Malaysia enjoys tropical weather which is characterized by high temperatures and monsoon rains throughout certain times of the year. Depending on the destination you are planning to visit, temperatures range from 25°C to 32°C for sea level locations, while places with higher elevation enjoy cooler temperatures that range from 15°C to 25°C. Bringing sunglasses, a hat, and an umbrella with you at all times is a good idea, to protect you from the harsh rays of the sun and to keep you dry during sudden downpours. Sunblock or sunscreen lotions will also go a long way in keeping your skin protected from too much sun exposure.
Humidity is high in most places in Malaysia, and can be experienced through most of the year. Wearing clothes made of lightweight materials will help you enjoy the tropical climate even more, and will enable you to go around the places you want to visit without wilting along with the humidity. The beaches can be enjoyed all-year round because the west and the east parts of the country experience the rainy season at different times of the year.
West Malaysia Weather
The west coast islands of Pangkor, Langkawi, and Penang experience tropical weather all-year round; the days and nights are typically hot, humid, and peppered with rain-showers. The months of September and October usually experience the heaviest rains, making this period not so ideal for diving activities due to the poor visibility.
East Malaysia Weather
The east coast destinations of Tioman Island, Kuantan, Terengganu, Perhentian Islands, Kota Bharu, and Redang have almost the same weather throughout the year. However, on the west coast the breeze which comes from the South China Sea works in tempering the humidity. The monsoon or rainy season is experienced by the east coast portion of the country during the months of November to February. The heavy rains experienced by this part of Malaysia during the said months can cause the beach resorts to close down and cease their operations for this period, re-opening in March when the weather starts to improve once more. Apart from the monsoon season, the east coast of Malaysia enjoys a drier climate compared to the rest of the country.
Weather in the Lowlands and Highlands
The lowlands, where Kuala Lumpur and Melacca are located, enjoy year-round tropical weather that is hot and humid, with rain-showers experienced almost on a daily basis. The rainy season comes between the months of April and October, but this season tends to bring welcome relief from the stifling heat and humidity that this part of the country experiences during the other months.
The highlands (includes Cameron Highlands), which is situated about 1,500 meters above sea level, enjoys a distinctly varied climate from the rest of the country. Temperature during the daytime is a comfortable 22°C, and further drops to about 15°C as night falls. Those who wish to escape the overwhelming heat of the other parts of Malaysia go up to the highlands to enjoy the cooler temperature during the daytime, and the chilly nights. Rains are at their heaviest during September until the early part of December.
The weather in Malaysia may not be that varied, but knowing which times of the year have the rainy or the sunny season – for different parts of the country – will help you in planning a more productive itinerary. Getting useful information about Malaysia’s weather can ensure that you only experience the best of what Mother Nature has to offer, as you go about exploring the country’s scenic spots and the corresponding adventures.
Photo by Jo@net
