November marks the beginning of the northeast monsoon on Malaysia's east coast, bringing heavy rainfall and rough seas that temporarily close many island resorts. However, the west coast continues to enjoy relatively pleasant weather with occasional showers, making destinations like Langkawi and Penang ideal for beach holidays and sightseeing. The Cameron Highlands remain cool and refreshing, while Borneo offers lush rainforests and rewarding wildlife experiences.
What to Expect in Malaysia in November
- Warm and humid weather across the country.
- Heavy rainfall on the east coast due to the northeast monsoon.
- Pleasant weather with occasional showers on the west coast.
- Cool temperatures in the Cameron Highlands.
- Great conditions for city sightseeing, rainforest adventures, and west coast beach holidays.
Crowds: Low to Moderate. Tourist numbers are lower on the east coast due to the monsoon, while Langkawi, Penang, and major cities continue to attract visitors.
Malaysia Weather in November by Region
| Region | Overview |
|---|---|
| West Coast (Langkawi, Penang & Pangkor) | Temperature: 24°C–32°C Weather: Warm with occasional rain showers and plenty of sunny intervals. Best For: Beaches, island hopping, sightseeing, heritage walks, and food tours. |
| East Coast (Redang, Perhentian, Tioman & Kuantan) | Temperature: 24°C–30°C Weather: Heavy rainfall, rough seas, and strong winds due to the northeast monsoon. Many island resorts close during this period. Best For: Indoor attractions and cultural experiences in mainland towns. |
| Kuala Lumpur & Malacca | Temperature: 24°C–32°C Weather: Warm and humid with regular afternoon or evening showers. Best For: Shopping, museums, heritage attractions, cafés, and local food. |
| Cameron Highlands | Temperature: 15°C–23°C Weather: Cool and misty with occasional rain. Best For: Tea plantations, strawberry farms, flower gardens, and scenic nature walks. |
Costs: Moderate to Low. Hotel and flight prices are generally lower than peak season, with good deals available in many destinations except during major festivals.
Pros of Visiting Malaysia in November
- Fewer crowds in many tourist destinations.
- Good weather for exploring Langkawi and Penang.
- Cooler temperatures in the Cameron Highlands.
- Lush green landscapes after seasonal rains.
- Attractive hotel and flight deals across much of the country.
- Excellent wildlife experiences in Sabah and Sarawak.
Cons of Visiting Malaysia in November
- Northeast monsoon affects the east coast.
- Many east coast island resorts temporarily close.
- Frequent rainfall in several regions.
- Outdoor activities may be interrupted by showers.
Things to Do in Malaysia in November
1. Experience Deepavali Celebrations (Dates vary each year)
If Deepavali falls in November, visit Kuala Lumpur's Little India (Brickfields), Penang, or Ipoh to enjoy colourful decorations, festive markets, traditional sweets, cultural performances, and vibrant celebrations across the country.
2. Explore Langkawi & Penang
November is a great time to visit Malaysia's west coast. Relax on Langkawi's beaches, ride the SkyCab, walk across the Sky Bridge, or discover George Town's UNESCO-listed streets, murals, cafés, and famous hawker food.
3. Discover George Town's Street Art & Food Scene
The cooler weather and occasional showers make November ideal for exploring George Town on foot. Wander through UNESCO-listed heritage streets, admire famous murals, visit clan houses and temples, and sample Penang's renowned hawker dishes like char kway teow, asam laksa, and cendol.
November is ideal for travellers looking to explore Malaysia's west coast, cool highlands, and Borneo's rainforests while avoiding peak-season crowds. Although the east coast experiences the northeast monsoon, destinations like Langkawi, Penang, Kuala Lumpur, and the Cameron Highlands continue to offer rewarding travel experiences.
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