April is an ideal time to visit Malaysia as the country starts to transition between monsoon seasons, creating warm, relatively dry conditions across many popular destinations. Malaysia sees a hot and humid climate throughout the year due to its closeness to the equator. As it lies between two different seas, it also has two different monsoons. In April, the West Coast(Penang, Langkawi) in Malaysia starts to see initial monsoons, while the East Coast is mostly dry.
Weather in Malaysia in April: Region-wise
1. West Coast (Penang, Langkawi)
April marks the start of the southwest monsoon on the west coast, including popular destinations like Penang and Langkawi. However, rain showers are short-lived and tend to occur in the late afternoon, allowing for plenty of sunny, beach-friendly weather. Langkawi’s beaches and Penang’s cultural sites remain popular for visitors this month. Temperatures average up to 31°C with high humidity.
2. East Coast (Redang, Kuantan, Perhentian Islands)
April is an excellent month for exploring the East Coast as the dry season peaks. With little and occasional rainfall and calm seas, the islands of Redang, Tioman, and the Perhentian Islands are prime spots for snorkeling, diving, and sunbathing. East coast destinations are in high demand as visitors enjoy the sunny skies and warm sea temperatures, which average a pleasant 30°C. Humidity is moderate to high but manageable with the coastal breeze.
In April, Kuala Lumpur experiences warm days with average temperatures around 30°C, while the Cameron Highlands are cooler at 22-25°C. Short tropical showers are common but infrequent in these areas. Humidity is high, especially in Kuala Lumpur. There are ample sunny periods, interspersed with brief rains.
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Penang Hill or Bukit Bendera is a perfect spot to escape the scorching heat of Malaysia in April. Its the colder climate is absolutely owned by the top location of this hill which resides some 2400 feet above sea level. Home to a variety of flora, fauna, and different smaller peaks, Penang Hill boasts of one of its rainforests that has completed 130 million years. Head on towards the Penang Hill Railway for a 30-minute train journey that will give you some fantastic glimpses from your train window. Penang Hill is also equipped with 3 viewing decks for visitors to get a panoramic view of the scenery around.
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Easily accessed by car or any other public transportation except for train, the Cameron Highlands is an impressive hill station in the Malaysian state called Pahang. Founded by a British colonist, Cameron Highlands has always been successful at giving a colder climate to the Malaysians during the dry season. Apart from its tea plantations and cold weather, this elevated land is also popular for its wildlife, orchards, waterfalls, golf course, hotels, bungalows, and museums.
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Residing in the Malaysian state of Perak, Ipoh is generally a less crowded place whose tourism has been boosted recently to preserve its British colonial architecture. The New Town and Old Town of Ipoh that nestle on the east and west part of Kinta river respectively, have some shopping malls, holy shrines, and historical sites that give you a quick insight into British architecture. If in Ipoh, don’t forget to try the cuisine of the second food capital of Malaysia.
4. George Town
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Malaysia’s second-largest city and Penang’s capital George Town boasts a lot about its seafronts, hills, and parks. George Town is also a great place to appreciate architecture and pay a visit to some revered Chinese temples and vibrant colonial structures. The cross-cultural influence is clearly visible in the city’s cuisine where a variety of fusion foods are served at the local restaurants. Don’t forget to gape at the breathtaking skyline of this must-visit place in Malaysia.
5. Langkawi
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A landing destination for all romantic couples, Langkawi is an alluring archipelago of 99 islands. Myriad restaurants, resorts, and white sandy beaches reside on this Malaysian land which makes it the apt place for a dream vacation. The islands in Langkawi are hidden under dense green forests and paddy fields and are surrounded by sea-through turquoise waters. The natural beauty of this archipelago makes it a perfect destination for many honeymooners. Eagle Square, Galeria Perdana, Mahsuri Tomb and Museum, and Underwater World Langkawi are some of the popular attractions of Langkawi.
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Songkran is also known as the Thai Water Festival and is celebrated to mark the New Year. People enjoy this festival by splashing water on each other, whereas the devotees pour water on Buddha statues. In Penang, this water festival mostly takes place near the temples and gives its tourists and natives a chance to get wet and enjoy the festival on the streets of Penang.
2. Penang International Food Festival
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Known as the food paradise of Asia, Penang offers its tourists and locals a great opportunity to try its popular cuisines. Visitors can taste some of the best food options in Malaysia, like aromatic coffee, lip-smacking street food, and sizzling barbeque at this hogging event. Depending upon your mood of interest, you can choose to either savor traditional grub or fusion comestibles. This International Food Festival caters to its gourmands with fine dining options along with popular street food.
3. Regatta Lepa Semporna
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Annually held, Regatta Lepa is a traditional water festival that is celebrated by the Bajau folks around mid to end of April and lasts for some 2-3 days. At this festival, a floating parade of colorful leap boats, leap boat racing and tug-of-war, and fireworks take place and fall into the category of major highlights of this occasion. One of the most unique celebrations in Malaysia, this event pays homage exclusively to the lifestyle of the Sea Gypsies or Bajau Laut. Cultural music and Karaoke that is played during the nights make the occasion much more vibrant. The event also holds a duck-catching competition during its tenure.
What to Pack?
Rain can come knocking anytime in April, so make sure to carry your umbrellas or buy one while you are on a trip to Malaysia. You can also purchase rain ponchos that will keep you and your clothes absolutely away from the cool tropical showers.
Carry light summery clothes for the hot afternoons and a bit warm clothes for cool evenings and nights in Malaysia.
Do not forget to carry your sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat that will prevent the sun from ruining your skin shade.
Carry water-resistant footwear so that you don’t end up spoiling your brand new shoes or slipping on the streets of Malaysia.
April in Malaysia is a fantastic time for travelers seeking warm, sunny days with manageable humidity. The east coast is a paradise for beach lovers and divers, while cities like Kuala Lumpur and Penang offer cultural experiences with occasional refreshing showers. Whether you’re exploring Malaysia’s islands or trekking through the highlands, April provides a pleasant and adventure-friendly climate to enjoy this tropical destination to its fullest.
