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Malaysia is known for its diverse culture, rich heritage, and beautiful landscapes. In this guide, we aim to provide a complete overview of Malaysia’s weather conditions, festivals, and activities you can participate in in Malaysia. From vibrant festivals to outdoor adventures, Malaysia has something to offer every month of the year. Let's stay with Asia King Travel to dive in and explore the wonders of Malaysia.
Malaysia has a tropical climate characterized by hot and humid weather throughout the year. The country experiences wet and dry seasons, with average temperatures ranging from 23°C to 33°C along the coast and lowlands. Meanwhile, the highlands are chillier, with temperatures between 14°C and 25°C.
Weather in Malaysia can be unpredictable
The Western coast of Peninsular Malaysia experiences heavy rainfall during these months. This region, including destinations like Kuala Lumpur and Penang, experiences hot, humid, and rainy weather year-round. The heaviest rains typically occur between September and October, as well as April to May.
The Eastern coast of Peninsular Malaysia experiences heavy rainfall during these months. Cities like Kota Kinabalu and Kuching receive significant rainfall, while those on the Western coast experience the opposite.
The best time to visit Malaysia: is between February and September, although the country's hot and humid climate persists year-round. It is highly advisable to check detailed Malaysia’s weather forecasts and plan accordingly for your visit to this country.
Thaipusam - a Hindu festival in Malaysia
Thaipusam is a Hindu festival celebrated in Malaysia at the Batu Caves near Kuala Lumpur. It takes place during the Tamil month of Thai (January/February). The festival commemorates the victory of good over evil and honors Lord Murugan, the Hindu god of war and victory.
During Thaipusam, devotees gather at the Batu Caves to undertake a pilgrimage. This festival of Malaysia begins in the early morning and continues throughout the day. Devotees prepare themselves with fasting and prayer before carrying kavadi, ornate structures attached to their bodies. They climb the 272 steps leading to the temple, accompanied by devotional chants, music, and the piercing sound of traditional instruments.
Chinese New Year - A time for family to gather around
Chinese New Year in Malaysia is a vibrant celebration of 15 days between January and February. The main festivals take place in various cities across the country. George Town in Penang is decorated with beautiful lanterns, and the Kek Lok Si Temple is a must-visit attraction. Kuala Lumpur, the metropolis of Malaysia, also offers colorful New Year's joy with Thean Hou Temple.
During this time, families gather to visit temples and exchange red envelopes filled with money for good luck. The streets come alive with lion dances, parades, and vibrant night markets, offering a delightful sensory experience for visitors.
Malaysia Water Festival
This exciting event is celebrated in various areas of Malaysia, offering a unique and fun-filled experience for locals and tourists alike. This festival of Malaysia is typically held in April and is known for its lively water fights and vibrant celebrations.
Visitors can join in the festivals along the beautiful beaches of Malaysia, where activities such as sandcastle building, fishing, kayaking, and interactive games. The festival embraces Malaysia's multicultural heritage, bringing people of all ages and backgrounds closer to creating unforgettable memories.
Read more: Classic Highlights Malaysia
Tadau Kaamatan Harvest Festival
The Tadau Kaamatan Harvest Festival is a significant celebration in Malaysia, particularly among the Kadazan-Dusun community in Sabah. Held in May, this month-long festival is a time to express gratitude for the harvest and seek blessings for future crops. The festival is rooted in the cultural heritage of the Kadazan-Dusun people, who view the land as a gift from the creator, connecting them to their past, present, and future.
Festivities include traditional practices. The celebration culminates with a grand finale at the Cultural Unity Center in Penampang, featuring cultural performances, beauty pageants like Unduk Ngadau, and conventional attire showcases.
The Dragon Boat Festival
The Dragon Boat Festival, or Duanwu Festival, is a traditional Chinese holiday celebrated in Malaysia. It begins on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month and usually falls in late May or June. This festival of Malaysia commemorates the life and death of the famous Chinese poet and statesman, Qu Yuan. The highlights include dragon boat races, where teams paddle in long, narrow boats decorated like dragons, and the consumption of zongzi, sticky rice dumplings wrapped in bamboo leaves.
Sarawak Gawai Festival
The Gawai Festival is a meaningful event in Sarawak, Malaysia, honoring the Dayak community. It is a regional public holiday observed on June 1st and 2nd. The word "Gawai" means festival, while "Dayak" refers to the native ethnic groups of Sarawak, including the Iban, Bidayuh, Kayan, Kenyah, Kelabit, Murut, and Lun Bawang.
The festival represents the heritage and traditions of the indigenous people and serves as a symbol of unity and cultural pride. Festivities include street parades, cultural activities, beauty pageants, and traditional delicacies.
Rainforest World Music Festival
The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) is an annual three-day music festival in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. To celebrate the diversity of music, the festival takes place in an actual rainforest against the backdrop of Mount Santubong. The festival features a range of activities: daytime music workshops, craft displays, food stalls, and main-stage evening concerts.
The festival has grown from a small event with a few hundred attendees in 1998 to an internationally recognized festival with ten thousand attendees and renowned performers worldwide. It showcases the rich cultural heritage of Sarawak and provides a platform for indigenous musicians to share the stage with international artists.
George Town Festival - July 2024
The George Town Festival (GTF) is an annual cultural festival in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. It was initiated in 2010 to celebrate the city's recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This festival of Malaysia aims to promote arts, culture, and heritage in Penang, showcasing local and international works of art.
GTF features programs, including music performances, art exhibitions, theater productions, dance shows, literary events, and community engagement activities. It serves as a platform for artists to connect, collaborate, and contribute to the vibrant arts scene in Penang.
National Day – An important event in Malaysia
The National Day of Malaysia, also known as Merdeka Day, is celebrated on August 31st each year. It commemorates the momentous event when the Federation of Malaya gained independence from British rule in 1957. This day holds great matter for Malaysians as it symbolizes freedom, unity, and the spirit of the nation.
Festivities include parades, cultural performances, fireworks, and various events that showcase the rich diversity of Malaysia's cultures and traditions. It is a time for Malaysians to come together, reflect on their history, and celebrate the progress and achievements of their nation.
Mooncake Festival & Hungry Ghost Festival
The Mooncake Festival, or the Mid-Autumn Festival, is observed on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month. It is a time for families and friends to gather, admire the full moon, and taste delicious mooncakes. Lantern processions and cultural performances add to the festive atmosphere.
On the other hand, the Hungry Ghost Festival, held on the seventh month of the lunar calendar, is a time to honor restless spirits. People offer food and burn incense to pay respect to the deceased. The festival also features Chinese opera performances and the burning of "hell money."
Diwali - the light festival
The Deepavali festival, also known as Diwali, is a significant celebration among the Hindu community in Malaysia. It is a five-day festival that commemorates the victory of light over darkness and good over evil.
Deepavali is celebrated with great enthusiasm, with vibrant decorations, the lighting of oil lamps (diyas), and the exchange of gifts and sweets. Families get together to perform religious rituals, visit temples, and seek blessings. This festival of Malaysia also includes cultural performances, fireworks displays, and delicious feasts.
We hope this guide has provided valuable insights for your adventures in this captivating country. Malaysia offers a year-round array of festivities, outdoor activities, and cultural experiences that cater to every traveler's preferences and interests. Remember to check Malaysia’s weather conditions and plan accordingly to fully enjoy the festivals. Don't hesitate and contact us for your next trip to Malaysia!
Read more: Off the beaten track Malaysia
