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Because of geographical shape and location, Malaysia possesses a tropical monsoon climate. The best time to visit Malaysia is commonly between December to April. With spurts of rain here and there, the weather is hot and humid most of the time throughout the year. The tropical monsoon climate of Malaysia ensures short spells of rain even in the driest season, so make sure you carry an umbrella. Seasons differ from one side of the peninsula to the other and across destinations and thus, the best time to visit the country can vary. Despite the abundant rains, January and February are ideal time to visit Malaysia. There are numerous festivals like the Chinese New Year and Thaipusam which are celebrated during these months that are worth a visit. Once the rains subside, the entire place becomes calm with pleasant temperatures and grumbling waterfalls that add to the beauty. The Sabah fest, conducted in May is a week-long Sabahan culture's celebration which is worth a watch. Whereas in June, there is the Gawai Festival when the longhouse doors are opened for a couple of days for rice-harvest celebrations including dance, food, drinks and lots of music.
It starts in March and extends until the last week of May.
Temperature: The temperature during this season ranges between 23 and 33 degrees Celsius.
Weather: Weather during the spring months is mostly calm. There will be slight winds in March and May due to the southwest and northeast monsoons, but during April it is hushed and enjoyable.
Significance: During this period there are festivals like Easter and Sabhan culture's celebration which are worth a watch.
Why you should visit now: To spend a long day at the sea with calm breezes that kill the air. It is the best season to visit Malaysia for the beach expeditions.
Know before you visit: Rains are very meager during this period.
Tips: Stock up a lot of sunscreens and an umbrella, as they can come handy in protecting you from the heat.
It starts in June and extends until August.
Temperature: The temperatures during summers range between 23-32 degrees Celsius.
Weather: With the advent of southwest monsoons in deserts of Australia, June and July are extremely dry with little amounts of precipitation. Whereas, in the Western part, slight rainfalls can be expected by the end of August.
Significance: Birthday of the king, Prophet's Birthday and Independence Day are celebrated in June, and August respectively.
Why you should visit now: This is the best time to go for scuba diving and all other kinds of watersports due to favorable weather conditions. This is the most popular time to visit Malaysia because of the soothing climate that it has to offer with a little rainfall by the end of August.
Know before you visit: Even though there is less rainfall during this period, the humidity levels are always high and therefore rainfall is completely unpredictable here! The weather is extremely uncertain during summers.
Tips: Carry an umbrella wherever you go and also make sure to be drenched in sunscreen to avoid sunburns.
It starts in the month of September and extends until November.
Temperature: The temperatures during this season range between 23-32 degrees Celsius.
Weather: There is a gradual increase in the frequency of rains during this period. The showers usually begin in September in the Western part of Malaysia, whereas in the East, they start in the month of October.
Significance: International Music Day and Deepawali in October and November respectively.
Why you should visit now: The weather during this period is not so cold, which makes it a great time to visit the beaches and also get a view of the museums in Malaysia.
Know before you visit: November is the coldest and the rainiest months of Malaysia when the temperature and fall below 22 degrees, causing chills.
Tips: Do not move out without an umbrella at any cost. The accommodations are comparatively cheaper during this period due to rains.
December, January, and February are the winter months of Malaysia.
Temperature: The temperature during these three months ranges from 22 to 33 degrees Celsius.
Weather: There are severe rains across the country due to the effects of the northeast monsoon. These storms are mostly felt in the northeastern coasts of peninsular part of Malaysia. Whereas on the west coast, the influence of rains is hardly felt.
Significance: Festivals like Christmas, New Year and Hari Raya are held in December and January respectively.
Why you should visit now: If you want to enjoy a sunny morning at the beach and a relaxed evening in the indoors, this is the best season to visit Malaysia.
Know before you visit: The rainfalls in Malaysia are mostly during the afternoons and evenings, hence, make your plans for mornings ideally.
Tips: Choose the West Coast for tourism in this period, as the rains are barely felt during the winters in this region. Now its time to go for a Visa. Apply for a Malaysia Visa now! Also, get insured with an Asia Travel Insurance by Thomas Cook.
