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When to go · Malaysia

Malaysia in May

Good month. Perhentian and Redang at their best; Borneo drying out.

Key facts

Verdict
Good
Crowds
Medium
Malaysia
Prices
Medium
Malaysia

Verdict

GoodVoykit month rating for Malaysia

Perhentian and Redang at their best; Borneo drying out.

Is another month better than May?

May is rated good. These months rate higher:

Weather in May

  • West coast · Kuala Lumpur, Melaka, Penang, Ipohfine

    Hot and humid all year (31–34 °C (88–93 °F)); afternoon storms, heaviest Apr and Oct–Nov; haze from Sumatra fires possible Jun–Sep.

  • Langkawi and the north-west · Langkawi, Kedah, Perlisrainy

    Distinct dry season Dec–Apr; the wettest months are Aug–Oct.

  • East coast · Perhentian, Redang, Tioman, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganubest weather

    Northeast monsoon Nov–Feb closes most island resorts and boats; Mar–Oct is the beach season.

  • Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) · Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Sandakan, Mount Kinabalubest weather

    Wettest Nov–Feb (Kuching floods in some years); Sabah drier Mar–Sep; Kinabalu cold at the summit.

  • Highlands · Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hillfine

    15–25 °C (59–77 °F); rain most afternoons.

  • East Coast: East Coast (Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang) · Peninsular Malaysia's South China Sea coastbest weather

    Northeast monsoon November–February shuts most island resorts and cuts boat links; April–October is the season, with June–August busiest. Inland Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Fraser's Hill) is cooler and less affected.

  • Johor: Johor Bahru and west coast · JB, Iskandar Puteri, Batu Pahat, Muarrainy

    Hot and humid all year, roughly 31–33 °C (88–91 °F) by day — check; afternoon storms are common. November–January is the wettest stretch — check.

  • Johor: East coast (Desaru, Mersing, Pengerang) · Desaru, Mersing, Pengerangfine

    Northeast monsoon can bring rough seas and ferry cancellations from about November to February — check before booking.

  • Sabah: West coast (Kota Kinabalu) · Coastal strip and islandsbest weather

    Rain is heaviest Nov–Jan; the driest stretch is roughly Mar–May.

  • Sabah: Highlands (Kundasang, Mount Kinabalu) · Crocker Rangebest weather

    Cool at night year-round; summit attempts are often cancelled by rain or wind.

  • Sabah: East coast (Sandakan, Semporna) · Sulu and Celebes seasbest weather

    Diving season is broadly Mar–Oct; some resorts close in the wetter months.

  • Sarawak: Coast and Kuching · Kuching, Sibu, Bintulu, Mirifine

    Equatorial: hot and humid all year, rain in most months. November to February is typically the wettest stretch, with rougher sea crossings; the rest of the year is mixed.

  • Sarawak: Interior highlands · Kelabit Highlands, Bario, Mulufine

    Cooler at altitude; small-aircraft flights and river levels are weather-dependent, so build in a spare day.

  • West Coast: Straits coast (Penang, Perak, Selangor, Melaka) · George Town, Ipoh, Melaka, Port Klangfine

    Equatorial: 30–33 °C (86–91 °F) most days, rain in short heavy bursts. September–November is the wettest stretch on this coast.

