When Is The Best Time To Visit Malaysia?
The best time to visit Malaysia is commonly between December to April.
With scattered rains in the evenings, the weather is not as hot and humid as most of the year.
Even in the driest season, Malaysia’s tropical monsoon climate ensures brief rain spells, so make sure you carry an umbrella.
If you want to make vacation plans and wonder when the best time is to visit Malaysia, you are in the right place with Travel Stylus.
Drive away from Kuala Lumpur.
There are islands, mountains, caves, countless temples, and a unique chance to explore the fauna-rich jungle of Malaysia Borneo.
The country’s beautiful coral reefs and soft sandy beaches regularly make top destinations lists. Malaysia is the ultimate destination for snorkeling and scuba diving.
You will get an insight into the best time to visit Malaysia’s most popular attractions on the West Coast: Genting Highlands, Langkawi, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur.
Note: Due to current global health and safety issues, some businesses may be temporarily closed.
For more ideas on spending your time, here’s an insight on the best time to visit Malaysia and the list of Top Tourist Attractions.
- Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur
- Langkawi Sky Cab, Kedah
- Batu Caves, Selangor
- Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
- Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak
- Cameron Highlands, Pahang
- Habitat, Penang Hill, Penang
- Perhentian Island, Terengganu
- Sipadan Island, Sabah
- Bako National Park, Sarawak
When is The Best Time to Visit Malaysia for your vacation?
If you’re thinking about the weather – Malaysia is near the equator and experiences hot sunny days and high humidity throughout the year.
What the locals consider rain showers are scattered evening thunderstorms.
If you’re planning to visit the West Coast, November to February is the sunniest and driest weather, ideal for beach trips.
April to October is the best month to travel for vacations to the East Coast.
The peak period coincides with the local school holidays when the Malaysians take their annual breaks.
Hotels, attractions, and restaurants are packed between November and January.
On the flip side, you enjoy the rain and cool weather.
When is the Best Time to Visit Malaysia?
Malaysia is a beautiful country to enjoy the natural rainforests and historical attractions of its colonial architecture.
With her vast culture and people, you’ll need to plan and figure out the best time to visit Malaysia before you go.
Rather than being confusing, listen to different suggestions or people telling you it’s “perfect anytime!” it makes your experience more memorable and worth it.
So, when’s the best time to visit Malaysia?
To help you out, let me show you a detailed guide on the various places to go to and the ideal dates and avoid heavy rains in Malaysia!
When is the Best Time to Visit Kuala Lumpur?
Malaysia’s weather is always humid.
The weather remains hot, and it rains throughout the year in the capital city, Kuala Lumpur, but it is cooler since many valleys shield it.
May to July remains the best time to visit Kuala Lumpur as it is relatively dry during these months, with the skies bluer than ever before!
Travel Tip: Three days in Kuala Lumpur is the right time to experience the mix of modernity and tradition in the Malaysian capital, a firm favorite on Southeast Asia travel itineraries.
Drive away from Kuala Lumpur to the islands, mountains, caves, countless temples, and a unique chance to explore the fauna-rich jungle of Malaysia Borneo.
The Best Time to Visit George Town, Penang.
While Penang is a great place to visit all year round, the best time to go is when the weather is ideal – from November to January.
Penang is steeped in history and cultural experiences.
The islands around Penang offer endless vistas of turquoise waters, beach resorts, and pristine secluded beaches.
If you prefer a quieter time with fewer tourists, February to April is perfect since the weather is still good.
Avoid May to October because of the tropical rain showers.
Since this is not a busy season, you can enjoy many discounts.
Travel Tip: A five-day stay is ideal for Penang, where you can explore beyond George Town for its colonial architecture, go mural hunting and chow down on local street food.
The city has excellent vibes, from a floating village on the sea to a funicular railway to the peak.
Three nights stay in her boutique hotel are
not enough surely to enjoy yourself.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Langkawi, Malaysia?
The peak season of Langkawi is from January to March.
