Malaysia Weather in April

Overview

1. The Southwest Monsoon enters the Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia) in April, bringing heavy showers to the west coast of the Peninsular time to time, while the east coast is not affected and relatively dry.

2. In April, Malaysia generally enters a period of high temperatures, with the average high temperature of 32°C (90°F), except some highlands.

3. The rainy season has ended in most areas of Borneo (East Malaysia), like Kota Kinabalu and Semporna.

Rainfall in April

The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia & Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo

The eastern side of Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo experience dry season, and it rains less in these areas. For instance, Kuala Terengganu receives a little rainfall of 84 mm in April; the precipitation of Kota Kinabalu drops to 123 mm. This means it’s a good time to visit these places in Malaysia in April 2026.

The West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

In April, the Southwest Monsoon enters the land, resulting in heavy rain. Take the Kuala Lumpur and Penang as examples, the rainfall hits 281 mm and 183 mm this month respectively. Luckily, the monsoon rain is usually shower stopping soon after, which doesn't have a huge impact on sightseeing. Even though, it’s highly advised to take an umbrella with you, as it can rain suddenly.

Temperature

Situated near the Equator, Malaysia has a consistently hot weather in April, with the average temperature staying between 23 - 32 degrees Celsius (73 - 90 degrees Fahrenheit). During the hottest hours of midday, it’s best for visitors to stay indoors, such as touring museums or relaxing in a hotel. Due to high altitudes, some highlands are cooler, like Cameron Highlands, where the temperature hovers between 16 - 23°C (61-73°F) averagely in April.

The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Kota Bharu: 24-33°C (75-91°F)

Kuantan: 23-33°C (73-91°F)

The West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

Kuala Lumpur: 24-33°C (75-91°F)
Melacaa: 24-33°C (75-91°F)

Langkawi: 25-32°C(77-90°F)

Sabah and Sarawak in Bornea

Kota Kinabalu: 24-32°C (75-90°F)

Sandakan: 24-32°C (75-90°F)

What to Wear in April

Daily Outfits

Light cotton T-shirts or shirts

Shorts or loosen pants; Skirts and dresses for women

Sunglasses & sun hat for UV protection

Comfortable sandals or walking shoes

For Rainforest

Quick-dry, thin and breathable sportswear or long-sleeve activewear

Insect repellent

Lightweight raincoat in case of sudden rain

Hiking shoes

For Beach

Stylish swimsuits

Beach socks – protect your feet from hot sand and coral

Water shoes – useful for snorkeling and rocky shores

Reef-safe sunscreen – coral-friendly and ocean-friendly

Waterproof smartphone bag

Top Destinations to Visit in Malaysia in April

Sandakan

April is a good time to visit Sandakan, Sabah. As the wet season fades, the climate in April becomes more stable, with plenty of sunny days. While occasional showers still occur, they can help keep rainforests alive and energetic.

One must-visit is the Borneo Sepilok Rainforest, where you can explore a diverse range of tropical plant species, each carefully labeled for identification. It’s impossible to fully explore this lush jungle in just one day. For an even more exciting adventure, don’t miss a night tour. It offers a higher chance to spot nocturnal creatures like spectacled monkeys, sloth bears, flying squirrels, fluorescent scorpions, and various kingfishers.

Besides, April marks the start of nesting season of Hawksbill sea turtles on Selingan Turtle Island. Here, visitors can witness the incredible process of egg-laying and watch baby turtles being released into the sea, which is a rare and exciting experience.

Malacca

While April isn’t climatically the dry season on the west coast of Peninsular Malyasia, rain in Malaysia tends to come and go quickly, meaning that rainfall won’t ruin your trip. If make good arrangements based on the weather forecast, you can still experience the charm of Malacca.

With less commercial atmosphere, Malacca invites you to slow down and appreciate its layered history through architecture and culture. The real charm of Malacca lies in its UNESCO-listed heritages, including St. Paul’s Church Ruins, Dutch Red Square, and Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. At night you can enjoy a relaxed strolling through Jonker Street Night Market while sampling Chinese-Malay cuisine like Nyonya laksa and chicken rice balls. Remember, it’s open only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

St. Paul’s Church

Cultural Hall in Malaysia

Redang Island

April is the dry season on Malaysia’s east coast, making it one of the best months to visit Redang Island, with soft white sands, relatively high visibility, and many accommodation options ranging from cost-effective hotels to luxury resorts.

The island’s most iconic beach is Pasir Panjang (Long Beach), known for its powdery white sand and crystal-clear waters. This is where most of the island’s resorts are located, offering convenient beach access and a lively tropical atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy the relaxing beach vibe at open-air bars and beachfront restaurants, or join in the fun with fire shows, beach parties, and other exciting evening activities.