Asia · December

Best time to visit Malaysia in December 🇲🇾

December in Malaysia is great time to visit. a great time — solid weather and most experiences open, often with fewer crowds than the absolute peak.

Last updated June 2026

Is December a good time to visit Malaysia? Quick answer

Yes — a great time to go.

Verdict for December	Great time to visit
Average temperature	31°C high / 23°C low
Rainy days	~16 days
Crowds	high
Prices	high
Events this month	Christmas (KL malls)
Peak months overall	January, February, March, April, May
Insider tip	Sipadan diving permits are capped — book months ahead.

Malaysia year at a glance

best

good

shoulder

off-season

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

The absolute peak months for Malaysia are January, February, March, April, May. December is a solid shoulder choice if you want fewer crowds.

What Malaysia is like in December

Wet east, dry-ish west; Langkawi packed with European holidayers. West coast (Langkawi, Penang) best Nov–Apr. East coast (Perhentian, Tioman, Redang) best Mar–Oct, closed/rough Nov–Feb.

Insider tip

Sipadan diving permits are capped — book months ahead.

December by region in Malaysia

West coast (Langkawi, Penang, KL)

best

Drier Nov–Apr.

East coast (Perhentian, Tioman, Redang)

off-season

Most resorts close Nov–Feb.

Borneo (Sabah, Sarawak)

shoulder

Drier Mar–Oct; orangutan & diving year-round.

Other countries also at their peak in December

🇹🇭

Thailand in December

A tale of two coasts and three seasons.

🇵🇭

Philippines in December

7,000 islands, one dry season.

🇰🇭

Cambodia in December

Cool & dry for Angkor.

🇱🇦

Laos in December

Mekong country, cool dry winters.

🇦🇪

UAE in December

Desert winters are magical; summers brutal.

🇨🇭

Switzerland in December

Two seasons, both spectacular.

See every country at its peak in December →Malaysia vs Thailand →Malaysia vs Philippines →Malaysia vs Cambodia →

FAQs: Malaysia in December

Is December a good time to visit Malaysia?

Yes — it's a great time to go. December in Malaysia is great time to visit. Expect average highs around 31°C and lows near 23°C, with roughly 16 rainy days.

What is the weather like in Malaysia in December?

Average daily high around 31°C, low around 23°C, with about 16 rainy days. Wet east, dry-ish west; Langkawi packed with European holidayers.

What events or festivals happen in Malaysia in December?

Key events in December include Christmas (KL malls).

Are flights and hotels cheaper in Malaysia in December?

Prices in December are typically high — book early, with high crowds.

Should I book Malaysia in advance for December?

Booking 4–6 weeks ahead is usually enough in December, with more flexibility on stays than during the absolute peak.