The dry season without the rains and sunny is the ideal warm temperature for going to the beach.
Travel Tip: January to March is one of the hottest seasons!
May to July is one of the best but hottest weather, with blue skies and warm temperatures ideal for beach trips.
If you prefer cooler weather, the best time to visit Langkawi is from April to August.
If you love rain, cloudy skies, and the occasional thunderstorms, then September to October is your best bet to stay indoors and enjoy great hotel deals and NO tourists.
Travel Tip: For a small island, three days is enough to see all the best sights and enjoy the best beaches and waterfalls. The chilled-out holiday vibe, combined with the incredible surroundings and friendly Malay culture, might make you extend your three-day trip to Langkawi to an entire week’s stay in a luxury resort in the rainforest, complete with champagne breakfasts.
The peak season of Langkawi is from January to March.
When is the Best Time to Visit Malaysia – Genting Highlands?
The dry season is best if you prefer dry weather that isn’t too hot.
Remember to have a towel and bottled water. You could be dehydrated while walking around.
If you want to experience spring-like climates, the drier periods are pleasant months to visit.
For those who enjoy the rainy weather, March to September is more relaxed and mistier.
Travel Tip: Typical itineraries for Genting Highlands are three days best designed to enjoy the Genting Highlands Theme Park, Genting Skyway Cable Car, and the Chin Swee Cave Temple. The rest of the time gives you ample space to settle in and enjoy the city of entertainment.
When is the Best Time to Visit Malaysia For Shopping?
When we think of shopping in another country, we want to ensure that we get the best deals possible.
If you’re looking for annual sales in Malaysia, visit the Malaysia Mega Sale Carnival, which happens from June to September.
During this shopping festival, you will find many great deals in discounts you’ll wow over!
A tip when visiting markets would be to try going there early to get the first sale, as you may get more discounts. You can also go there at night, since some close at around 10 PM!
Travel Tip: Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, and Melaka offer a wide range of shopping choices, from modern malls and specialty shops to lively night street markets called “Pasar Malam.” It is the cheap shopping places that draw the crowds. There is no time frame for the avid bargain hunter to enhance the shopping experience for shopping. Malaysian-style shopping and other surprises await your discovery at other wallet-friendly malls and neighborhoods, “Pasar Malam.”
Kuala Lumpur, Ipoh, Penang, and Melaka offer various shopping choices.
When is the Best Time to Visit Malaysia to spot wildlife?
Taman Negara
March to October – Dry Season
March and July – Best Months for bird watching
We consider March and October the best time to visit the country, as mostly dry weather and clear skies characterize the period.
When is the Best Time to Visit Malaysia to spot hornbills?
Temenggor Lake, Perak
Aug to Sept – The best time to see thousands of hornbills.
When is the Best Time to Visit Malaysia – Cameron Highlands?
July, August, and September can get humid with the summer haze from forest fires from neighboring Indonesia.
Head to the Cameron Highlands for cool weather and fresh air.
Malaysians head to the Cameron Highlands for cool weather and fresh air.
What are the hottest months in Malaysia?
Here is a quick Climate Info for Malaysia and the Average Temperature for the tropical climate.
Hottest Month – May (84 °F avg)
Coldest Month – December (82 °F avg)
Wettest Month – November (8.66″ avg)
Windiest Month – August (4 mph avg)
The turn of the year happens around late November, December, January, and early to mid-February.
You will find the worst weather on Malaysia’s East Coast and around the westerly shores of Sarawak.
The rainy season coupled with strong winds for Sabah and Malaysia’s West Coast, is around September and October, affecting sea crossings, rainforest trails, and outdoor activities with heavy rains and downpours for a couple of hours, usually mid to late afternoon.
Just after the rainy season is the best time to visit Malaysia.
You will experience less rain and an abundance of green tropical foliage.
So, the best time to visit Malaysia in March, April, May, and June, which are much drier and less busy months to enjoy touring around the county.
