What is the best time to visit Malaysia?

Best Time to Visit Malaysia

The best time to travel to Malaysia is during the dry season from April to October and the monsoon season from November to March.

Dry Season in Malaysia

The dry season in Malaysia runs from April to October, making it the best time for travelers to visit. During this season, the weather is generally sunny and dry, allowing visitors to explore the outdoors and partake in activities such as hiking and beach visits. The temperature ranges from 22°C to 33°C, making it perfect for lounging in the sun. Notable festivals taking place during this season include the Rainforest World Music Festival and the Pesta Kaamatan Harvest Festival.

Monsoon Season in Malaysia

The monsoon season in Malaysia runs from November to March and is characterized by heavy rains, thunderstorms, and strong winds. Despite the wet weather, this season is still a good time to visit as the temperatures are cooler and the humidity is lower. Travelers can expect temperatures ranging from 22°C to 33°C. Popular attractions during this season include the Penang Hot Air Balloon Fiesta and the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition.

Month-by-month guide for traveling in Malaysia

Malaysia in January

Weather

January in Malaysia typically has warm and humid weather, with temperatures ranging from 24-32 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is common, with an average of 200mm of rain per month.

Events

• Thaipusam Festival: The Thaipusam Festival is celebrated by Hindus in January, usually on the full moon day. It is a day of prayer and thanksgiving, and features a procession of devotees carrying kavadis and milk pots.
• Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year is celebrated in January, usually on the first day of the lunar calendar. It is a time of celebration, with decorations, fireworks, and traditional food.
• Malaysia International Gourmet Festival: The Malaysia International Gourmet Festival is held in January, usually in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. It is a celebration of food, with cooking demonstrations, competitions, and food tastings.
• Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival: The Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival is held in January, usually in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. It is a celebration of the arts, with performances, exhibitions, and workshops.
• Malaysia International Dive Expo: The Malaysia International Dive Expo is held in January, usually in the capital city of Kuala Lumpur. It is a celebration of diving, with demonstrations, competitions, and talks.

Malaysia in January

Weather

January is the beginning of the wet season in Malaysia. Temperatures range from an average high of 32°C (90°F) to an average low of 23°C (73°F). Rainfall is common during this time of year, with an average of about 20 days of rain in January.

Events

• Thaipusam: Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated in Malaysia, usually in January or February. The festival is celebrated in honor of the Hindu god Murugan.
• Chinese New Year: Chinese New Year is celebrated in Malaysia, usually in late January or early February. The celebration includes parades, fireworks, and traditional Chinese food.
• Malaysia International Gourmet Festival: This annual event takes place in Kuala Lumpur in late January. It features top chefs from around the world, cooking demonstrations, and gourmet food tastings.
• Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show: This annual event takes place in Kuala Lumpur in late January. It features the latest cars, motorcycles, and other vehicles from around the world.
• Malaysia International Dive Expo: This annual event takes place in Kuala Lumpur in late January. It features diving equipment, seminars, and dive trips.

Malaysia in March

Weather

March in Malaysia is usually hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 33 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is common in this month, and the average rainfall is about 200mm.

Events

• The annual Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is held in March. This festival is a celebration of the Chinese culture and heritage, and includes dragon boat races, cultural performances, and food stalls.
• The International Kite Festival is held in March in Langkawi. This festival is a celebration of the beauty of kites, and includes kite-flying competitions and performances.
• The Malaysian International Food Festival is held in March in Kuala Lumpur. This festival is a celebration of the diverse culinary culture of Malaysia, and includes food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and cultural performances.
• The annual Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival is held in March. This festival is a celebration of the arts, and includes performances, art exhibitions, and workshops.
• The annual Rainforest World Music Festival is held in March in Sarawak. This festival is a celebration of the diverse musical culture of Malaysia, and includes performances from local and international musicians.

Malaysia in April

Weather

April in Malaysia is typically hot and humid with temperatures ranging from 26-33°C (79-91°F). It is the beginning of the rainy season in Malaysia, with the average amount of precipitation for the month being around 250mm (10 inches).

Events

• The Malaysian International Furniture Fair (MIFF) is held in Kuala Lumpur in April, usually around the middle of the month. It is one of the largest furniture fairs in Asia, attracting exhibitors and buyers from all over the world.
• The Malaysian Grand Prix is held in April, usually at the end of the month. It is a Formula 1 race that takes place at the Sepang International Circuit.
• The Malaysian Open Badminton Championship is held in April, usually at the beginning of the month. It is an international badminton tournament that attracts some of the top players in the world.
• The Penang International Food Festival is held in April, usually at the end of the month. It is a celebration of the diverse cuisine of Penang, featuring food from all over the world.
• The Hari Raya Aidilfitri is a major Muslim holiday in Malaysia that is celebrated in April. It marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan and is celebrated with feasting and family gatherings.

Malaysia in May

Weather

May in Malaysia is generally hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 32°C. The month is usually accompanied by heavy rainfall, especially in the northern region of the country.

Events

• Wesak Day: Wesak Day is a religious holiday celebrated by Buddhists in Malaysia. It is observed on the full moon day of the fourth lunar month, which falls in May. It is celebrated with prayers, meditation, and offerings at Buddhist temples.
• Labour Day: Labour Day is celebrated on the 1st of May to commemorate the contributions of workers to the nation. It is observed with parades, speeches, and other activities.
• Hari Raya Puasa: Hari Raya Puasa is the Muslim celebration of the end of Ramadan. It is celebrated with family gatherings, feasts, and gift-giving.
• Malaysian Grand Prix: The Malaysian Grand Prix is an annual Formula One race held in Sepang, Malaysia. It is usually held in the month of May.
• Malaysian International Food Festival: The Malaysian International Food Festival is an annual event held in Kuala Lumpur. It features food from all over the world, as well as traditional Malaysian cuisine.

