Malaysia has a tropical climate all year round, but the best time to visit really depends on the region. On the west coast (like KL and Langkawi), the driest and sunniest months are from December to March, making this the ideal time to travel. Rain showers can still happen, but they’re usually short.

On the east coast, it’s the opposite — this region is hit by the northeast monsoon from November to February, and many beach resorts even close during that time. The dry season here runs from March to September, which is perfect for island hopping and diving.

In Malaysian Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak), the climate is more humid and rainy throughout the year, but March to September tends to be drier and better for outdoor activities. If you’re planning a round trip across several regions, the best window is March to early May or late August to September — when most areas have good weather.