Monsoon by Country
Malaysia
| Month | Monsoon Description |
|---|---|
| January | Malaysia. January. With the west coast basking in sunshine, it's a fantastic time to visit Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and the Cameron highlands. On the east coast, however, the rainy season ensues so is best avoided. The east of Malaysia, including islands like Tioman, Redang and the Perhentian Islands, see heavy rains between November and February. These showers can be longer and heavier than those in the west, so we generally advise travellers to avoid the east of Malaysia at this time. |
| February | Malaysia. February. With the west coast basking in sunshine, it's a fantastic time to visit Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and the Cameron highlands. On the east coast, however, the rainy season ensues so is best avoided. The east of Malaysia, including islands like Tioman, Redang and the Perhentian Islands, see heavy rains between November and February. These showers can be longer and heavier than those in the west, so we generally advise travellers to avoid the east of Malaysia at this time. |
| March | Malaysia. March. With the west coast basking in sunshine, it's a fantastic time to visit Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and the Cameron highlands. On the east coast, however, the rainy season ensues so is best avoided. |
| April | Malaysia. In April, weather in Malaysia is good across the country. The west and east coasts both enjoy lovely weather. The cultural centres of Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands and Penang might have a few odd showers but not enough to affect your trip; they might even be a welcome relief from the humidity. |
| May | Malaysia. May. The East Coast enjoys dry weather and glorious sunshine. The sea is relatively calm, perfect for snorkelling explorations around coral reefs. The west coast, on the other hand, is now in its rainy season, so heavy downpours should be expected, albeit short-lived. |
| June | Malaysia. June. The East Coast enjoys dry weather and glorious sunshine. The sea is relatively calm, perfect for snorkelling explorations around coral reefs. The west coast, on the other hand, is now in its rainy season, so heavy downpours should be expected, albeit short-lived. |
| July | Malaysia. July. The East Coast enjoys dry weather and glorious sunshine. The sea is relatively calm, perfect for snorkelling explorations around coral reefs. The west coast, on the other hand, is now in its rainy season, so heavy downpours should be expected, albeit short-lived. |
| August | Malaysia. August. The East Coast enjoys dry weather and glorious sunshine. The sea is relatively calm, perfect for snorkelling explorations around coral reefs. The west coast, on the other hand, is now in its rainy season, so heavy downpours should be expected, albeit short-lived. |
| September | Malaysia. September. The climate on the east coast remains dry with relatively low humidity, sunshine and little rain. A northeast monsoon begins to blow, bringing slightly rougher sea conditions and a cooler temperature than the summer months. The west coast wet season declines although rain can still come. In particular, Penang and Langkawi can experience heavy storms. The west of Malaysia, where you'll find popular beach spots like Langkawi and Pangkor, has heavier rain in September and October. However, it is still possible to experience a lovely beach stay with little more than a short sharp downpour at this time. |
| October | Malaysia. October. The climate on the east coast remains dry with relatively low humidity, sunshine and little rain. A northeast monsoon begins to blow, bringing slightly rougher sea conditions and a cooler temperature than the summer months. The west coast wet season declines although rain can still come. In particular, Penang and Langkawi can experience heavy storms. The west of Malaysia, where you'll find popular beach spots like Langkawi and Pangkor, has heavier rain in September and October. However, it is still possible to experience a lovely beach stay with little more than a short sharp downpour at this time. |
| November | Malaysia. November. Dry and sunny weather returns to the west of Malaysia marking the start of the peak season. You can expect reliably hot weather, with long periods of sunshine on the west coast throughout this period. On the east coast, however, the monsoon brings heavy rains. Many resorts in eastern Malaysia close during this period, reopening again in March/April time. The east of Malaysia, including islands like Tioman, Redang and the Perhentian Islands, see heavy rains between November and February. These showers can be longer and heavier than those in the west, so we generally advise travellers to avoid the east of Malaysia at this time. |
| December | Malaysia. December. As ever, the weather in Malaysia in December is a decidedly mixed bag. It's excellent on the west coast, with dry weather perfect for a beach stay and the less extreme heat makes it a perfect time for exploring too. On the east coast, however, downpours and storms are frequent and many resorts remain firmly closed. The east of Malaysia, including islands like Tioman, Redang and the Perhentian Islands, see heavy rains between November and February. These showers can be longer and heavier than those in the west, so we generally advise travellers to avoid the east of Malaysia at this time. |
Festivals & events
Chinese New Year
High prices
Jan–Feb · approximate dates
Major holiday with closures in Chinese-majority areas and packed transport. Lunar dates, late Jan–Feb.
First day of the Chinese lunar year: the second new moon after the winter solstice, always between 21 January and 20 February.
Next date: 6–7 Feb 2027
Thaipusam
Celebration
Jan–Feb · approximate dates
Dramatic Hindu festival at Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur. Lunar dates, usually late January–February.
Full moon of the Tamil month of Thai, on the day it meets the star Pusam; between mid-January and mid-February.
Hari Raya Aidilfitri
Book ahead
Mar–Apr · approximate dates
End of Ramadan: mass homecoming travel and closures. Moves ~11 days earlier each year (around Mar–Apr in the mid-2020s).
First day of Shawwal, when the crescent moon is sighted at the end of Ramadan. The Islamic calendar is purely lunar: it moves about 11 days earlier each year.
Wesak Day
Celebration
May · approximate dates
Buddha's birth, enlightenment and death, marked with temple processions. Lunar date, usually May.
Full moon of the month of Vesak, usually in May; in years with an extra lunar month it can move to late April or June.
George Town Festival
Celebration
Jul–Aug
Penang's month-long arts and culture festival across the UNESCO old town. Usually July–August.
Deepavali
Celebration
Oct–Nov · approximate dates
Hindu festival of lights, vivid in the Little India districts. Lunar dates, usually October–November.
New-moon night (amavasya) of the Hindu month of Kartika, between mid-October and mid-November.