  • Kuala Lumpur33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 16 rain days
  • Air Itam32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 18 rain days
  • Alor Gajah32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Alor Setar32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 15 rain days
  • Arau32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Ayer Hitam33 °C (91 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 12 rain days
  • Ayer Keroh33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 13 rain days
  • Bagan Lalang34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 9 rain days
  • Balik Pulau33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 12 rain days
  • Bandar Baru Bangi34 °C (93 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Batu Ferringhi32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 15 rain days
  • Batu Pahat32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 15 rain days
  • Bayan Lepas33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 9 rain days
  • Beaufort33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 4 rain days
  • Belaga32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 12 rain days
  • Bintangor32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 17 rain days
  • Bintulu32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Bukit Gambir33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 15 rain days
  • Bukit Kayu Hitam33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 12 rain days
  • Bukit Merah33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 9 rain days
  • Bukit Mertajam32 °C (90 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 9 rain days
  • Bukit Tinggi31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 14 rain days
  • Butterworth32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 16 rain days
  • Cameron Highlands24 °C (75 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 16 rain days
  • Cherating33 °C (91 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F), 6 rain days
  • Dabong34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 12 rain days
  • Desaru32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 13 rain days
  • Fraser's Hill25 °C (77 °F) / 16 °C (61 °F), 14 rain days
  • Gemas33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 8 rain days
  • Genting Highlands24 °C (75 °F) / 17 °C (63 °F), 14 rain days
  • Gua Musang33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 7 rain days
  • Igan33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 12 rain days
  • Ipoh33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 16 rain days
  • Iskandar Puteri32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 15 rain days
  • Janda Baik31 °C (88 °F) / 22 °C (72 °F), 14 rain days
  • Jasin32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Jementah33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 7 rain days
  • Jerantut33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 5 rain days
  • Johor Bahru32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 16 rain days
  • Johor Lama33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Kajang33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 15 rain days
  • Kampar34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 10 rain days
  • Kangar35 °C (95 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 9 rain days
  • Kapalai32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 13 rain days
  • Kapas Island34 °C (93 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F), 7 rain days
  • Kapit34 °C (93 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 8 rain days
  • Kemaman33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 11 rain days
  • Klang33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Kluang32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 15 rain days
  • Kota Bharu32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 12 rain days
  • Kota Tinggi33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 8 rain days
  • Kuala Besut33 °C (91 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F), 4 rain days
  • Kuala Kangsar34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 8 rain days
  • Kuala Kedah33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 17 rain days
  • Kuala Krai33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 9 rain days
  • Kuala Kubu Bharu34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 8 rain days
  • Kuala Lipis33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 8 rain days
  • Kuala Perlis34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 12 rain days
  • Kuala Selangor34 °C (93 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 9 rain days
  • Kuala Tembeling33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 18 rain days
  • Kuala Terengganu34 °C (93 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 8 rain days
  • Kuantan32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 12 rain days
  • Kudat33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 7 rain days
  • Kukup32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Kulai33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 6 rain days
  • Kulim35 °C (95 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 5 rain days
  • Kundasang22 °C (72 °F) / 15 °C (59 °F), 8 rain days
  • Labis33 °C (91 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 12 rain days
  • Lahad Datu33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 6 rain days
  • Lang Tengah33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 5 rain days
  • Langkawi32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 16 rain days
  • Lawas33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Layang Layang31 °C (88 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 12 rain days
  • Limbang33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 7 rain days
  • Lumut33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 13 rain days
  • Lunas32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 15 rain days
  • Mabul33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 6 rain days
  • Mantin34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 6 rain days
  • Marang32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Mataking31 °C (88 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 14 rain days
  • Merang32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 10 rain days
  • Mersing32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Miri32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Muar33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 18 rain days
  • Mukah33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Nibong Tebal32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 13 rain days
  • Nilai33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Padang Besar35 °C (95 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 6 rain days
  • Pangkor32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 17 rain days
  • Parit Jawa32 °C (90 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 15 rain days
  • Parit Raja33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 11 rain days
  • Pasir Gudang32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 14 rain days
  • Pasir Salak33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 15 rain days
  • Pekan Nanas33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 6 rain days
  • Pekan34 °C (93 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 8 rain days
  • Pengerang33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 18 rain days
  • Petaling Jaya33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Pom Pom Island31 °C (88 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 10 rain days
  • Pontian Kechil33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 9 rain days
  • Poring Hot Spring33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 5 rain days
  • Port Dickson34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 9 rain days
  • Port Klang34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 7 rain days
  • Puchong33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 6 rain days
  • Pulau Banggi33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 9 rain days
  • Pulau Ketam34 °C (93 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 9 rain days
  • Ranau32 °C (90 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 6 rain days
  • Rantau Panjang33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 9 rain days
  • Raub33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 12 rain days
  • Rawa34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 8 rain days
  • Redang32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 10 rain days
  • Sandakan32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 12 rain days
  • Santubong33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 15 rain days
  • Sarikei33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 16 rain days
  • Seberang Jaya33 °C (91 °F) / 27 °C (81 °F), 9 rain days
  • Seberang Takir33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 11 rain days
  • Segamat33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 10 rain days
  • Semenyih34 °C (93 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 6 rain days
  • Semporna32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 12 rain days
  • Senai33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 6 rain days
  • Sepilok32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 12 rain days
  • Seremban33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 14 rain days
  • Shah Alam33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Sibu Island33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 5 rain days
  • Sibu33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 17 rain days
  • Simpang Ampat32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 13 rain days
  • Simpang Renggam33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 9 rain days
  • Simunjan33 °C (91 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 8 rain days
  • Sipadan33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 6 rain days
  • Subang Jaya33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 14 rain days
  • Sungai Pelek34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 8 rain days
  • Taiping35 °C (95 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 18 rain days
  • Tampin32 °C (90 °F) / 23 °C (73 °F), 14 rain days
  • Tangkak33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 9 rain days
  • Tanjung Resang33 °C (91 °F) / 26 °C (79 °F), 5 rain days
  • Tawau33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 6 rain days
  • Teluk Intan34 °C (93 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 7 rain days
  • Temerloh33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 9 rain days
  • Tenggol32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 9 rain days
  • Tenom33 °C (91 °F) / 24 °C (75 °F), 8 rain days
  • Tioman32 °C (90 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 14 rain days
  • Wang Kelian35 °C (95 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 5 rain days
  • Yong Peng33 °C (91 °F) / 25 °C (77 °F), 5 rain days

