Malaysia festivals and events 2026: dates

Festivals and events in Malaysia in 2026: the dates of each one and what it means for your trip — celebrations, closures, high prices and when to book ahead.

Thaipusam 2026

Celebration
January–February 2026 · 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.

Chinese New Year 2026

High prices
17–18 Feb 2026

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.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri 2026

Book ahead
March–April 2026 · 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 2026

Celebration
May 2026 · 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 2026

Celebration
July–August 2026

Penang's month-long arts and culture festival across the UNESCO old town. Usually July–August.

Deepavali 2026

Celebration
October–November 2026 · 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.