When to visit Malaysia
Introduction
"A tree with strong roots laughs at storms."
Malay proverb
Aside from Perlis and the northern tip of Kelantan around Khota Bharu, which have a short dry season from January to February, Malaysia has a tropical climate with temperatures and rainfall largely unchanged throughout the year. Daily averages range from 22 to 32°C, with temperatures in the hill resorts a little cooler during the day, and a comfortable 10°C at night. The wettest seasons are March to May and October to December, with monthly average rainfall in the range of 25cm. The driest months are June and July, with about half that rainfall. On the resorts of the east coast, monsoon tides make the waters too choppy for many watersports from November to March.
The two peak tourist seasons are December to January, usually covering both the northern hemisphere winter holidays and the Chinese new year, and June to September, which is school holiday season across much of the Middle East and many family-centred hotels and resorts are full.