Malaysia in May

Perhentian and Redang at their best; Borneo drying out.

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

  Hot and humid all year (31–34 °C); 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; rain most afternoons.

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 · Malaysia

Medium

Prices · Malaysia

Medium

• A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast

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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)

• Kota Kinabalu

  Best months: Mar–Sep (drier, calmer seas for island boats)

• Kuching

  Best months: Mar–Oct (lower rainfall, better park access)