Festivals and holidays

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

  • Wesak

    May (lunar — check)

    Temple processions.

  • Hari Raya Haji

    Moves yearly (check; about May–June in 2026)

    Public holiday; travel peak.

  • Kaamatan and Gawai (Sabah, Sarawak)

    30–31 May, 1–2 Jun (check)

    Harvest festivals in Borneo; longhouses celebrate; flights full.

Crowds and prices

Crowds · Malaysia
Medium
Prices · Malaysia
Medium

Compare two months

Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Malaysia, side by side.

  • Verdict

    May: Good

    Feb: Great (better)

  • Crowds

    May: Medium

    Feb: High

  • Prices

    May: Medium

    Feb: High

  • Festivals listed

    May: 3

    Feb: 3

May: Perhentian and Redang at their best; Borneo drying out.

February: Drier on the west coast and Langkawi; Chinese New Year crowds (lunar, check).

Malaysia: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.

What to pack

  • A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

Build the full packing list for your trip →

Where to go in May

Rated best or good this month

  • East coast

    Best weather of the year (Perhentian, Redang, Tioman, Kota Bharu, Kuala Terengganu)

  • Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak)

    Best weather of the year (Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Sandakan, Mount Kinabalu)

  • Alor Gajah

    Best months: Feb–Sep

  • Ayer Hitam

    Best months: Feb–Sep

  • Ayer Keroh

    Best months: Feb–Sep

  • Balik Pulau

    Best months: Mar–Oct (dry season, fruit season May–Aug)

  • Bandar Baru Bangi

    Best months: Feb–Oct

  • Batu Ferringhi

    Best months: Dec–Mar (drier); Apr–Sep is hotter with afternoon storms

  • Batu Pahat

    Best months: Feb–Sep (drier stretch)

  • Bayan Lepas

    Best months: Feb–Oct

  • Beaufort

    Best months: Mar–Oct (dry season, river flow good)

  • Bintangor

    Best months: Mar–Oct