Visiting Malaysia In June: Weather, Where To Go, & Travel Tips
Thinking about visiting Malaysia in June? Read on to find out everything you need to know and the best places to visit!
One of the most-visited countries in Southeast Asia, visiting Malaysia in June offers a fantastic all-round experience. We have spent around 4 months in Malaysia, including the whole of June, and we loved every moment of it. Malaysia is an incredible country, filled with history, beautiful landscapes, wildlife, beaches, and cities. It really has it all.
If you’re planning on spending June in Malaysia, this guide is for you. Find out what the weather is like, where is worth visiting in June, and what to pack to stay comfortable despite the humidity.
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Is June A Good Time To Visit Malaysia?
After spending the whole of June in Malaysia, we can safely say we think it’s a fantastic time to visit! The weather is generally good and sunny, especially on the East Coast islands. There are fewer crowds in the west, and it’s a great time for wildlife watching.
It is likely you will experience rain showers at some point, however they are unlikely to affect your stay.
Malaysia Weather In June
The weather in Malaysia is a little bit complicated, with the country having two separate monsoon seasons, spread over both peninsular Malaysia and Malaysian Borneo. Let me break this down as simply as possible.
The northeast monsoon season lasts from November to March. This brings heavy wind, rain, and choppy seas, and high humidity. It hits the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah, and Sarawak.
The southwest monsoon season lasts from late May to September. It is generally drier than the northeast monsoon season, but can bring heavy showers and high humidity. It generally affects the west coast of peninsular Malaysia, including Langkawi, George Town, and Kuala Lumpur.
Now we’ve got the facts out of the way, let’s move onto what it’s actually like to visit during the southwest monsoon season (it’s not all doom and gloom).
What Is The Southwest Monsoon Season Like In Malaysia?
Visiting during the southwest monsoon season really is not that bad. We visited the West Coast and Malaysian Borneo, and the rain did not affect our plans significantly.
We did experience rainfall in the evenings, particularly in George Town. These showers came on suddenly and were very heavy, but also short-lived. They generally occurred around 6pm when we could shelter in a restaurant, though we did get caught at the end of a jetty once and had to duck into a café.
The main thing to note about the Southwest Monsoon Season is the humidity is extremely high which can make it uncomfortable to explore cities. It’s very sticky and often makes it feel much hotter than it is.
Temperatures In June
As it’s a tropical country, the temperatures in Malaysia are pretty stable throughout the year, though the June humidity can make it feel a lot hotter. Across the country, the daily average temperature is around 32-33°C, whilst humidity averages 80%. This can make it feel as hot as 37°C.
Temperatures in the Cameron Highlands sit 24°C. The Cameron HIghlands also experience lower humidity, making it feel a little chilly at times, especially compared to the rest of Malaysia,
Does It Rain Every Day In June In Malaysia?
No, it certainly does not! In our whole time visiting Malaysia in June, we only got 2 ‘rainy days’ where it drizzled throughout the day. We had the occasional heavy shower in Penang and on our Kinabatangan River Cruise, but it was otherwise sunny with bright blue skies.
Read More – 17 Things To Know Before Visiting Malaysia
Best Places To Visit In June
We think June is a fantastic time to explore virtually everywhere in Malaysia! The Southwest Monsoon hasn’t fully set in, so the weather is generally good. Plus, there are fewer crowds along the West Coast.
Kuala Lumpur In June
Kuala Lumpur in June is hot and sunny. We had blue skies every day and not a drop of rain. Of course, rain showers can occur, but they are generally few and far between. We will be honest and say the humidity is intense. You’ll find yourself sweating from places you didn’t even know could sweat. It can be a struggle at times.
However, there are generally fewer crowds than during peak season (December to February), and accommodation prices will be slightly lower to match.
Penang & George Town In June
June is actually part of low season in Penang, though we think it’s still a good time to visit. There are fewer crowds, which is always a win in my books, and the weather is pretty good most of the time. The humidity is not as high as in Kuala Lumpur, so exploring is more manageable.