Malaysia in June

Weather

June in Malaysia is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 22-33°C (72-91°F). Rainfall is common, with an average of 11-14 rainy days throughout the month.

Events

• The annual Rainforest World Music Festival is held in Sarawak, featuring world-renowned musicians and traditional music from all over the world.
• The International Islamic Arts and Culture Festival is held in Kuala Lumpur, celebrating the cultural heritage of Malaysia.
• The Malaysian Grand Prix is held in Sepang, one of the most prestigious motor racing events in the world.
• The annual World Gourmet Summit is held in Kuala Lumpur, showcasing the best of Malaysian cuisine.
• The annual Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is held in Penang, featuring traditional dragon boat races and cultural performances.

Malaysia in July

Weather

July is the beginning of the monsoon season in Malaysia, with temperatures ranging from 24-32°C (75-90°F). The humidity is high, and rain is frequent.

Events

• The Malaysian Grand Prix is held at the Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur. This is a major event in the Formula 1 racing calendar.
• The annual Rainforest World Music Festival is held in Sarawak. This three-day event features music from around the world, as well as traditional Malaysian music and dance.
• The Malaysian Food Festival is held in Kuala Lumpur. This event celebrates the diversity of Malaysian cuisine, with food stalls, cooking demonstrations, and competitions.
• The International Islamic Arts and Culture Festival is held in Kuala Lumpur. This festival showcases the best of Islamic art, music, and culture.
• The Malaysian International Hot Air Balloon Fiesta is held in Putrajaya. This event features hot air balloons from around the world, as well as other aerial performances.

Malaysia in August

Weather

August in Malaysia is typically hot and humid, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C. Rainfall is common, with an average of about 250mm of rain throughout the month.

Events

• Merdeka Day: This national holiday celebrates the independence of Malaysia from British rule in 1957. The day is marked with parades, fireworks, and other festivities.
• Hari Raya Haji: This religious holiday celebrates the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and is marked with prayer and feasting.
• Malaysia International Food Festival: This annual event showcases the best of Malaysian cuisine and is held in Kuala Lumpur.
• Malaysia International Gourmet Festival: This annual event celebrates the culinary arts and features chefs from around the world.
• Malaysia International Floral Festival: This annual event celebrates the beauty of flowers with displays, competitions, and workshops.

Malaysia in September

Weather

September marks the beginning of the Northeast Monsoon season in Malaysia, with temperatures ranging from 24-32°C. Rainfall is common throughout the month, with the heaviest rainfall occurring on the east coast of the Peninsula and in Sabah and Sarawak.

Events

• Malaysia Day: Celebrated on September 16th, Malaysia Day commemorates the formation of Malaysia in 1963. Events and activities are held throughout the country to celebrate this important day.
• Merdeka Day: Celebrated on August 31st, Merdeka Day marks the independence of Malaysia from British rule in 1957. The day is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and other festivities.
• Malaysia International Gourmet Festival: Held in September, this festival is a celebration of the country’s culinary culture. Local and international chefs showcase their talents and offer unique food experiences.
• Malaysian International Furniture Fair: Held in Kuala Lumpur, this event showcases the latest trends in furniture design from around the world.
• Malaysia International Dive Expo: Held in Kuala Lumpur, this event is a celebration of the country’s underwater wonders. Local and international divers showcase their skills and offer unique diving experiences.

Malaysia in October

Weather

October is the start of the rainy season in Malaysia. Temperatures range from 24-33°C (75-91°F), and the humidity is usually high.

Events

• Malaysia Day: Celebrated on October 16th, this holiday commemorates the formation of Malaysia in 1963.
• Deepavali: This Hindu festival of lights is celebrated in October or November each year.
• Malaysian Grand Prix: This Formula One race is held in October at the Sepang International Circuit.
• Malaysia International Film Festival: This annual event is held in October and showcases the best of Malaysian and international films.
• Malaysia International Food & Beverage Trade Fair: This annual event is held in October and showcases the best of Malaysian food and beverages.

Malaysia in November

Weather

November in Malaysia is the start of the dry season, with temperatures ranging from 24-30°C (75-86°F). Humidity levels are high, and rainfall is low.

Events

• Deepavali: Celebrated by the Hindu community in Malaysia, Deepavali is a festival of lights that takes place in November. It is celebrated with prayer, fireworks, and feasting.
• Malaysia International Gourmet Festival: This annual food festival takes place in November, with over 70 restaurants from around the world participating.
• Malaysia International Film Festival: This film festival takes place in November, with screenings of films from around the world.
• Malaysia International Education Fair: This education fair takes place in November, with universities from around the world participating.
• Malaysia International Tourism Fair: This annual tourism fair takes place in November, with travel and tourism companies from around the world participating.

Malaysia in December

Weather

December is the start of the dry season in Malaysia, with temperatures ranging from 24°C to 33°C and humidity levels of around 75%. Rainfall is minimal, with most of the country receiving less than 100mm of rain during the month.

Events

• The Malaysian Grand Prix is held in December, usually towards the end of the month. This is a Formula One race held at the Sepang International Circuit and is a major event for motorsport fans.
• The Malaysian International Gourmet Festival is held in December, usually towards the end of the month. This is a food and wine festival that showcases the best of Malaysian cuisine.
• The Malaysian International Furniture Fair is held in December, usually towards the end of the month. This is a major event for the furniture industry, with exhibitors from all over the world.
• The Malaysian International Tourism Fair is held in December, usually towards the end of the month. This is a major event for the tourism industry, with exhibitors from all over the world.
• The Malaysian International Education Fair is held in December, usually towards the end of the month. This is a major event for the education industry, with exhibitors from all over the world.