Due to its location, Malaysia witnesses a tropical climate throughout the year. December to April is the best time to visit this southeastern destination. You will receive a few bouts of rain showers in between, increasing the humidity quotient significantly. The weather is always in cross-splits regarding the Eastern and Western coastlines. The tropical weather in Malaysia gives Malaysia a uniform tropical climate throughout the year. Let us take you through the best time to explore the Malaysian landscape once you get your Malaysia visa. If you are looking for the top destination in Malaysia for first time visitors, understanding the climate in different regions will help you plan your trip effectively.

We have broken down the three regions in Malaysia and their average temperatures month-on-month. 

1. Lowlands & Highlands

Region – Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, and Cameroon Highlands

  • January average temperature and weather – Average temperatures hover around 29oC. The Higher altitude of Cameroon Highlands witnesses a much lower average temperature of around 20oC. Low and short-lived rainfall is usually experienced in the region.
  • February’s average temperature and weather – are almost identical to January’s weather. Average temperatures hover around 29oC. The Higher altitude of Cameroon Highlands witnesses a much lower average temperature of around 20oC. Low and short-lived rainfall is usually experienced in the region. 
  • March average temperature and weather – Average temperatures are around 30oC, with the Cameroon Highlands remaining the same as January and February at 20oC. Heavy downpour is expected in the region but is short-lived. They do bring a big relief to the extreme humidity. 
  • April average temperature and weather – Heavy but short-lived rainfall and light winds welcome you in the transitional period between monsoons. 
  • May, June, July, and August average temperature and weather – Average temperatures are around 29oC, with the Cameroon Highlands having a lower average temperature of 20oC. Short tropical showers are usually expected during noon. 
  • September, October, November, and December average temperature and weather – Average temperatures dip to 27oC, with the Cameroon Highlands having a lower average temperature of 19oC. Tropical and short-lived downpours are introduced, followed by a round of sunshine. 

2. Eastern Coastline

Region – Perhentian Islands, Tioman Island, Kuantan, Redang, Terengganu, and Kota Bharu

  • January average temperature and weather – Average temperatures hover around 25oC. Stormy weather brings heavy monsoons on the eastern coast, discouraging tourism in this region. 
  • February average temperature and weather – Average temperatures hover around 26oC. The strong winds subside, and rains are welcomed along the eastern coastline. The hotels and resorts continue to remain closed due to unfavorable weather conditions. 
  • March average temperature and weather – Average temperatures hover around 30oC. Tourism picks up this month as the skies clear up, and bright sunshine and low rainfall are welcomed. Spring is welcomed in Malaysia in March and is quite favorable to tourism. 
  • April average temperature and weather – Heavy but short-lived rainfall and light winds welcome you in the transitional period between monsoons. 
  • May, June, July, and August average temperature and weather – Average temperature hover around 30oC. Bright sunshine and clear blue skies welcome the summer season throughout the month. Ideal sea conditions witness a rise in diving and snorkeling. 
  • September and October average temperature and weather - Average temperature hover around 29oC. Bright sunshine and clear blue skies bring in rougher sea conditions. Tourism continues to flourish in the Autumn season. 
  • November and December average temperature and weather – North-east monsoon winds increase their intensity, bringing in stormy weather. The Eastern coast receives high downpours, strong winds, and not-so-favorable sea conditions. The winter season halts tourism as hotels and resorts close down and reopen only in March after the winter ends. 

3. Western Coastline 

Region – Pangkor, Penang, and Langkawi

  • January average temperature and weather – Average temperatures hover around 30oC. Bright sunshine greets you where you will encounter the driest months of the year. 
  • February average temperature and weather – Average temperatures hover around 30oC. A pleasant climate greets the western coastline. The days are usually hot, humid, and sunny throughout the month. 
  • March average temperature and weather – Average temperatures hover around 31oC in the entire region, except for Pangkor Island, where the average temperature hovers around 30oC. Spring continues to bring in bright sunshine throughout the month. 
  • April average temperature and weather – Heavy but short-lived rainfall and light winds welcome you in the transitional period between monsoons. Malaysia in April is almost identical in nature to March. 
  • May, June, July, and August average temperature and weather – Average temperature ranges around 32oC. The southwest monsoon winds continue flowing along the western coastline, which welcomes the summer season that comes along with heavy and short-lived afternoon showers and less favorable sea conditions. 
  • September average temperature and weather – Average temperatures hover around 30oC. Autumn season witnesses the southwest monsoon winds intensifying, bringing heavy afternoon showers and not-so-ideal sea conditions. 
  • October average temperature and weather – Average temperatures continue to hover around 30oC. The southeast monsoon winds finally decline in intensity, which brings heavy downpours in Langkawi and Penang. Pangkor remains the only exception here as it receives only half the downpour intensity compared to other western regions. 
  • November average temperature and weather – Average temperatures continue to be around 29oC. Occasional tropical rainfall is rare and brings in a hot and humid climate. Penang receives far less rainfall than other western regions.
  • December average temperature and weather – Average temperatures are slightly higher, around 30oC. Tourism picks up its intensity as ideal beach conditions, clear blue skies, bright sunshine, and calm sea make it ideal for a beach holiday.