It is a great time to spot wildlife in Penang National Park, and popular places such as Kek Lok Si Temple are quiet.
It is likely you will experience heavy downpours at some point during your stay, however they generally pass within an hour or so. If you don’t mind this, June is a great time to visit.
Cameron Highlands
If you want to escape the June humidity, the Cameron Highlands is the place to be. It is a popular holiday destination amongst Malaysians for that very reason. Whilst you may get the odd shower, these are generally light, and it means the scenery is incredibly green and lush.
When the sun is shining, it is pleasantly warm, but certainly not hot. In fact, the weather reminded us of the UK quite a lot!
Melaka
June is the start of peak season in Melaka and it can get pretty busy. However, it’s one of those places that almost benefits from the crowds, adding a fun and vibrant spark to the famous night markets.
The weather is warm and sunny, and the humidity is slightly lower than in Kuala Lumpur, making it more comfortable to explore.
Borneo (Sabah & Sarawak)
June is one of the best times to visit Malaysian Borneo, particularly for wildlife watching. June is considered shoulder season, with July and August bringing the most crowds (though honestly, it’s still not ‘crowded’). We found cities such as Kuching and Kota Kinabalu almost empty of tourists in the best possible way.
The weather is generally good, with blue skies and sunshine, though it is humid year-round. It is very likely you will get very heavy rain showers at some point, though they generally only last around 1-2 hours and shouldn’t disrupt your plans too much.
The worst one for us was when we were out on the Kinabatangan River, half an hours ride away from our lodge, and the heavens opened. I have never seen rain this heavy before. Yet, within a couple of hours it had cleared up and we were back on the river for our night cruise. If there’s one tip we can give you in Borneo, it’s to always carry a poncho.
Wildlife viewing in Borneo is at its best between May to October, meaning you’re much more likely to see the Borneo big 5. June is a particularly good month for spotting Orangutans!
Perhentian & East Coast Islands
June is one of the best times to visit the islands of the East Coast, including the Perhentian Islands, Tioman Island, and Redang Island. This side of the peninsular is not part of the Southwest monsoon. The days are warm and sunny, the sea is calm, and it’s a great time for snorkelling.
June is the start of peak season, so you will likely need to book accommodation months in advance, and prices are a little higher. However, it is one of the best places to relax on the beach in Malaysia in June.
What To Pack For June
Based on the weather in June, make sure to pack lightweight, breathable clothing. If you’re planning on hiking or exploring the jungle, moisture-wicking t-shirts go a long way to making you more comfortable. You will also want to pack a waterproof poncho.
Here’s the essentials we recommend packing for Malaysia in June:
Poncho Vs Rain Coat
This is a debate we have personally had many times, though for me there’s one clear winner: the poncho.
Ponchos are smaller, lighter, and take up way less room in your bag. That means you can shove it at the bottom of your day bag and hardly notice it’s there until you need it. Carrying it around is not a chore like a raincoat might be.
Plus, the biggest upside for me is that a poncho will cover right down to your knees (at least), so actually ends up keeping you far dryer than a raincoat. For your Malaysia trip, pack a poncho!
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have a few questions about visiting Malaysia in June? We’ve answered the most common questions below.
Is Malaysia Too Hot In June?
Malaysia can get pretty hot in June, though it is manageable if you pack correctly. Bring a fan, plenty of water, electrolytes, and lightweight clothing and you’ll be fine. You can always escape into an air-conditioned café around midday to avoid the most intense heat.
How Bad Is The Monsoon In June?
In our experience, the June monsoon in Malaysia is not bad at all. You may experience some heavy showers, but these are generally short-lasting.
Can You Visit The Islands In June?
June is one of the best times to visit the East Coast islands! The seas are calm, the weather is warm and sunny, and it’s a fantastic time for snorkelling.
Wrap Up
We think June is one of the best times to visit Malaysia. From the beautiful Islands in the east, to the wildlife viewing in Borneo, and the quieter cities in the west, it offers the best all-round experience.
As long as you are prepared for the humidity and the odd rain shower, June is a fantastic time to visit Malaysia.
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