Singapore and peninsular Malaysia sit near the equator, so they are warm and humid all year. There is no cold season to avoid. What varies is rainfall, island conditions and festival dates.
Singapore
Singapore gets rain throughout the year, usually in short, heavy showers. The northeast monsoon (roughly December to early March) brings more rain at the start and is often a little cooler; February to April tends to be slightly drier. Since most attractions are indoors or covered, Singapore works well in any month. Major events include Chinese New Year (January or February), the Great Singapore Sale season and the Formula One night race in September or October.
Kuala Lumpur and the west coast
Kuala Lumpur is warm all year with afternoon thunderstorms, especially around March to April and October to November. May to July and December to February are generally a little drier. Penang and Malacca follow a similar pattern.
Langkawi
Langkawi is best from November to April, when the weather is dry and seas are calm. September and October are usually the wettest months.
The east coast islands
Malaysia's east coast islands, such as the Perhentians and Redang, have the opposite pattern: they are best from about March to October and many resorts close during the northeast monsoon from November to February.
Indian holiday periods
Many Indian families visit in May and June. Flights from India fill up, so book early. Deepavali is a public holiday in both Singapore and Malaysia, and Little India in Singapore is decorated for weeks beforehand.
Quick answer
Singapore works year-round. For a Singapore and Malaysia combination with Langkawi, choose November to April; for a Kuala Lumpur and Genting family trip, any month works with an umbrella. See our Family holidays and Multi-country tours pages.
When to go
When to go
When to go
When to go