Malaysia Weather

Malaysia is warm all year round, so you can count on sunshine and comfortable sea temperatures whenever your holibobs land. Days run between 31°C and 32°C, and the sea rarely dips below 28°C - a real treat for beach lovers after that classic tropical vibe.

The weather can vary a bit depending on where you are. Penang and Langkawi in the northwest often see drier spells when the east coast is getting its heaviest downpours. Meanwhile, Borneo’s lush rainforests mean you’re never far from a quick shower, but the islands always bounce back with plenty of sunshine.

Spring (March - May): Spring in Malaysia is reliably hot, with air temperatures steady at 32°C and sea temperatures rising to 29°C. Rainfall edges upwards, especially in April and May, when it hits 210mm. Humidity nudges over 80%, so you’ll get that steamy, proper tropical feel - perfect for those wanting to embrace the heat.

Summer (June - August): Summer brings more warm days, with air temperatures at 31-32°C and the sea at a balmy 28-29°C. Rain increases in August, climbing to 240mm, though there’s still a solid 7 hours of sunshine a day. Humidity stays high, but the rain usually comes in short, sharp bursts - just enough time to cool off before heading back to the sand.

Autumn (September - November): Autumn is the wettest season, especially from September to November when rain peaks at 380mm in October. Temperatures hold steady at 31°C, and you’ll still get 6 hours of sun each day. Humidity climbs to 84%, so expect the air to feel thick and tropical, with the odd dramatic downpour keeping the scenery green.

Winter (December - February): Malaysia’s winter is anything but chilly, with daytime highs of 31-32°C and sea temperatures at 28°C. Rain eases off compared to autumn, especially in January, which sees 110mm. Humidity drops a little, making it a more comfortable time for exploring and sunbathing. Bring your sunnies, not your jumper.

For a proper beach break in Malaysia, January and February are top-tier. You’ll get the warmest days, the least rain at 110-120mm, and a solid 8 hours of sunshine, making them prime months for lounging or island hopping. The sea is consistently warm, so you can swim whenever you fancy. If you’re looking at the east coast, avoid autumn when heavy rain is at its worst. For the northwest islands like Langkawi or Penang, summer can also be a good shout since they see fewer showers - handy if you want to dodge those rainclouds.