Malaysia has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather throughout the year. While the country experiences wet and dry seasons, the line between them is blurred. The temperatures in Malaysia are steady, with averages of 23°C to 33°C along the coast and lowlands, and a cooler 14°C to 25°C in the highlands. It’s even colder at higher elevations like Mt Kinabalu which can see sub-zero temperatures.
When’s the monsoon in Malaysia?
Malaysia has two monsoons: the Northeast Monsoon (November to March) and the Southwest Monsoon (May to September) – although these patterns can vary each year. This means there's usually always good weather on at least one side of the peninsula.
The Northeast Monsoon brings heavy rains to the eastern side of the peninsula (including the Perhentian, Redang and Tioman islands), west of Sarawak and east of Sabah. The seas can be quite choppy so boats to the islands often cease and resorts close until the rains ease. The rains also impact water visibility, so if you want to go diving or snorkelling, you may be better off heading to the West Coast or visiting in the dry season.
The Southwest Monsoon affects the western side of the peninsula including Penang and Langkawi. August tends to be one of the wettest months, but heavy downpours are usually short-lived so you can still get out and about.
If you travel during the monsoon, expect high humidity of 80% or more and heavy, albeit brief, showers and the occasional storm – although with such oppressive humidity, the rain is often a welcome reprieve!

Weather in Borneo
Borneo is an equatorial rainforest island, so it's hot, humid and – you guessed it – rainy all year! It's hard to predict when the wet (read: wetter) season will start, but the rainiest months are typically November to February. The wet season is more pronounced in Sarawak than in Sabah. Temperatures in the lowlands and coastal areas average a balmy 27 to 32°C, but it's not uncommon for it to climb much higher. If you hike up Mt Kinabalu (South East Asia's tallest peak), expect chilly temps of -4°C to 12°C at the summit.
Month |
Average high |
Average low |
March to May |
31°C |
24°C |
June to August |
33°C |
24°C |
September to November |
32°C |
23°C |
December to February |
31°C |
23°C |

Weather in Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia's capital city is hot and humid year-round. Temperatures average a toasty 23 to 33°C, but the city air can make it feel stuffier. Due to its location in a hilly equatorial area, there's less distinction between the wet and dry seasons, and showers can be expected almost daily – even from July to August, typically the driest months. November and December see the heaviest rains. Another thing to note is that smoke from neighbouring Sumatra's agricultural fires can make Kuala Lumpur's skies hazy in August and September.
Month |
Average high |
Average low |
March to May |
33°C |
24°C |
June to August |
32°C |
24°C |
September to November |
32°C |
23°C |
December to February |
32°C |
23°C |

Weather on the West Coast
Malaysia's West Coast, including Langkawi, Penang and Pangkor, is hot, humid and rainy year-round, with average temperatures of 24°C to 32°C. This region is affected by the Southwest Monsoon, with the heaviest rains occurring between September and October, and April to May. The best time to visit is between November and March when the weather is mostly dry and sunny.
Month |
Average high |
Average low |
March to May |
32°C |
25°C |
June to August |
31°C |
24°C |
September to November |
31°C |
24°C |
December to February |
32°C |
24°C |

Weather in the Cameron Highlands
With rolling green hills and tea plantations stretching as far as the eye can see, the Cameron Highlands has a markedly different landscape – and climate – than the rest of Malaysia. Temperatures average 14°C to 25°C, making it a great retreat from the heat. Humidity and rainfall are high year-round, but it's typically wetter between November and February during the monsoon. Heavy rains can also increase the risk of landslides.
Month |
Average high |
Average low |
March to May |
24°C |
15°C |
June to August |
24°C |
15°C |
September to November |
23°C |
15°C |
December to February |
23°C |
14°C |
Read about the best time to visit Malaysia
Our tours in Malaysia
9 Days
From
1365
Travel to Borneo to visit orangutan sanctuaries and explore lush jungles. See the best...
10 Days
From
1881
Journey through Borneo on a wild 10-day adventure from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan,...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
12 Days
From
2423
Discover Borneo’s wild heart on a Premium adventure. Cruise the Kinabatangan River,...
11 Days
From
1680
This Sabah Adventure tour through the Borneo wilderness will truly capture your...
15 Days
From
1964
Take an adventure from Thailand to Singapore, via Malaysia. This tour of South East...
15 Days
From
1964
Take an adventure from Thailand to Singapore, via Malaysia. This tour of South East...
10 Days
From
1257
Hop aboard an adventure tour through the wilds of Borneo's Sarawak region. Crawl...
20 Days
From
3620
Travel through the wild, untamed lands of beautiful Borneo. From magnificent Mt...
10 Days
From
980
Meet orangutans in the jungle on this trip through Borneo, starting and ending in Kota...
28 Days
From
4400
Take an adventure from Thailand to Bali, capturing some of the region's best places –...
28 Days
From
4400
Take an adventure from Thailand to Bali, capturing some of the region's best places –...
15 Days
From
1482
Take an epic trip through South East Asia to Bangkok, Thailand, Kuala Lumpur, Maylasia...
8 Days
From
1418
Take an 8-day trip across Malaysia and visit the Cameron Highland, Ulu Muda Forest,...
18 Days
From
3317
This Adventure tour through Malaysia will truly capture your imagination.
22 Days
From
2944
Take an Asian adventure from Thailand to Singapore via Malaysia. See Bangkok, Krabi,...
22 Days
From
2190
Take on an adventure from Bangkok to Singapore, stopping in Malaysia along the way....
22 Days
From
2944
Take an Asian adventure from Thailand to Singapore via Malaysia. See Bangkok, Krabi,...
8 Days
From
1600
Embark on a unique 8-day Expedition into the heart of Borneo’s Sabah – the Maliau Basin...