When is the best time to visit Malaysia?

Visiting Malaysia in February

Another month to avoid the east coast. However, the rest of Malaysia presents perfect conditions for exploring. With low season promotional offers and lower visitor numbers at this time of year, this is a great time to visit.

Events & Festivals

• Chinese New Year (date varies): The Chinese New Year is a national holiday in Malaysia, with festivities and celebrations held throughout the country, making it an exciting time to visit.
• Federal Territory Day (February 1): A state holiday for Federal Territory in Malaysia celebrating the anniversary of the formation of the Kuala Lumpur Federal Territory in 1974.

Visiting Malaysia in March

It begins to brighten up on the east coast, and islands such as Tioman start to open up again. With great weather expected throughout Malaysia, you have the pick of most areas.

Events & Festivals

• Chinese New Year (date varies): The Chinese New Year is a national holiday in Malaysia, with festivities and celebrations held throughout the country, making it an exciting time to visit.

Visiting Malaysia in April

Visitor numbers continue to rise on the east coast, and with Penang and Langkawi still bathing in sunshine. April is a popular time to travel to Malaysia. Kuala Lumpur, the Cameron Highlands and Pangkor Islands are subject to the odd shower at this time of year, but not enough to impact on your trip.

Visiting Malaysia in May

Malaysia's east coast is the perfect place to be as the snorkeling and diving season begins. Calm seas and white sands are the perfect match for the beautiful islands. The winds pick up on the west coast and the continuous sunshine is no longer guaranteed. You can also expect some late afternoon thunderstorms.

Events & Festivals

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri (May): Marking the end of Ramadan with the breaking of the fast, this is one of the most important celebrations on the Islamic calendar. Families gather together for a traditional feast and travel may be busy.

Visiting Malaysia in June

Peak diving season begins on Tioman, with Redang and the Perhentians also experiencing hot, dry weather. The rains come to the west coast but are usually short sharp showers and should not impact on your overall enjoyment. This is a good time to combine Kuala Lumpur with Kuala Terengganu and the Perhentians.

Visiting Malaysia in July

This is peak season on the east coast, and visitor numbers will be high due to it coinciding with the European school vacations. The east coast receives some of its best weather, while on the west coast the seas are choppy, winds are up, and you should expect the odd downpour.

Visiting Malaysia in August

Peak season continues on the east coast and it's a good idea to book far in advance in order to secure preferred accommodation options. With hot, humid conditions and the chance of rain, Malaysia's west coast will now start to receive heavy downpours, though many people still travel during this period.

Events & Festivals

• National Day/Hari Merdeka (August 31): A day commemorating the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule in 1957.

Visiting Malaysia in September

At the start of the month the east coast should still be bathing in sunshine; however, as the month goes on temperatures begin to drop and rougher seas are visible around the islands. Over on the other side of the country, the rains begin to die down and sunny days become more frequent. With visitor numbers dropping, you could grab a shoulder season bargain.

Events & Festivals

• Awal Muharram (date varies, but usually between September and November): The beginning of the Islamic New Year is marked by Muslims through the attendance of religious activities, praying and singing.
• Hari Raya Haji/Feast of the Sacrifice (September): Marks the end of the hajj pilgrimage season, when many Muslims make the pilgrimage to Mecca. Animals are sacrificed and the meat distributed to relatives and the poor.
• Malaysia Day/Hari Malaysia (September 16): A national holiday to commemorate the establishment of the Malaysian federation in 1963.

Visiting Malaysia in October

The rains on the west coast have one last downpour before months of dry weather. There should be guaranteed sunshine on Penang and Langkawi toward the end of the month. The east coast, on the other hand, braces itself for high winds and heavy rains. This can be a good time to visit as visitor numbers will be lower.

Events & Festivals

• Awal Muharram (date varies, but usually between September and November): The beginning of the Islamic New Year is marked by Muslims through the attendance of religious activities, praying and singing.

Visiting Malaysia in November

With the majority of the east coast islands now closed, it's time for the west coast destinations to shine. Visitors start to flock to Penang and Langkawi. Go at the beginning of the month to have the pick of the hotels.

Events & Festivals

• Awal Muharram (date varies, but usually between September and November): The beginning of the Islamic New Year is marked by Muslims through the attendance of religious activities, praying and singing.

Visiting Malaysia in December

December has a similar story to November, with the west coast getting all of the sunshine and attracting most visitors as the east coast properties close their doors until March. Avoid the Christmas rush and get there early in the month.