Is March a good time to visit Malaysia?

March is very good — the northeast monsoon ends and the east coast islands reopen. This makes March ideal for diving at the Perhentian Islands and Redang. The west coast, Penang, and KL are excellent throughout. Borneo is generally good.

Are the Perhentian Islands open in March?

The Perhentians typically reopen in March. Early March may still see some rough days from the tail of the monsoon. By mid-March, conditions are usually calm and dive operators are fully open.

Is March good for Borneo?

March is generally a good month for Borneo. Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak) are accessible. It's within the transition between wet and drier periods. Mount Kinabalu climbing is possible year-round but weather is more stable in March than during the monsoon months.

Malaysia in March | The Malaysian Guide

Malaysia in March: Weather, Monsoons and What to Expect

10 May 2026 · 1 min read Practical

Malaysia spans two distinct geographic zones — Peninsular Malaysia (where KL, Penang, and Langkawi are) and Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak). The monsoon patterns are different across these regions, which makes understanding which part of Malaysia you’re visiting crucial for March planning.

Weather in March

East coast reopens — great for Perhentian and Redang diving. West coast excellent. One of the best all-round months for Malaysia.

Where to Go in Malaysia in March

Kuala Lumpur: KL city guide
Penang: Penang guide
Langkawi: Langkawi guide
Perhentian Islands: Perhentian guide
Borneo: Kota Kinabalu | Kuching

Planning

See the best time to visit Malaysia for a full seasonal guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is March a good time to visit Malaysia?: March is very good — the northeast monsoon ends and the east coast islands reopen. This makes March ideal for diving at the Perhentian Islands and Redang. The west coast, Penang, and KL are excellent throughout. Borneo is generally good.
Are the Perhentian Islands open in March?: The Perhentians typically reopen in March. Early March may still see some rough days from the tail of the monsoon. By mid-March, conditions are usually calm and dive operators are fully open.
Is March good for Borneo?: March is generally a good month for Borneo. Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Kuching (Sarawak) are accessible. It's within the transition between wet and drier periods. Mount Kinabalu climbing is possible year-round but weather is more stable in March than during the monsoon months.