Are you planning a trip to Malaysia for yourself and your loved ones? If your answer is yes, you should do so without any further consideration since it is one of the best places on the planet. Steeped in multicultural essence and brimming with dynamic cities, dramatic landscapes, lush rainforests, gorgeous beaches, idyllic isles, duty-free shopping, happening nightlife, and splendid national parks. Malaysia is a destination for many experiences.
The humid rainforests in Borneo and the mainland are full of wildlife, while the highlands offer a cooling retreat from the heat. Malaysia’s tourism has immensely grown in the past few years due to its development and weather conditions. This tropical country has two distinct areas: Peninsular Malaysia or the eastern part and the western side, or Borneo. Visitors must obtain a Malaysia visa before they begin their journey in this tropical country. The different kinds of Visas that visitors can apply for are a Malaysia tourist visa or a Malaysia visit visa, a transit visa, a student visa, a medical visa, or a business visa.
People traveling to Malaysia should also get a valid travel insurance policy to protect them from any adverse situations or emergencies in a foreign land. Once your visa is confirmed, the next thing you need to do is figure out the best time to visit this country. Hence, let us now take a detailed look at the best weather and timing options for a trip.
Weather In Malaysia
Malaysia is a tropical country with temperatures ranging from 24 degrees Celsius to 32 degrees Celsius in the lowlands and 16 degrees Celsius to 24 degrees Celsius in the highlands. Malaysia is situated near the Equator and therefore experiences hot and humid weather and rainfall throughout the year. Humidity throughout the country reaches up to ninety percent. The monsoons in Malaysia are different in different regions. Peninsular Malaysia receives an annual rainfall of 2500 mm, and East Malaysia receives around 5080 mm of rain. However, if you opt to visit this location during the off-season, you can rest easy knowing you will get to save a significant amount of money. During peak seasons, flight ticket prices shoot up and eat away most of your holiday budget. One main advantage of traveling in the low season is that air ticket prices are less expensive and affordable in a way that won’t break your budget. And since the flights have fewer travelers, you may even get lucky with a free upgrade to a higher class.
Accommodation
Since the best months to travel to Malaysia’s east coast for the beaches and islands are from April to September, you should book your accommodation beforehand if you wish to get the best benefits. These months are warm and sunny, and even if it rains, they do not last long. As a result, most tourists try to opt for this period as it provides them with a chance to experience Malaysia in its prime. However, if you are looking for affordable alternatives, opt for the low seasons without any further thought. Since tourist influx is low during this time, there are plenty of choices open for you to decide which type of hotel or resort you would like to stay in during your vacation. Moreover, hotels and resorts offer heavy discounts with special promotions to boost their sales during low season months. It is the best time to take advantage of these price cuts and enjoy your time in leisure at a swanky hotel of your choice.
Top Attractions
There are numerous kinds of tourist attractions accessible in Malaysia, and you will be able to enjoy all of them depending on your convenience. If you wish to opt for scuba diving and snorkeling are on your wish list, you must visit the islands between March and June. The best months to travel to Langkawi and Penang are April to November, as the climate on the west coast during these months is relatively cold and pleasant. The weather in Cameron Highlands is pleasant all year round since the annual temperature is around 22 degrees. Hence, you may tour this part of the destination anytime, no matter when you are planning your vacation. However, you should also keep in mind that these months will get a significant number of tourists, so it may be challenging to get the best view. If you plan a trip during the low season, there is a lesser crowd which means no long queues and waiting time. You can explore the Petronas Twin Towers, Genting Highlands, Legoland Water Park, KidZania, and Sunway Lagoon at a hassle-free, comfortable pace.