When is the Best Time to Visit Malaysia to experience vibrant local Culture and Traditions?
Malaysia is a multicultural society.
Whichever kind of traveler you may be, getting to know the Malaysian people and the culture sets your holiday here apart from all others.
In Peninsular Malaysia, the main ethnic groups are the native Malays and large populations of Chinese and Indians.
When visiting Malaysia, you see that the different ethnicities keep their religions, customs, and way of life.
The most important festivals for each group are public holidays.
16 Festivals In Malaysia Best Time to Visit
If you wish to witness its culture at its best, here’s a list of festivals in Malaysia 2022 that you ought to see and be a part of!
Expect the crowds, lively attractions, and fanfare on the national holidays for Chinese New Year and Thaipusam.
- New Year – January 1
- Thaipusam – Jan/Feb 2022
- Chinese New Year – Feb 2022
- Malaysia Water Festival – April 2022
- Tadau Ka’amatan Harvest Festival – 30 & 31st May 2022
- Wesak Day – May 2022
- Hari Raya Aidil Fitri – June 2022
- Sarawak Gawai Festival – 1st June 2022
- Rainforest World Music Festival – July 2022
- National Day – August 31, 2022
- Hungry Ghosts Festival Aug 2022
- Mooncake Festival Aug-Sep 2022
- Hari Raya Haji – Oct 2022
- Deepavali – Nov 2022
- The Dragon Boat Festival – Dec 2022
- Christmas – Dec 2022
Amid the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, most places in Malaysia have called off the New Year’s Eve celebrations. While sites like cinemas and entertainment outlets remain shut, local councils, shopping malls, and major tourist spots have announced that there won’t be any new year events or fireworks displays.
#1 New Year’s Eve
New Year’s Eve is celebrated with great enthusiasm and delight in Malaysia.
Malaysians love the fanfare with dazzling fireworks in the sky, street fairs across the country, live concerts filled with fun-loving crowds, and booze-filled parties in rooftop bars.
Thus, Malaysia is one of the best cities in Southeast Asia to enjoy the New Year’s countdown, with plenty of places you can visit to enjoy the fantastic ambiance and entertainment.
Notable places to witness the New Year’s Eve fireworks
- KLCC Park, Kuala Lumpur.
- The Curve Shopping Mall, Petaling Jaya.
- Rooftop Bars.
- Changkat Bukit Bintang.
- Sunway Lagoon.
- TREC KL.
- Desa Park City.
- Dataran Merdeka.
- Resorts World Genting
- The Top, Penang
Malaysians love the fanfare, with dazzling fireworks on New Year’s Eve.
#2 Thaipusam
Thaipusam commemorates the victory of Lord Muruga over the evil spirit.
You can witness the grand procession where Lord Muruga is carried in a silver chariot from Kuala Lumpur to the Batu Caves amidst chants and drums.
Over a million devotees throng the temple to seek Lord Muruga’s blessings.
It is a sight to watch ardent devotees carry ‘kavadis’ yoked to their bodies through metal spikes.
When: Late January/early February 2022
Where: Batu Caves (Selangor); Waterfall Temple (Penang)
Highlight Of The Festival: Lord Muruga is carried in a silver chariot
#3 Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout Malaysia during the driest months.
The grand cultural celebration lasts 15 days, starting from the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar and ending with the Lantern Festival.
The festivities start with the reunion dinner on Chinese New Year’s Eve and paying a visit to the temple to seek blessings from the God of Prosperity.
You can witness the fascinating traditions of handing out the ‘ang pow’ red packets filled with money to children.
The Chinese give Mandarin oranges for prosperity.
Remember to dress up in red, the color of wealth, when you head out to the grand Open House spectacular lion and dragon dance performances.
There are many cultural events to visit in Malaysia during Chinese New Year that would allow you to relish this festival to the fullest, so check them out as well.
When: February 2022
Where: Across the country, especially Kuala Lumpur and George Town.
