Malaysia Weather in October

Overview:

1. October is wet season in most parts of Malaysia, so an umbrella is necessary.

2. It is hot in the daytime and cool at nighttime.

3. Mid-Autumn Festival and Deepavli are two highlights in October, 2025.

Rainfall in October

Malaysia has an average rainfall of 300 mm in October, with 18 rainy days. Visitors should prepare raingear.

In October, the Northeast Monsoon blows, resulting in a considerable amount of rainfall in the east side of Peninsular Malaysia. At the end of October, many hotels and restaurants will close because of the strengthening wind.

Despite the decline of the Southwest Monsoon, there are still some rainfalls in the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia. Luckily the rain is mainly convectional rain, brief and intense in the afternoon, usually affecting a small area. Therefore, your trip won’t be impacted significantly if it’s well-organized.

Temperature

Malaysia has somehow hot weather in October, with an average temperature of about 24-32 °C (75-90 °F). Visitors might feel cool in the early morning with temperature of around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). It gets hotter and hotter as the temperature rising to around 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit) at noon. After sunset, it turns cool again, also thanks to the breeze from the sea. After rain, the temperature also drops for about 2 degrees Celsius (35 degrees Fahrenheit), bringing a sense of coolness.

In the highland areas, the weather is a bit cooler because of high altitudes, so an additional light jacket is recommended when visiting these areas.

Humidity

Due to high heat and frequent rain, the air in Malaysia in October is highly humid. The humidity ranges between 81%-86%. Visitors may feel stuffy and sweaty, so wearing breathable clothes is necessary.

Malaysia’s Weather in October by Region

The West Coast of Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia)

Although the Southwest Monsoon comes to an end in October, the west coast of West Malaysia still receives quite an amount of rain because of the tropical rainforest climate. Take the example of Langkawi, the beach resort on the west coast of West Malaysia, its average rainfall in October reaches 363 mm, from about 19 rainy days.

However, the rain often falls for a short period of time, usually no more than two hours, so you can still have a nice trip if you plan it wisely, like enjoying the room service of the hotel resorts or visiting some indoor scenic spots when it’s raining.

City	Average Temperature	Rainfall (mm)	Travel Recommended Index
Kuala Lumpur	23-32 °C (73-90°F)	253
Penang	24-31 °C (75-88°F)	374
Malacca	23-32 °C (73-90°F)	195
Langkawi	24-31 °C (75-88°F)	363

The East Side of Peninsular Malaysia (West Malaysia)

As mentioned above, the Northeast Monsson usually arrives at the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia in October, accompanied by huge waves on the sea, strong wind, and heavy rainfall and most hotels and resorts there would close by end of the month. If you have any plan to go there, make it in early or middle October.

City	Average Temperature	Rainfall (mm)	Travel Recommended Index
Redang Island	27-31°C (80-88°F)	251
Pulau Perhentian	27-31°C (80-88°F)	255
Pulau Tioman	26-32°C (79-90°F)	197

Sabah & Sarawak (East Malaysia)

East Malaysia experiences a wet period in October. For instance, rainfall in Kota Kinabalu reaches its peak in October, averaging 377 mm and 16 rainy days. On the other side of Sabah, Semporna has less rain, with 170 mm and only 7 rainy days, which is suitable for a lovely beach holiday.

City	Average Temperature	Rainfall (mm)	Travel Recommended Index
Kota Kinabalu	24-31°C (75-88°F)	377
Kuching	24-33°C (75-91°F)	339
Semporna	26-31°C (79-88°F)	170

Highland areas

Due to high altitudes, these areas experience lower temperatures. Take the example of Cameron Highland, its temperature in October hovers between 15-22 °C (59-72°F). In terms of precipitation, it has the largest rain throughout the year in this month, averaging 373 mm.

What to Wear in Malaysia in October

Clothes

Most of time, visitors need to wear summer clothes like T-shirts, shorts or skirts, but you should not wear anything too revealing since Malaysia is a conservative country.

If you are in a popular tourist resort like a beach, it’s OK to wear stylish dresses and swimsuits.

Because of the strong air-conditioning indoors, it’s advisable to wear a light jacket to keep warm.

If you want to explore the rainforest, make sure to pack pants and tops in quick-drying fabrics, and a water-proof jacket.

Footwear

A pair of comfortable sneakers is good for your daily travel.

Slippers are easy to take on and off, and go with beach holidays.

Non-slip rain boots are necessary when exploring the rainforest.

Where to Go and What to Do in Malaysia in October

Attractive Festival Atmosphere – Mid-Autumn Festival & Diwali

The month of October coincides with two important festivals, the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival and the Indian Festival of Diwali. The festive atmosphere is strongest on the west coast of West Malaysia, making it best choice for visitors interested in.

Mid-Autumn Festival
Mid-Autumn Festival falls on the 15th of August in the lunar calendar, corresponding on October 6th, 2025. If you come to Penang during this period, you can join the “River of Lights” lantern parade, enjoy the traditional lion and dragon dances at the Straits Quay Square, or have a night lantern walk on Penang Hill and up there, have a panoramic view of Georgetown.

Diwali

Diwali, also called “festival of lights”, is one of public festivals in Malaysia, falling on the 20th of October, 2025. Many places are soaked in a festival atmosphere as Malaysia is a multi-religious country. For example, Kuala Lumpur's shopping malls will be decorated and there will be traditional Indian dance performances. At midnight, the festival is celebrated with beautiful fireworks, and many houses are illuminated, which is quite amazing.

Jungle Trekking and Wildlife Spotting in Sarawak

In October, moderate rainfall makes animals and vegetation lively. And the weather is cooler in the national parks in Sarawak, making them great places to go.

Kuching, Sarawak, is home to different types of national parks. Visitors can explore Bako National Park. There are stunning cliffs, mangrove swamps, and fireflies lighting up the entire forest at night.

In Sarawak Cultural Village at Taman Negara Santubong, you can appreciate the traditional dance performances. During your hike, you will meet waterfalls. Due to the increasing rainfall in Kuching in October, the waterfalls will be more spectacular.

Jungle Trekking in Sarawak

Laid-back Beach Resorts: Perhantian Island & Semporna

In early October, Perhentian Island with pleasant weather can be visited. There are fewer tourists, and the hotels are cheaper. You can expect a budget-friendly holiday here. Underwater activities like snorkeling and diving are popular, and you might spot dolphin migration if you are lucky.

With favorable climate and crystal-clear water in October and soft sand, Semporna is a dreamland for a relaxed beach holiday and exciting marine activities. Under the water, you can see various corals and beautiful fishes.