Malaysia Weather in January

Overview:

1. In January, the west coast of Malaysia Peninsula experiences relatively low rainfall, including Langkawi and Kuala Lumpur, while the east coast is quite rainy because of the northeast monsoon.

2. There are no significant temperature fluctuations in January - hot, humid, and typically tropical.

Rainfall in January

The East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

In January, the Northeast Monsoon prevails, resulting in heavy rain in the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. For example, Kuantan receives 214 mm this month, while Kota Bharu and Kuala Terengganu both see 167 mm. The Northeast Monsoon also brings strong winds and huge waves at sea, therefore, many island resorts in the eastern coast close temporarily. Tourists should avoid these areas during this time.

The West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia

The West Coast experiences relatively dry weather in January, with occasional rain. Langkawi, for instance, sees only 41.2 mm of rain, while Kuala Lumpur, Malacca and Penang receive 160mm, 106mm, and 77mm relatively.

Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo

Sabah and Sarawak are two states in East Malaysia, situated in the north of Kalimantan Island. They are also affected by the Northeast Monsoon in January, but the extent of the impact varies. Kuching, for example, experiences extremely heavy rainfall totaling 681 mm, while Kota Kinabalu receives only 155 mm.

Temperature

Although the overall temperature does not vary much with an average range of 25-32°C (77-90°F), the sensible temperatures are a little different due to the rainfall of two sides of Peninsular Malaysia.

1. The West coast is relatively dry. Take the example of Penang, the humidity is 74%, so tourists will feel relatively more comfortable as sweat evaporates more quickly.

2. You feel muggy and uncomfortable in the East coast, because the humidity is high. For instance, the humidity in Kuantan in January is as high as 87%.

3. For highlands and mountains, the temperature is lower because of the altitude. The temperature of Cameron Highlands ranges around 14 -23 degrees Celsius (57 -73 degrees Fahrenheit) averagely in January. Due to the cool temperature and suitable humidity, it is a famous resort to escape high heat, especially for avoiding the high temperatures at lower altitudes.

4. The average temperature in Borneo ranges 24-30°C (74-87°F). Actually, this is the coolest month here.

Things You Need to Take

1. Clothes

T-shirts and shorts are perfect for all the activities. But if you are going to explore cool, humid caves, be sure to take a light jacket. A raincoat is necessary in case of sudden rain.

2. Footwear

If you plan to spend your day on the beach, slippers are ideal and convenient. Besides, slippers go with the laid-back vibe of the holiday. A pair of breathable sneakers are necessary to explore the nature, if you plan to visit Malaysia in January 2026.

3. Others

Sunscreen is a necessity, refraining from sunburn. Also don’t forget to pack sunglasses and hats.

The Best Destinations to Explore in Malaysia in January:

1. Langkawi

Compared with the eastern coastal areas of Peninsular Malaysia, Langkawi enjoys less rainy climate in January. Consisted of 99 islands, Langkawi boasts white sand beaches, complete accommodation facilities - world-class resorts and budget-friendly hotels, tax-free stores and abundant outdoor activities ranging from the adventure of exploring nature to various water activities. Whether you try island hopping, parasailing, snorkeling and other water activities or are close to various wild animals including monkeys, otters, monitor lizards, and bats by cruising along mangrove forests, Langkawi won’t disappoint you.

Mangrove River Cruise

2. Kuala Lumpur

It’s a great time to appreciate Kuala Lumpur’s iconic skyline, dive into its street food, and enjoy its rich cultural heritages in January, with relatively low rainfall. Exploring the bustling streets of Chinatown and visiting the majestic Petronas Twin Towers, you can feel the harmony of the old cultural heritage and the modern development. For culture lovers, the Islamic Arts Museum, Merdeka Square, and National Mosque are must-visits. Women should cover their heads with scarf and avoid exposing arms and legs when entering the religious sites.

Malaysia Food Stall

3. Semporna

Semporna enjoys cool and favorable climate in January, meaning it’s suitable for outdoor activities. It’s famous for its beautiful beaches and diverse water activities. Take a boat to explore these breathtaking islands like Mabul and Kapalai, with crystal-clear waters and colorful reefs. It’s also a dream land for snorkeling and diving lovers. Except for those underwater activities, visiting the Bajau Laut, a community of sea gypsies who live in stilt houses above the water, is another way to immerse yourself into the local culture.