Highlight Of The Festival: Lion and Dragon dance performances
The Chinese give Mandarin oranges and “Ang Pow” for prosperity.
#4 Malaysia Water Festival
The Songkran Festival is one of the most anticipated annual festivals celebrated by the Thai community in Malaysia.
We associate the activity with it drenching people with clean, uncolored water.
It’s one of Malaysia’s most enjoyable cultural festivals, celebrated by everyone from different ages and walks of life.
Everyone gets to throw water on each other heartily.
The festival begins in Kuantan and ends in Labuan. Activities involve an international fishing tournament, kayaking challenge, sandcastle building, and more.
When: April 2022
Highlight Of The Festival: International fishing tournament
#5 Tadau Ka’amatan Harvest Festival
In East Malaysia, Sabah’s largest ethnic group, the Kadazan-Dusun, celebrates Tadau Ka’amatan Harvest Festival to thank the spirits for a bountiful harvest.
Padi farmers congregate to honor ‘Bambaazon,’ the heart of rice paddy, through traditional rites and customs festivities.
The Kadazan Dusun Cultural Organization headquarters hold ethnic dance performances and displays of outdoor activities and traditional sports like arm-wrestling, blowpipe shooting, etc.
A free flow of Tapai and Lihing, the local rice wines, adds to the spirit and enthusiasm of one of Malaysia’s most fascinating cultural festivals.
When: 30 & 31st May 2022
Where: Sabah
Highlight Of The Festival: Arm-wrestling, blowpipe shooting
#6 Wesak Day
The Buddhist community celebrates Wesak day.
The celebration in Malaysia gives you a chance to witness the three significant milestones in Buddha’s life – his birth, enlightenment, and nirvana.
Buddhists across the country observe fasting to cleanse themselves and meditate at the temples all day.
They release doves and tortoises as a symbol of liberating the soul and absolving one’s past life sins.
They mark the pious festival with almsgiving, spirituality, and positivity.
Radiating with positivity, Wesak day is the most revered and serene festival in Malaysia.
When: Full moon of May 2022
Where: Across the country
Highlight Of The Festival: Releasing doves and tortoises as a symbol of liberating
The Buddhist community celebrates Wesak day.
#7 Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (Eid)
Eid marks the end of Ramadan, the holy month of abstinence and fasting.
Muslims throughout the country celebrate by “Balik Kampong,” where those working in the cities make an exodus home to the villages to join the festivities and participate in special prayers held at mosques.
We mark Hari Raya Aidil Fitri by asking for forgiveness from friends and family members and celebrate with house visits and feasting.
The most beautiful festival is the Open House, where Muslims open their doors and shower warm hospitality on all guests with traditional delicacies and desserts.
When: June 2022
Where: Across the country
Highlight Of The Festival: Open House tradition
#8 Sarawak Gawai Festival
Celebrated by the indigenous Dayak race of Sarawak, the harvest festival is the most important in Malaysia, which begins on June 1 and goes on for an entire month.
The Dayaks dress in their traditional attire, indulge in a fascinating ceremonial offering, and welcome the New Year with gusto.
The best place to witness the celebrations in their full glory is a longhouse, the traditional Dayak home with over 40 families living under the same roof!
Traditional dances, feasting, and free-flowing tuak (rice wine) add vigor and charm to the celebrations.
No wonder it has a special place in the list of festivals in Malaysia as popular tourist destinations.
When: June 1, 2022
Where: Sarawak state
Highlight Of The Festival: Traditional dances, feasting, and free-flowing tuak.
#9 Rainforest World Music Festival
One of Malaysia’s most spectacular music festivals and the largest in Southeast Asia, the Rainforest Music Festival is a heady mix of live performances by top-notch international artists, cultural experiences, and workshops.
Join thousands of music enthusiasts worldwide as your foot-stomping music in the tropical rainforests of Borneo.
Head to the Sarawak Cultural Village for an unforgettable 3-day musical extravaganza, one of the best festivals in Malaysia in 2022.
