Best Time to Travel to Malaysia: A Complete Travel Guide

Malaysia is a beautiful country, offering plenty of exciting activities for travellers throughout the year. From stunning beaches, bustling cities, to cultural attractions, Malaysia is a great place to explore. However, some destinations require proper planning like deciding the best time to visit. While Malaysia has a tropical climate with warm weather all year round, the country also experiences monsoon seasons that can affect travel plans. 

To make the most of your trip in Malaysia, it’s important to understand the weather patterns and peak seasons. Read on to find out the best time to travel in Malaysia, along with the famous attractions of each destination and tips!

 

Overview of Malaysia’s Climate

Malaysia is a tropical country where it’s generally hot and humid with abundant rainfall throughout the year. The temperature ranges from 23°C to 33°C along the coast and lowlands and a cooler 14°C to 25°C in the highlands. Malaysia also experiences two monsoon seasons:

• Southwest Monsoon (Late May to September): Affects the western side of the peninsula, like Penang and Langkawi but the heavy downpours are typically short-lived. Going out and about is still doable.
• Northeast Monsoon (November to February): Brings heavy rains to the eastern part of the peninsula. Seas can be rough and choppy, making it less suitable for beach holidays.

Due to the two monsoon seasons happening in different months of the year, this means that there’s usually good weather on either side of the peninsula to travel. 

 

Best Time to Visit the Malaysia West Coast 

The west coast of Malaysia includes Penang, Langkawi, Kuala Lumpur and Malacca, which are all-year-round destinations, being blessed with relatively stable weather, with December to March offering drier and sunnier weather with less rainfall. During the monsoon season which is May to September, downpours are generally short and usually in the evening which is still suitable for travel. 

1. Penang

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Penang is a popular island on the west coast, well-known for its rich culture and history as well as its diverse food scene. George Town is the capital of Penang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for its British colonial architecture and stunning street art scene. Some of Penang’s famous attractions include Penang Hill, Kek Lok Si Temple, Batu Ferringhi Beach and not forgetting George Town.

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2. Langkawi

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Langkawi is another beautiful island known for its natural beauty, ancient rainforests and stunning beaches. With beautiful beach resorts and laid-back vibes, Langkawi is a great place for an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Langkawi is also famous for its attractions like the Langkawi Sky Bridge and cable car, Kilim Geoforest Park, where there are plenty of activities to do and island hopping tours which is a must-do if you’re in Langkawi.

Public transport is limited on this island, therefore it's recommended to rent a car when you're on the island. Book car rental in Langkawi with WAHDAH allows you to travel worry-free! 

 

3. Kuala Lumpur

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Kuala Lumpur is a vibrant and multicultural city in Malaysia, offering plenty of things to do and see. It’s famous for its modern skyscrapers including the Petronas Twin Towers and the world’s second-tallest tower, Merdeka 118. Some of the must-see sights include Bukit Bintang, Batu Caves, KL Tower and Petaling Street. 

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4. Malacca

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Known as a historical city in Malaysia, Malacca is one of the most popular cities to visit. It offers a unique blend of architectural styles including colonial landmarks, Dutch-style buildings as well as traditional Chinese shophouses. Some of the famous spots worth visiting include the Dutch Square, St Paul’s Hill, Jonker Street, Malacca River and A’Famosa.

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Best Time to Visit Malaysia East Coast (Pantai Timur)

The East Coast of Malaysia, which includes Pulau Perhentian, Pulau Redang, Pulau Tioman, Terengganu and Kelantan, is great for beach lovers and anyone seeking relaxation. The best time to visit these places is from March to October as this period offers drier weather and calmer seas. Avoid visiting these destinations during November to February as most resorts will be closed during the Northeast Monsoon season. 

1. Pulau Perhentian

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This stunning island, located in Terengganu, offers a tropical paradise with crystal clear turquoise waters, vibrant marine life and white sand beaches. Perhentian island consists of two main islands – Perhentian Kecil and Perhentian Besar, both equally beautiful. Famous attractions on this island include Long Beach, Coral Bay and Turtle Sanctuary Beach where you can see turtles nesting and observe baby turtles! 
 

2. Pulau Redang

Image Source: wikipedia

Another beautiful island located in Terengganu, worth visiting, is Pulau Redang. This island is known for its clear turquoise waters, white powdery sand beaches and an abundant marine life. It’s also a renowned spot for diving or snorkelling, where you can swim with sea turtles. Apart from that, Pulau Redang has forested areas with designated jungle treks where nature lovers can indulge in a nature hike. Be sure to visit the Marine Park Centre and take part in the kayaking and canoeing activities.

Pulau Redang is also a car-free island, but to reach the jetty, you would need a car. Consider renting a car in Terengganu with WAHDAH so you can travel to the jetty at your own pace before taking the boat to Redang. 

