploring the lush rainforests. The beaches and islands of Malaysia are also perfect for those seeking a relaxing tropical getaway, with clear waters and sunny skies.
Overall, August is a great time to visit Malaysia to immerse yourself in the country’s diverse culture, witness traditional celebrations, and enjoy the natural beauty that the country has to offer.
Why visit Malaysia in September?
September is a great time to visit Malaysia because it falls within the country’s dry season, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and sightseeing. The weather is generally sunny and pleasant, with lower humidity levels, making it comfortable for exploring the diverse landscapes and natural attractions that Malaysia has to offer.One of the main highlights of visiting Malaysia in September is the celebration of Malaysia Day on September 16th. This national holiday commemorates the formation of Malaysia and is celebrated with various cultural events, parades, and festivities throughout the country. It’s a great opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Malaysia and witness traditional performances and ceremonies.
In September, you can also experience the annual Malaysia International Fireworks Competition, where teams from around the world compete to showcase their pyrotechnic skills. This dazzling event takes place in Putrajaya, offering a spectacular display of lights and colors against the night sky.
Additionally, September is a great time to visit the beautiful beaches and islands of Malaysia, such as Langkawi and Penang, as the weather is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying water sports. The clear skies and warm temperatures make it an ideal time for outdoor adventures and beach relaxation.
Why visit Malaysia in October?
October is a great time to visit Malaysia due to the favorable weather conditions. The country experiences less rainfall during this month, making it an ideal time to explore the beautiful beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities. The temperature is also more moderate, allowing for comfortable outdoor activities and sightseeing.One of the main highlights of visiting Malaysia in October is the celebration of Deepavali, also known as the Festival of Lights. This important Hindu festival is celebrated with colorful decorations, traditional performances, and delicious food. It offers a unique opportunity to immerse in the local culture and witness the joyous festivities.
However, it’s important to note that October is also a peak tourist season in Malaysia. Popular destinations and attractions may be more crowded, and accommodations and flights may be more expensive. Additionally, while the weather is generally favorable, there is still a possibility of occasional showers, so it’s important to be prepared for some rain during the visit.
Overall, visiting Malaysia in October offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the country’s cultural celebrations and natural beauty, despite the potential for larger crowds and higher costs.
🌤️ Climate in Malaysia
In Malaysia, an Asian state located just north of the equator, the climate is equatorial, ie hot, humid and rainy throughout the year.Temperatures are high and stable. However, there is usually a slight decrease between November and January, when highs drop to 30/31 °C (86/88 °F), and a slight increase (which, however, is felt because of the high humidity) between March and August, when highs hover around 32/33 °C (90/91 °F). The night temperatures fluctuate around 23/25 °C (73/77 °F) all year round, and almost never drop below 20 °C (68 °F).
Rainfall is abundant and frequent throughout the year, in fact, it is difficult to find an area where it is lower than 2,000 millimeters (79 inches) per year, or a month when it is lower than 100 mm (4 in); however, it is possible to find periods when it is not too high, although they are not the same everywhere.
The rains are caused by the monsoon regime, however, being that Malaysia is near the Equator and surrounded by the sea, there is no real dry season. In addition, the rains, as is generally the case in tropical countries, are quite erratic from year to year.
However, the monsoons make rainfall more abundant and frequent in the areas directly exposed to these winds. Between mid-October and January, the northeast monsoon prevails, affecting especially the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and the north-east coast of Borneo, while between June and September, it's the period of the southwest monsoon, which, in Malaysia, usually produces weaker effects.
It should be noted, however, that the tropical rains occur mainly in the form of intense downpours or thunderstorms, usually in the afternoon, so the sun shines on average for a few hours a day, at least in the morning, when the weather conditions are generally good. Generally, there are 1,800 hours of sunshine per year in the wettest areas and 2,500 in the least rainy ones.
The country is divided into two parts: Peninsular Malaysia, also called Western Malaysia, located in the Malay Peninsula, and Eastern Malaysia, or Malaysian Borneo, located on the island of Borneo.
source: climatestotravel.com
Explore Malaysia
Does the weather seem nice in the period you would like to go? Find all the info you need to start your trip, including reasons why to go, general country info and health and safety advice.