Planning but not sure when to visit Malaysia and Kuala Lumpur? Here’s our guide on Malaysia’s weather, crowd, event and festivals throughout the year to help you make a decision.
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Malaysia Weather and Climate
Malaysia is located at the equator (The middle of the world) so we have a tropical climate. We have uniform temperature, high humidity, light winds, and frequent rainfalls throughout the year. It’s rare to have consecutive days of sun or rain only, it’s always a mixed bag for Malaysia’s daily weather.
Nights and early mornings (7pm to 10am) are cool at around 24C/75F degrees, while mid-day to evenings can go up to 32C/90F. In rare cases of heatwaves, temperatures have reached 37C/99F. If you’ve never been in a tropical climate, the heat comes with humidity, so you’ll sweat easily when it gets hot.
Rains can also be strong and are usually paired with thunderstorm, but it usually lasts between 30 minutes to an hour. It also becomes cooler during rains, which is a good break from the heat and humidity.
Dressing light usually makes things more bearable. Here’s how I’d recommend you pack and dress (like a local) in Malaysia for the weather.
Monsoon Season in Malaysia: When and Where to Avoid
There are two monsoon seasons in Malaysia.
1. Southwest Monsoon (May to September): This affects most of the country where the air may be drier. Rain is still expected but the volume will be minimal. This is a good time to have water activities and island hopping as travel itinerary items.
2. Northeast Monsoon (November to March): This brings heavy rain to the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia, west of Sarawak and east of Sabah. Rain is frequent and heavy, winds are strong, flash floods can take place, and violent waves are expected. Tourist attractions by the sea including island tours, water activities are prohibited if the weather presents a risk. I’d suggest avoiding these regions if possible and explore the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia instead.
Crowd
Tourist Arrivals to Malaysia by Month in 2023
According to the Malaysian Tourism Board statistics, June to August and December to February have greater tourist arrivals. If you’re picking a “quiet season” for tourists, it’s best to avoid these months.
Events and Festivals
Malaysia is a multi-cultural country with nationals of different race and religion living together. Three major languages are widely spoken: Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil, with more dialects branching out from them.
With that, Malaysia has rich cultural celebrations throughout the year. If there were seasons in Malaysia, cultural celebrations would be it! If you’re a fan of exploring and living the local festive and events, here are the months you can look at:
Thaipusam in Malaysia. Credit: NST
January – Thaipusam: A significant Hindu festival, celebrated mainly in Batu Caves. Thousands of devotees participate in the procession and carry kavadis. Chinese New Year: Celebrations happen throughout Malaysia, especially in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Expect lion dances, fireworks, and temple visits.
Chinese New Year in Malaysia. Credit: Wonderful Malaysia
March – George Town Festival: A month-long festival in Penang that showcases the rich cultural heritage of George Town with arts, performances, and exhibitions.
May – Ramadan and Hari Raya Aidilfitri: During Ramadan (Fasting period), there are plenty of local food bazaars to break fasts. The end of Ramadan is then marked by Hari Raya Aidilfitri, celebrated with open houses, special prayers, and feasting across Malaysia. Wesak Day: Celebrated by Buddhists with processions, prayers, and offerings in temples throughout the country, especially in Kuala Lumpur and Penang.
June – Gawai Dayak: A harvest festival celebrated by the Dayak people in Sarawak. Expect traditional music, dances, and rituals.
Kaamatan: Celebrated by the Kadazan-Dusun in Sabah, this is another harvest festival with traditional dances, music, and the crowning of the Unduk Ngadau (Harvest Queen).
July – Rainforest World Music Festival: Held in Sarawak, this festival attracts musicians and fans from all over the world for three days of world music in the rainforest.
August – Merdeka Day: Malaysia’s Independence Day on August 31st is celebrated with parades, fireworks, and various events across the country, particularly in Kuala Lumpur.
Merdeka Parade in Malaysia. Credit: BFM
September – Mid-Autumn Festival: Also known as the Mooncake Festival, celebrated with lantern parades and mooncake tasting, particularly in Penang and Kuala Lumpur. Malaysia Day: On September 16th, this day marks the formation of Malaysia. Celebrations include parades and cultural performances.
October – Deepavali: The Hindu festival of lights, celebrated with oil lamps, fireworks, and cultural performances, particularly in Little India districts in Kuala Lumpur and Penang. Kuala Lumpur Marathon: The biggest marathon in Malaysia attracting runners from all over the world.
November – Penang Bridge International Marathon: A popular marathon that sees participants running across the Penang Bridge, a bridge connecting the peninsular to Penang Island. A must do if you’re a runner!
December – Christmas: Celebrated by Christians across Malaysia, with festive lights, Christmas markets, and services, particularly in major cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang. New Year’s Eve: Countdowns and fireworks displays take place in major cities, especially at KLCC and Bukit Bintang in Kuala Lumpur.