When: July 2022
Where: Borneo
Highlight Of The Festival: Live performances, a worldwide music festival
#10 National Day Malaysia
Hari Merdeka, one of Malaysia’s most glorious festivals, is not missed if you’re in Kuala Lumpur on August 31.
On the eve of Independence Day, you will witness Spectacular fireworks.
In the morning, a grand parade at Merdeka Square with concerts and performances to celebrate the country’s independence from British rule on this day in 1957.
Parades, stage shows, and exhibitions are held across the country.
To witness the grand celebrations in Malaysia, you must attend Hari Merdeka celebrations in Kuala Lumpur.
#11 Hungry Ghosts Festival
A unique celebration called the Hungry Ghosts Festival is celebrated during the Chinese seventh month.
The spirits of the dead are released from hell to roam the earth for a month during this period.
The Chinese offer food and traditional puppet show, making it one of the most cheerful festivities in Malaysia.
When: August/September 2022
Where: Across the country at the community level
Highlight Of The Festival: Puppet shows, Chinese Opera, Getai Live Shows
#12 The Mooncake Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival, or the Lantern Festival, follows the ancient tradition of thanking the moon goddess for a bountiful harvest.
The Chinese community with colorful lantern processions traditionally celebrates the festival.
Malaysians look forward to savoring delicious mooncakes during the celebrations.
The round sweet cakes signify the moon, representing unity within the community and family.
When: August/September 2022
Where: Across the country
Highlight Of The Festival: Mooncakes
Malaysians look forward to savoring delicious mooncakes during the Mooncake Festival.
#13 Hari Raya Haji – National Holiday
Hari Raya Haji commemorates the famous Islamic festival of Eid al-Adha, when the Muslim community in Malaysia engages in sacrificial slaughtering (korban).
After prayers, the mosque distributes the meat to the poor and needy.
When: October 2022
Highlight Of The Festival: Praying and greeting fellow friends
#14 Deepavali – National Holiday
The ‘Festival of Lights’ is celebrated in Malaysia with just as much enthusiasm and vigor as in India.
You’ll see local Hindus celebrate Deepavali with a Kolam design.
They usually draw the decorative rice motif on the home’s front, which welcomes Lakshmi, the Hindu Goddess of Prosperity, and attracts good luck.
Hotels and malls have Kolam design competitions, and the beautiful motifs are bound to put a smile on visitors’ faces for Deepavali shopping or festivities in the home.
All the races in Malaysia join in the festivities with greetings and feasting on goodies.
When: November 2022
Highlight Of The Festival: Visiting relatives, distributing sweets
Hotels and malls have Kolam design competitions.
#15 The Dragon Boat Festival – Penang
The Penang International Dragon Boat Festival is one of the most famous Malaysian festivals and is a massive hit amongst locals and tourists.
We held the annual event at the Teluk Bahang dam in Penang.
Every year, over 40 competitors from Malaysia and worldwide participate in the race with their colorful traditional boats to the beat of the drums.
When: December 2022
Where: Penang
Highlight Of The Festival: Colorful traditional boats
The Dragon Boat Festival – Penang
#16 Christmas Festivities in Malaysia
While you may not find a traditional “white Christmas” in Malaysia, it is still one of the most celebrated year-end festivities.
You will experience everything from lights, Christmas displays, carols singing, Christmas Turkey with all the trimmings, decorations, and Christmas buffets in the hotels.
When: December 2022
Highlight Of The Festival: Christmas Tree lighting, carol singing, cakes, and decorations.
Malaysia has cultural diversity, which you can experience in its festivals and events.
If you’re looking for more exciting festivals in Malaysia in 2022, the Kelantan Kite Festival and The George Town Festival are must-visits.
Christmas celebrations among friends.
Kelantan International Kite Festival – East Coast
The wau, or giant kite, is synonymous with the state of Kelantan on the East Coast.
Flying kites in Malaysia isn’t an effortless task as their size sometimes can even reach 3.5 meters.