 

3. Pulau Tioman

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Pulau Tioman is a quieter, peaceful and stunning tropical island located on the East Coast of Malaysia, known for its crystal clear blue waters, diverse marine life and lush rainforests. The kampung's laid-back vibes are a plus point as this place is perfect for a relaxing getaway. Snorkelling, diving and hiking are some of the popular activities to do here. Famous attractions on this island include Salang Beach, Monkey Bay and the Juara Turtle Project. 

 

4. Terengganu

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Terengganu is a state in Malaysia, known for its rich cultural Malay heritage, beautiful islands, beaches, traditional villages as well as agriculture and a delicious local food scene. Terengganu offers many places to visit such as Crystal Mosque, Pasar Payang, Chemerong Waterfalls and Kenyir Lake apart from the popular islands mentioned above. 

 

5. Kelantan

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Kelantan, also located on the East Coast, is a rural state rich in culture, Malay traditions, traditional crafts and natural attractions. Kota Bahru is the capital of Kelantan and is known to be popular for its architecture and cultural scene including museums, royal palaces and art. If you’re planning to visit Kelantan, be sure not to miss the famous attractions like Siti Khadijah Market, Pantai Suri Floating Market, the Royal Bulum Forest and the Taman Negara National Park. 

 

Peak Seasons and Festivals in Malaysia

To travel in Malaysia during peak seasons is wonderful as you’ll be able to experience and learn more about the cultures and traditions. However, you would also have to expect larger crowds and higher prices. Below are some of the peak seasons and festivals in Malaysia to look out for so you can plan your trip accordingly:

• Chinese New Year (January/February)

During Chinese New Year, most destinations such as Penang, Malacca, Johor, Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur will be filled with festive vibes, CNY decorations, lion dances and fireworks. These places will also be packed with people especially in the cities. 

• Hari Raya Aidilfitri 

It is a major Muslim festival in Malaysia with people celebrating in all the states. There will be lots of family gatherings and open houses. Travelling during this festival is great as you can experience all the traditions; however, expect crowds and how to avoid traffic during Hari Raya Aidilfitri. 

• Deepavali (October/November)

During this time, Deepavali or the Festival of Lights is greatly celebrated by the Indian community in Malaysia. You can experience people decorating their homes with rangoli which is a colourful artwork made with rice powder, traditional Indian food, fireworks and more. 

• School Holidays (May, June, September, December)

During this time, travel destinations get busier and crowded. Expect higher prices and fully booked hotel rooms. If you plan to travel during this time, book your accommodation and transport in advance to avoid disappointment. 

 

Off-Peak Travel Benefits in Malaysia

If you’re thinking of travelling to Malaysia during off-peak seasons, you’re in for a treat. Here are some of the benefits you’ll experience if you travel during this time:

1. Lower hotel and flight prices. This also means that if you happen to plan your trip last-minute, you will still have a good chance at finding good deals and comfortable accommodation. 
2. If you travel during low-peak season, expect to find fewer tourists at attractions and shorter queues which makes sightseeing more enjoyable and allows you more time to explore places.
3. Off-peak seasons sometimes allow you to experience exclusive offers such as complimentary breakfast, spa vouchers and room upgrades, depending on the places.

 

Travel Tips in Malaysia

Travelling to new places requires proper planning. Here are some useful travel tips to make your trip smooth and enjoyable:

1. Packing: Malaysia is a tropical country where it can be hot and humid. Pack breathable and light clothes. Don’t forget to pack an umbrella or raincoat in case of rain. As it can be really sunny, bring along sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
2. Booking: During peak seasons, it’s always best to book your flights, accommodations and car rentals in advance.
3. Transportation: Having your own vehicle is the best way to explore destinations in Malaysia. Rent a car for the best travel experience!
4. Check Weather Conditions: Always check weather conditions before planning your trip in Malaysia and stay updated with the local weather forecast.
5. Download Offline Maps: It may be difficult to have signals in some places. Always download offline maps, especially before heading to rural areas, to avoid getting lost. 
6. Payments: For public transport and parking payments, use Touch ‘n Go card. To pay for items, Tng E-wallet QR payment is widely accepted even for small shops. You can also pay with VISA/MasterCard Credit and Debit cards as most terminal payments in Malaysia accept them. Do not forget to bring a little cash with you if you happen to go to rural areas as some places only accept cash in Ringgit.

 

Conclusion

Malaysia has many amazing travel destinations for both locals and international travelers. Each place has its own unique attractions, whether you’re looking for a cultural experience, a nature escape or a relaxing holiday. The best time to travel in Malaysia depends on where you want to go and what you’re looking to experience. Now that you have learned about the weather conditions, peak seasons and the best time to travel to each destination in Malaysia, how do you plan to explore these beautiful places?

To explore Malaysia with flexibility and convenience, rent car in Malaysia with WAHDAH so you can plan your journey at your own pace without relying on public transport! Book today and plan your adventures in Malaysia!