When to Go to Malaysia
To get the most out of your next adventure it makes sense to consider some of the very local factors that combine to make up what you feel is the best time to travel to a destination. Many of these factors are very personal - some people prefer to travel when the weather is not too hot, or sites too crowded - others prefer to travel when a traditional local event is taking place. Taking into account the dates of public holidays can also make sense as these may have an impact on opening times of attractions, shops and restaurants, or might affect public transport or other services. Conversely public holidays can be a time of great local festivities and celebrations providing a feast of local expressionism and culture.
Climate
Lowland Malaysia has a humid, tropical climate with the average temperatures being 30°C. As everywhere, in highland areas of the country temperatures are cooler and can be as low as 16°C. The main monsoon season in East Malaysia runs from November to February and brings heavy downpours to Sabah and Sarawak and the east coast of Peninsula Malaysia. On the west coast, the rainy season is April and May, and again from October through to the end of November. Kuala Lumpur in particular has a hot, tropical climate with daytime temperatures reaching 35°C. Nightime temperatures rarely fall below 17°C anywhere in the country in lowland areas. Heavy rain storms occur throughout the year, mostly in the early evenings.
Seasonality
It is best to avoid the heaviest rains which occur between November and January in East Malaysia but in general Malaysia can be visited at any time of the year as the climate is generally hot and sunny with showers almost every day. May to September is considered to be the best time to visit however this depends on what you want to do during your stay.
Those who want to enjoy the beaches or are interested in activities on or in the water should avoid the monsoon season of November to February however the rainy season is the best time to see turtles, which come to lay their eggs.
National Holidays
| Date |
Description |
| 01 Jan 08 |
New Years Day. |
| 10 Jan 08 |
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year). |
| 01 Feb 08 |
Federal Territory Day. |
| 07 Feb 08 |
Chinese New Year. |
| 20 Mar 08 |
Mawlid al-Nabi (Birth of Prophet Muhammad). |
| 01 May 08 |
Labour Day. |
| 19 May 08 |
Wesak Day (Birth of Buddha). |
| 07 Jun 08 |
King's Birthday. |
| 31 Aug 08 |
National Day. |
| 01 Oct 08 |
1st - 2nd October. Hari Raya Puasa (End of Ramadan). |
| 28 Oct 08 |
Deepvali. |
| 08 Dec 08 |
8th - 9th December. Hari Raya Haji (Feast of the Sacrifice). |
| 25 Dec 08 |
Christmas. |
| 29 Dec 08 |
Awal Muharram (Islamic New Year). |
National Events
| Event |
Occurs |
Description |
| Regatta Lepa Semporna - Water Festival |
19th – 20th April 2008 |
Semporna comes to life with the Bajau seafarers unique festival of Regatta Lepa. A competition of the most beautiful traditional sailboats is held as well as the boat tug-of-war, kayak and boat racing. The town of Semporna is also home to fresh seafood and gateaway to some superb dive sites. |
| Mukah Kaul Festival |
25th – 27th April 2008 |
Thanksgiving Festival of Mukah's seafaring community at Pantai Kuala Dana, Mukah Sarawak. |
| Sabah Fest 2008 |
3rd – 4th May 2008 |
Sabah Fest is the prelude to the state-wide celebration of the Harvest Festival, where ethnic groups display rich and colourful cultures and traditions presented through dance, music, fashion and food. A must-see for all. |
| Harvest Festival 2008 |
23rd – 25th May 2008 |
The festival will take place at Sarawak Cultural Village, Santubong Sarawak |
| 23rd Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2008 |
15th June 2008 |
The main highlights of the year, this exciting race has attracted many teams from as far as Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, China and Brunei. |
| Borneo Cultural Festival 2008 |
27th June - 5th July 2008 |
This festival will take place at Sibu Town Square, Sibu Sarawak. |
| Kuching Festival |
1st August 2008 |
|
| Borneo International Kites Festival |
16th – 24th August 2008 |
This festival will take place at the Old Airport Compound, Bintulu Sarawak |
| 22nd Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon 2008 |
23rd - 24th August 2008 |
The event has made its reputation as the world's toughest mountain race. As the name suggests this race involves running up and down Mt. Kinabalu (4095.2 m), a total distance of 21km. |
