Best Time to Visit Malaysia from Singapore: What to do, weather, visas, and more

Malaysia is a relatively accessible destination with great food, lovely beaches, interesting historical and cultural sites and excellent infrastructure allowing for a low stress visit. If you’re thinking of your next break away, you might be wondering about the best time to visit Malaysia from Singapore.

The Malaysian temperature is pretty stable, but you might want to think about the impact of the monsoons on your visit if you’re thinking of hitting the beach. This guide walks through the best month to visit Malaysia for different itineraries. We’ll also share more about the Wise card, a handy way to spend internationally.

Table of contents
When is the best time to visit Malaysia What to do in Malaysia Planning a trip to Malaysia Visiting Malaysia soon? Prepare Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) for your holiday with Wise

When is the best time to visit Malaysia from Singapore

The best time to visit Malaysia from Singapore, especially for the west coast destinations like Penang and Langkawi, is from January to March. This period offers the driest, sunniest weather and falls just after the peak Christmas and New Year season, meaning you can enjoy great conditions with fewer crowds.

Malaysia is a very large country, which means that the weather across different areas can vary a lot at any given time. There’s always somewhere good to visit, but the right place for your trip might vary depending on the time of year.

Let’s work through what to do in Malaysia month by month so you can get a flavour for the different options.

Northeast Monsoon: December - February

While the monsoon rains fall in the east of Malaysia, the western Andaman coast experiences wonderful weather, making this period a great time for visits to the western islands and coast.

December: December can be a popular and pricier month to visit due to the Christmas and New Year holidays. You'll need to book flights and accommodation well in advance. That said, it’s a perfect time for a beach break from Singapore. Check out resorts on Langkawi for a relaxing seaside escape.

January: Once the New Year rush is over, visitor numbers on the western coast and islands tend to drop, but the glorious weather continues, making this an excellent time to visit. For a mix of culture, food, and history, a trip to Georgetown in Penang is a fantastic choice. It's best to avoid Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo during this time, as the rain can be disruptive.

February: Lunar New Year, which often falls in February, is celebrated vibrantly across many parts of Malaysia. Expect dragon dances, festive decorations, and a lively atmosphere. Do note that there are at least two public holidays, and many locals travel to their hometowns. Check that your travel plans aren't affected by closures, though major hotels typically operate as usual.

Shoulder Season: March - May

There are plenty of things to do in Malaysia during the quieter shoulder season when tourist numbers are lower and hotel prices can be more competitive. This period sees great weather in many areas, opening up opportunities for beach trips, hiking, and exploring before the heat intensifies later in the year.

March: If your plans include trekking, March is a great time to tackle popular routes like the climb up Gunung Ledang in Johor. You could also explore one of Malaysia's other stunning national parks, such as Taman Negara, which offers excellent hiking, river exploration, and wildlife spotting.

April: Malaysian Borneo starts to see better weather, making it a good time to visit Sabah for hiking and nature exploration. The area also offers fantastic diving, though you’ll need to plan as some destinations require permits. Kuala Lumpur can be quite wet in April, so it’s wise to have some indoor activities planned as a backup.

May: By May, the eastern coasts and islands become ideal destinations. Popular spots like the Perhentian Islands see the end of the rainy season and an increase in sunny days. This group of stunning islands offers white sandy beaches that are well worth the journey from Kuala Lumpur.

High Season: June - August

This period coincides with the summer holidays in other parts of the world, bringing dry conditions to most of Malaysia, excellent diving conditions, and higher visitor numbers in popular resorts. It’s a great time to visit as long as you plan and book your accommodation and excursions in advance.

June: The weather in Kuala Lumpur is generally stable and pleasant, offering good conditions for visiting local attractions. And if you need to beat the heat, you can always retreat to a shopping mall or join the locals at a bustling food court.

July: While the holiday crowds can build in July, it is a fantastic time for beach activities like diving and snorkelling on the eastern coasts and islands. The waters are calm, and visibility is excellent. For a varied trip, you can easily arrange island-hopping adventures to places like Tioman and Rawa.

August: As a final hurrah before the rainy season begins, many communities hold vibrant festivals. Penang has a particularly busy festival schedule in August, and the entire country celebrates Hari Merdeka, Malaysia’s National Day, at the end of the month.

Shoulder Season: September - November

Much of Peninsular Malaysia experiences heavy rain from October onwards, which means fewer visitors and lower prices. It may not be ideal for a beach holiday, but it can be a perfect time for a city break or a trip to explore historical sites.

September: September can bring mixed weather, but the rain is not yet disruptive in the east. It's wise to pack an umbrella and have a variety of activities planned so you won't be affected by sudden downpours.

October: The Cameron Highlands are especially beautiful during this period, as the landscape blooms with the heavier rain. This region is famous for its agricultural produce, including tea plantations and strawberry farms, and offers scenic tours and outdoor activities when the weather allows.

November: Rain is common in November, but Melaka can be a good choice with its lower rainfall and abundance of fascinating historical places to visit. Alternatively, the wet weather provides a great opportunity to explore Kuala Lumpur, where it’s easy to dodge storms in malls, restaurants, and museums.

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What to do in Malaysia for Singaporeans

There’s plenty to do in Malaysia, and while different times of year have their pros and cons, you can always find a great destination. Once you’ve decided when to go, here are a few ideas to help you plan your activities.

Beach activities

Whether you’re planning on island hopping, relaxing on the shore, snorkelling, or diving, Malaysia offers countless options for a beach break. Because the monsoons hit different coasts at different times, there are always sunny spots to be found year-round.

History and culture

Malaysia has a fascinating history, and even a short visit to places like Georgetown or Melaka can give you a deep appreciation for the country’s past. You can also immerse yourself in local culture by participating in the many festivals that take place throughout the year.

Food and drink

Malaysian food is a delicious fusion of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Don't miss iconic dishes like Laksa and Nasi Lemak. Be sure to also try Roti Canai with a side of flavourful curry, or a plate of Char Kway Teow if you love noodles.

Planning a trip to Malaysia from Singapore

Once you’ve decided on the optimal time for your visit, you can start arranging the practical details. Here are a few key considerations when planning a trip to Malaysia from Singapore.

Malaysia Visa Requirements

As Singapore is an ASEAN member country, Singaporean passport holders can visit Malaysia for up to 30 days without a visa¹.

However, it is mandatory for all foreign visitors to complete a Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC). This can be done online up to three days before you arrive in the country through the official website².

If you have a Singaporean passport and are arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), you can use the auto-gates to speed up immigration. If you use the auto-gates, you must keep a copy of your digital visit pass, which you'll receive via email after completing the MDAC. It’s a good idea to take a screenshot to have it ready if requested by officials.

Flights to Malaysia

Flying to Malaysia from Singapore is quick and easy, with numerous direct flights daily to cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Langkawi. The flight to Kuala Lumpur takes just over an hour.

You can find a wide range of carriers, including Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Malaysia Airlines, and AirAsia, allowing you to choose an option that fits your schedule and budget perfectly.

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Sources:

1. Smart Traveller - Malaysia
2. Malaysia digital arrival card