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Malaysia's position in the equatorial
zone guarantees a classic tropical climate
with relative humidity levels usually around
90%. Weather is fairly hot and humid all
year round (with the exception of the cooler
climes of the central highlands) averaging
30C in the daytime, with short intense
showers almost daily. Malaysia's climate is
dominated by the effect of two monsoons or
"rainy seasons", which affect different
parts of Malaysia to varying degrees.
The north-east monsoon blows between October
and March and from May to September Malaysia
is affected by the south-west monsoon.
Heavier rainfall is experienced in spring
and autumn when the monsoon changes
direction, however this increased rainfall
should not spoil a visit to west coast
Malaysia or the hill stations. Mornings are
usually hot and sunny with showers in the
afternoon.
Try to avoid east coast destinations and
Island Malaysia between November and
January. Otherwise, Malaysia can be enjoyed
at any time of year as the weather is
generally hot, sunny and fairly uniform;
it's rare to have a day without showers and
unusual to have a day without sunshine. Take
light summer clothes, carry an umbrella and
an extra warm sweater if visiting the hill
stations.
South West Coast
|
Seasons |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
|
January - December |
23 - 32oC |
190 mm |
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Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Melaka, Port
Dickson
Hot and humid throughout the year, the west
of Malaysia can be enjoyed at any time. With
a tropical climate, showers occur almost
daily and downpours during the rainy season
are not much worse than the rest of the
year.
North West Coast
|
Seasons |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
|
January - December |
23 - 31oC |
204 mm |
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Penang, Langkawi, Pulau Pangkor, Ipoh
Typically tropical, hot, sunny and humid
with light showers - a beach holiday can be
enjoyed at any time of year in this part of
Malaysia.
More rain falls in September and October but
even during the rainy season on the west
coast it is still possible to enjoy a week's
holiday with little more than the occasional
short tropical downpour.
East Coast
|
Seasons |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
|
February - October |
23 - 32oC |
189 mm |
|
Rainy Season
November - January |
22 - 29oC |
407 mm |
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Kuantan, Tioman Island, Perhentian Islands,
Terangganu, Redang, Kota Bharu
Hot and sunny with South China Sea breezes
moderating the humidity somewhat - excellent
beach weather for most of the year. Try to
avoid the rainy season on the east coast
which strikes between November and January
and can disrupt boat crossings to the
islands. The rainy season is most pronounced
on this side of the peninsula but once over,
east coast destinations are slightly drier
than the rest of Malaysia.
Hill Stations
|
Seasons |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
|
January - December |
15 - 22oC |
211 mm |
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Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill, Maxwell
Hill
Located at an altitude of 1,524m above sea
level, the highlands have a distinctly
different climate to the rest of Malaysia.
Temperatures average a very pleasant 22C in
the daytime and a comparatively cool 15C at
night - excellent for growing tea and for
visitors, a pleasant contrast to the more
humid lowland areas. Clear blue skies in the
morning, showery afternoons and chilly
nights. Rainfall is heaviest from September
through to early December. Pack an
extra-warm sweater for evenings and light
rain gear when venturing up-country at any
time of year.
Sabah & Sarawak
Malaysia's two states on the island of
Borneo have hot humid climates with
temperatures rarely dipping below 30C in the
daytime.
|
Seasons |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
|
April - September |
23 - 32oC |
236 mm |
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Rainy Season
October - March |
23 - 31oC |
446 mm |
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Kuching, Miri, Sarawak
Sarawak experiences heavy rain all year,
although less marked between April and
September. Take note of the haze situation
when you plan to travel.
|
Seasons |
Average temperature |
Average rainfall |
|
December - April |
23 - 31oC |
126 mm |
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Rainy Season
May - November |
24 - 31oC |
287 mm |
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Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Due to its more north-easterly location,
Sabah is drier than Sarawak. The north-east
coast suffers higher precipitation from
December to January, whereas heavy rainfall
occurs May to November on the west coast. If
you decide to trek up the 4,101m peak of
Mount Kinabalu or in and around the
foothills, you must obtain accurate local
advice at the time of your trip.
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