Malaysia Weather in May - Sightseeing, Events & Travel Tips

₹ 19,000 onwards View Packages

The East Coast of Malaysia that includes the islands of Tioman, Terengganu & Redang enjoys decent weather in May with ample sunshine and dry days. Water activities like snorkeling and diving are the most sought out activities in May. Relax and soak in the sun with lingering dips in the water pools, amongst the white sand beaches .

The West Coast of Malaysia that includes the islands of Penang, Langkawi and Pangkor experience the first hits of the South-East monsoon winds in May. It brings with it a scurry in the humidity and some hefty showers of rain. The sea conditions are not ideal in the month of May. Pangkor is the more preferable visit on the West coast during this time as the island is comparatively drier and easier to travel to.

The lowlands and the highlands of Malacca and Kuala Lumpur get ample heat in May and are drier with short tropical spurges of afternoon rainfall. Cameron Highlands gets much colder due to the altitude difference from the mainland.

The average temperature in Malaysia is May is between 23 to 33 degrees Celsius.
The West Coast of Malaysia has an average temperature of 33 degrees Celsius in May with Malacca and Kuala Lumpur having an approximate 29 degree Celsius and the Cameron Highlands, an average of 20 degree Celsius.
The East coast of Malaysia has an average temperature of 30 degrees Celsius in May

Is May a Good Time to Visit Malaysia?

Langkawi Beach with sunbeds and tourists in the month of May
Source
Visiting Malaysia in May may be one of the best holiday decisions that you will ever make. The weather all over the country is extremely pleasant with an era of sunshine and the occasional rainfall to compliment the tropical weather.  The season of spring is in full vigor as you travel to the most sought out tourist destinations and diving regions of the country.

Places to Visit in Malaysia in May

1. Cameron Highlands

The lush green tea plantations of Cameron Highlands
Source
Cameron Highlands, with its magnanimous green highlands, is a tourist favourite destination for hiking and trekking. The country’s largest hill station with its enormous tea cultivation padlocks will leave you gaping and wanting for more of the peaceful getaway. You can also visit the various temples while you’re here. This hill station is about 200 kms from the city of Kuala Lumpur.

2. Kuala Lumpur

Kuala Lumpur skyline
Source
Kuala Lumpur is a must-visit tourist destination – not just in May but all year round. The city has pleasant climate with occasional tropical showers, sophisticated and fast lifestyle and a lot of popular places to visit both of historical and cultural importance. Experience the nightlife of modern Malaysia at its fullest as Kuala Lumpur remains an unbeatable vacation spot for all ages. Some other trendy and popular places that  you must go to are the Petronas Twin Towers, Sunway Lagoon Theme Park, Aquaria KLCC, Kuala Lumpur City Centre and Royal Selangor Visitor Centre. Explore the city of dreams and shopping.

3. Malacca

Malacca Riverside
Source
Malacca, a UNESCO world heritage site, is another cultural tourist centre that you must visit on your trip to Malaysia in May. Experience the hub of shopping like you have never before. Very few things are as memorable as the stroll by the Malacca river! Jonker walk street attracts tourists from all over the country whilst hosting some of the best artsy stalls and boutiques that you should definitely pick your souvenirs from.

4. Perhentian Islands 

The beautiful Perhentian Islands, Malaysia
Source
Perhentian Islands on the East Coast of Malaysia is one of the most visited white sand destinations in May. The two major islands of Pulau Perhentian Kesin and Pulau Perhentian Besar attract travellers from all over the country. The pleasant climate is a boon to bask in amidst the fine sand beaches and crystal water. Snorkeling and diving activities gain a lot of attraction with the peak tourist season in action. Watch out for the enchanting sunsets at the beach.

5. Tioman Island

Tioman island Malaysia
Source
This 8 village island is also a natural reserve. Kampung Tekek, one of the most visited villages, demands to be visited in the season of May. Relish in the  pleasant sunshine , have a long swim and detox for a couple of days as you roam and explore this mesmerizing destination. Snorkeling and diving are some of in-season activities that you can get yourself into while holiday-ing.

Holidays & Festivals in Malaysia in May

1. Labour Day

Labour Day Poster
Source
Labour Day is an international holiday that is celebrated in Malaysia to pay respect to the people who work for us, providing their labour every other day of the year .
Date: 1 May each year

2. Harvest Festival or Pesta Ka'amatan

Harvest in malaysia
Source

Pesta Ka'amatan is a public holiday to celebrate the annual harvesting season in Malaysia. Families and farmers take the opportunity to say their prayers and pay respect to the season’s harvest (especially for the bountiful rice cultivation ). The Magavau ceremony is observed, wherein they celebrate the presence of the Rice Spirit. This is held in the paddy stretches on the first full moon after the harvest. This is most popular in the states of Sabah and Labuan.

Date: 30-31st May 2021
Don't forget to keep a check on the weather forecast while planning a trip to Malaysia in May. Let us know in the comments if you have other suggestions on places to visit in Malaysia during the month of May.

This post was published by Ishani Nayak

Share this post on social media

Malaysia Travel Packages

Compare quotes from upto 3 travel agents for free

Related Articles

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Local Currency in Malaysia - The Tourist Guide

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Online Visa For Malaysia - For A Smooth Vacation

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Culture of Malaysia – Unravel the Malaysian History, Language & Culture

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Languages in Malaysia - What Languages Are Spoken in Malaysia?

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Currency of Malaysia - An Essential Guide to the Malaysian Ringgit

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Safety in Malaysia - How Safe is Malaysia for Travel?

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Car Rental in Malaysia - Your Guide to Renting a Self-Drive Car

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

43 Interesting Facts About Malaysia to Acquaint the Curious Traveller in You

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

International Driving License in Malaysia - An Extensive Guide

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Smoking in Malaysia Is Now Banned and Here's What to Do If You Are a Smoker

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Malaysia in August - Best Things to Do, Festivals & Events

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

What to Wear in Malaysia – Essential Travel Necessities

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Malaysia Weather in July - Activities & Events

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Malaysia Weather in June - Places to Visit, Activities, Festivals

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Malaysia Weather in September - All You Need to Know

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Malaysia Weather in December - Stunning Places to Visit, Things to Do & Festivals

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Malaysia Weather in April - Best Places to Visit & Festivals

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Malaysia Weather in November - Climate, Festivals & Places to Visit

Travel Tips

Travel Tips

Weather in Malaysia in March - Travel Tips & More

Adventure

Adventure

Malaysia Launches the World's Longest Waterslide At Penang!

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Religion in Malaysia - Everything You Need to Know

Experiences

Experiences

Shopping In Malaysia - Where To Go & What To Buy

Art & Culture

Art & Culture

Music of Malaysia – Where East Meets West

Fairs & Festivals

Fairs & Festivals

Festivals in Malaysia – A Colourful Celebration

Experiences

Experiences

Sabah Travel Guide - A Complete Itinerary To The Unexplored Part of Malaysia

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

20 Must-Try Street Food in Malaysia

Romantic & Honeymoon

Romantic & Honeymoon

Honeymoon in Malaysia - Romancing in the Land of Mountains!

Adventure

Adventure

Diving in Malaysia - 10 Best Scuba Dive Locations for a Soul Stirring Experience

Food & Drink

Food & Drink

Top 40 Malaysian Food to Get That Regional Detour on a Platter!

Adventure

Adventure

Camping in Malaysia - 10 Panoramic Camping Spots

Comments on this post

Browse Hotel Collections

View Packages