The Rainy Season
Although Malaysia is known for its hot and humid weather conditions, it has several benefits that will make your vacation worthwhile. If you are not a fan of beaches and wish to spend your time elsewhere, you can opt to take a tour of the beautiful Malaysian rainforests. Since this country is rich in forest and foliage, these light rains transform the landscape into a refreshing, green-hued, scenic panorama. If you are all right with some rain and are a nature lover, then this is the time for you to visit the lush rainforests of Malaysia. Head for an extraordinary nature expedition at the Cameron Highlands and Sarawak Nature Reserves to reconnect with nature and witness the exotic wilderness and wildlife up close. A guided tour takes you through well-traveled, gentle hiking paths where you can marvel at beautiful waterfalls and spot Orangutans and many exotic birds and animals.
Local Experiences
Another thing that you should do if you wish to acquire the most relevant outcomes is to take part in the local experiences. Malaysia is a vibrant tourist destination that will be able to teach you and your kids about different cultures, traditions, and customs. Although you may want to visit this place during the peak duration, if you opt for the low seasons, you will also get to explore the destination calmly while discovering unique locations that most travelers fail to. Rather than visiting Petronas Twin Tower in a hurry so that you can move to your next tourist attraction, you can explore the neighborhood and stumble upon some delightful sights such as Merchant Lane at Petaling Street, Perdana Botanical Gardens, and the Street Art along the River Klang. It is also an ideal time to meet new people, mingle with locals, and explore their lip-smacking cuisines.
Why Is It Better To Visit Malaysia During The Off-Season?
Low Seasons in Malaysia take away the pressure of hectic travel planning. Usually, on a holiday trip, every visitor wants to visit the same attractions which results in very few places to visit in Malaysia where there won’t be stifling crowds. Without the overwhelming crowd all around you, you can take your time, plan a pleasant and laid-back trip and have endless options to choose where to go and what things to do in Malaysia. You can choose a better location for your stay at lower prices, from where popular attractions are just minutes away. Also, the service is smoother and the staff is much friendlier due to the lack of crowds. It also gives you a chance to indulge in the local culture. If you have been longing to visit Georgetown in Penang and enjoy its rustic sights at leisure, then the off-season period is perfect to saunter around this gorgeous town.
Seasons In Malaysia
Before you pack your bags and get on a flight, you should also gain more information on the seasons and its impact on the experiences. Let us now take a detailed look at them:
1. Summer Season in Malaysia (June till August)
The Summers in Malaysia are from June to August. The temperature is high, and the rainfall is less during these months. The eastern part remains dry during this time of the year. March is the hottest month in Malaysia, with temperatures rising to 28 degrees Celsius. The Gawai festival (rice harvest celebration) and Dragon Boat Festival in Penang, Kota Kinabalu, fall in June.
2. Autumn Season in Malaysia (September till November)
Autumn in Malaysia is from September till November. The temperatures are still high during these months, and there is a gradual increase in rain showers. Hari Malaysia or Malaysia Day on 16th September, and Awal Muharram falls during these months. Deepawali and International music day too are celebrated in Malaysia.
3. Winter Season in Malaysia (December till February)
Visit Malaysia in winter to enjoy festivals like New Year and Christmas. Festivals like Chinese New Year and Thaipusam make it a favorable destination during these months. The rain showers during winter are heavy, and the temperature is low. Visiting the West Coast is recommended to escape from the chilly weather and snow to enjoy the sandy beaches and sunny skies.
Conclusion
When planning a trip to Malaysia, you need to decide which part of Malaysia you plan to visit. If you plan to travel towards the west coast, the lowlands, or the highlands, November to March is the perfect time with dry weather and off-peak season prices. If you are traveling to the east coast, then travel between April and September to steer clear of bad weather and enjoy activities like snorkeling and diving. Remember to carry umbrellas as one can experience spells of rain at any time in Malaysia. However, you will have to take into consideration the customs of the holy Ramadan month that falls in these months as Malaysia is an Islamic country and it is expected for travelers to respect the traditions during this holy month. If you are specially looking for the cheapest time to travel in Malaysia then plan your holiday around mid-February to mid-May when most public holidays are over and kids are still attending school.