Malaysia is a year-round destination, but timing your visit around the two distinct monsoon seasons is crucial depending on which coast you plan to visit.
These are the "shoulder seasons." During these times, the winds shift. when is the rainy season in malaysia
November to March Impacted Areas: East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, and eastern Johor) & East Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak) Malaysia is a year-round destination, but timing your
| Destination | Rainy Season | Travel Advice | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | March-April & Oct-Nov | Showers are usually short (1 hr). Don't skip. Just bring an umbrella. | | Langkawi / Penang | September - October | Avoid Sept/Oct for Langkawi. Penang gets heavy rains then, too. | | Perhentian / Redang | November - February | Avoid. Monsoon closes islands, cancels boats, floods resorts. | | Tioman Island | November - February | Avoid. Similar to Perhentian; ferries become unreliable. | | Kuching (Sarawak) | November - February | Expect daily heavy rain. Visit between June and August instead. | | Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) | November - February | Wettest months, but you can still climb the mountain (mornings are key). | Don't skip
In Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, or Penang, a rainy day means a 2-hour downpour in the afternoon that cools the city off perfectly. You wait it out in a cafe, and by dinner time, the streets are steaming but dry.