The best time to visit Malaysia
The best time to visit Malaysia for warm, sunny weather is January to April, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 68/100 with daytime highs around 29°C / 84°F. December and May are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) year-round, warmest in April at 32°C.
Malaysia by month, averaged across 10 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 67 | 28° / 82°F | 231 mm | 30° | Very good |
| February | 72 | 29° / 84°F | 137 mm | 31° | Excellent |
| March | 67 | 29° / 84°F | 171 mm | 31° | Very good |
| April | 66 | 30° / 86°F | 194 mm | 32° | Very good |
| May | 65 | 30° / 86°F | 202 mm | 32° | Very good |
| June | 65 | 29° / 84°F | 190 mm | 31° | Very good |
| July | 65 | 29° / 84°F | 199 mm | 31° | Very good |
| August | 65 | 29° / 84°F | 207 mm | 31° | Very good |
| September | 65 | 29° / 84°F | 215 mm | 31° | Very good |
| October | 65 | 28° / 82°F | 277 mm | 31° | Very good |
| November | 65 | 28° / 82°F | 309 mm | 31° | Very good |
| December | 65 | 28° / 82°F | 304 mm | 30° | Very good |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: January to April — Malaysia's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 68/100, ~29°C / 84°F days). Shoulder season: December and May — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: April, ~30°C / 86°F. Wettest: November (309 mm) — pack for showers.
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Penang (2,453 h/yr), Kota Baharu (2,453 h/yr), Langkawi (2,453 h/yr). See every Malaysia destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.