Are you planning a trip to Malaysia? 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 emergency in a foreign land.
This Southeast Asian country is famous for its spectacular beaches, idyllic islands, mouthwatering cuisine, duty-free shopping, happening nightlife, splendid national parks, and beautiful cities, attracting many tourists every year.
Malaysia is home to beautiful coastlines, coral reefs, and tropical islands. The humid rainforests in Borneo and the mainland are full of wildlife, while the highlands offer a cooling retreat from the heat. Malaysia 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 (an island shared with Indonesia and Brunei). Here is all you would like to know about the Malaysian weather and the best time to visit Malaysia.
Know About The Malaysian Weather And The Best Time To Visit
Weather in Malaysia
Malaysia is a tropical country with temperatures ranging from 24 degrees Celcius to 32 degrees Celcius in the lowlands and 16 degrees Celcius to 24 degrees Celcius 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.
Best Time to Travel to Kuala Lumpur
A typical day in Kuala Lumpur involves a few clouds, a bit of sun, and little rain. The temperature and rainfall remain consistent throughout the year in this capital city. May till September are the best months to visit Kuala Lumpur.
Best Time to Travel to Tioman, Perhentians, and East Coast
The best months to travel to Malaysia’s east coast for the beaches and islands is April to September. These months are warm and sunny, and even if it rains, they do not last long. During the monsoons, which begin in late October till February, many hotels and resorts close, and the boats do not run. In Tioman, the monsoon clears early February, and dive centers reopen. Further North, in Redang and Perhentians, you will have to wait for everything to reopen in March. If scuba diving and snorkeling are on your wish list, you must visit the islands between March and June.
Best Time to Travel to Penang, Langkawi, and the West Coast
Popular beach destinations in Malaysia, namely Langkawi and Penang, are located on the west coast of Malaysia. 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. It is better to avoid traveling to the west coast in September and October when the rainfall levels are higher.
Best Time to Travel to Cameron Highlands
The weather in Cameron Highlands is pleasant all year round. To witness the greenery in full bloom, you must visit during the monsoon season (November to February). The average annual temperature is around 22 degrees Celcius. This region receives the maximum amount of rainfall between September and December.
When choosing the best time to visit Malaysia, it is also worth considering the festivals and events celebrated in the country. Some of the festivals celebrated in different seasons throughout the year are mentioned below:
Spring Season in Malaysia (March till May)
The Spring season in Malaysia starts from March to May. Even though temperatures are high, the spring months are calm with a slight wind blowing. The Sabah Festival takes place in May and adds to the number of tourists visiting Malaysia.
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 Celcius. The Gawai festival (rice harvest celebration) and Dragon Boat Festival in Penang, Kota Kinabalu, fall in June.
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.
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.
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.