A Guide to the Weather in Malaysia

Weather in Malaysia

Most of 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 and showers can occur at any time of year. The temperatures in Malaysia are steady, with averages of 75°F to 90°F along the coast and lowlands and a cooler 57°F to 77°F in the highlands. It’s even colder at higher elevations like Mt Kinabalu which can see freezing 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 pretty choppy so boats to the islands are often postponed and resorts close until the rains ease. The rains also impact water visibility, so if you want to go diving or snorkeling, 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!

An orangutan eating a banana in Sabah, Borneo

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 80 to 90°F, 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 25°F to 54°F at the summit.

Month	Average high	Average low
March to May	88°F	75°F
June to August	91°F	75°F
September to November	90°F	73°F
December to February	88°F	73°F

Weather in Kuala Lumpur

Malaysia's capital city is hot and humid year-round. Temperatures average a toasty 73 to 90°F, 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 neighboring Sumatra's agricultural fires can make Kuala Lumpur's skies hazy in August and September.

Month	Average high	Average low
March to May	91°F	75°F
June to August	89°F	75°F
September to November	89°F	73°F
December to February	89°F	73°F

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 75°F to 90°F. 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	90°F	77°F
June to August	88°F	75°F
September to November	88°F	75°F
December to February	90°F	75°F

The rolling tea plantations of the Cameron Highlands in Malaysia

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 57°F to 77°F, 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	74°F	60°F
June to August	74°F	60°F
September to November	73°F	60°F
December to February	73°F	57°F

Read about the best time to visit Malaysia

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Weather in Malaysia

When’s the monsoon in Malaysia?

Weather in Borneo

Weather in Kuala Lumpur

Weather on the West Coast

Weather in the Cameron Highlands

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