There is a traditional game, “wau,” which is played mainly in rural areas of Kelantan, Perlis, and Kedah.
It involves flying beautiful kites at the end of the harvest season in March and April.
Malaysia’s Dying Art – Traditional Kite Making
The George Town Festival – West Coast
The George Town Festival is an annual cultural festival held in the city of George Town in Penang.
Inaugurated in 2010, the festival was initially mooted to celebrate the inscription of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The annual George Town Festival, reimagined and curated as a hybrid festival, is held in July in conjunction with George Town Heritage Day.
George Town Heritage Day – West Coast
Georgetown Heritage Day is a regional public holiday in the Malaysian State of Penang on July 7.
The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the recognition of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on this day in 2008.
So, the next time you plan your Malaysia trip, immerse yourself in its unique festivals to dig deeper into its roots.
Other Questions If You’re Wondering When is the Best Time to Visit Malaysia
If you are traveling for your U.S. Summer Holiday
Malaysia in Summer (June to August)
Summer Holiday #1: Memorial Day (May 27)
Summer Holiday #2: Independence Day (July 4)
Summer Holiday #3: Labour Day (September 2)
The corresponding summer season in Malaysia starts in June and extends up to August, with high temperatures during these months.
June and July are the months that expect the least amount of rainfall.
What is the tourist season in Malaysia?
Locally, tourism activities peak during school holidays and long weekends in Malaysia.
First Day of School, Term 1 Holidays, three Mid-Year Holidays, and End of Year Holidays (last three weeks in December).
The peak tourist season falls roughly from the beginning of December to the end of January.
(school holidays, Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Chinese New Year.)
Another peak is during Hari Raya Puasa, celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan and the Muslim fast, which shifts dates from year to year.
What is the best month to visit Malaysia?
The climate in Malaysia is hot year-round, interspersed with tropical rain showers.
For travelers, best to be ready for rain any time of the year.
Separated by the Titiwangsa Range, the East Coast and the West Coast experiences the wet season in different months of the year.
You get dry, sunny weather on the West Coast between November & February when the East Coast experiences the wet season and flooding.
Depending on which state you want to visit, the best time to visit Malaysia is from May to July or December to February.
If you want more time in Malaysia in the cooler weather with fewer tourists, October to January is a good season.
Does it rain every day in Malaysia?
If you are a visitor from the US or Europe, you will find the heavy rainfall short and violent with thunderstorms in the tropics.
It will rain very hard almost every day, usually in the evenings around 16.00 until 18.00.
Is Malaysia cheap or expensive?
Malaysia’s infrastructure is excellent and arguably one of the most well-developed countries in Asia, making it an ideal choice for both lifestyles and business or investment.
Connectivity is good with its transportation hubs for busses, trains, ferry.
Today, Malaysia Airports is one of the largest airport operator groups in the world—in terms of the number of passengers handled—managing 39 airports across Malaysia (with five international airports, 16 domestic)
In Malaysia, the population speaks English, and signages are in a dual language.
Malaysia has an efficient and widespread system of health care.
A two-tier healthcare system comprises a government-based universal healthcare system and a co-existing private healthcare system.
When you weigh these, you will find Malaysia is a wonderful choice and not that expensive compared to other countries in South East Asia, such as Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.
data-preserver-spaces=”true”>Traveling in Malaysia is much cheaper than traveling in other countries such as Australia, Canada, and most European countries.
Final Thoughts on the Best Time to Visit Malaysia
When traveling on holiday in Malaysia, this travel guide will help you plan and consider the dates you want to visit.
Planning helps you stay comfortable in the excellent weather, superb comfort, and participate in the cultural festivities that make your trip even more memorable!
We hope this article helps you understand the best time to visit Malaysia.
So, don’t wait any longer! Begin planning your trip to Malaysia today.
If you have questions or tips about the best time to visit Malaysia, comment below. I would love to hear what you have to think.
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