Malaysia Weather in September

Overview

1. The Southwest Monsoon is not at its strongest, and the Northeast Monsoon just starts to blow, so rainfall is not too much. 

2. The weather of Malaysia in September is hot, but not as hot as you’ve imagined about a tropical country. 

3. It may be impacted by the haze, not advisable to visit.

4. September is a shoulder season in Malaysia, right the time for cost-effective travel. 

Malaysia in September

Temperature at 24 - 32 °C on Average

The average temperature in September hovers around 24 - 32 °C (75 - 90 °F) with a significant temperature difference between day and night. For example, in Kuala Lumpur, the daytime average temperature is 31 °C (88 °F), when people feel hot, while nighttime average temperature is 23 °C (73 °F), when is cool.

The air-conditioning can be surprisingly strong indoors, so packing a light jacket in your bag in case you need it. Besides, it can be cold in highlands after the sunset, when you may also need an additional overcoat. 

Southwest Monsoon Gradually Fades Away but Northeast Monsoon Starts

In September, the Southwest Monsoon gets weak, and the rainfall is on a decreasing trend on the west coast side of Peninsular Malaysia. For example, Malacca’s rainfall in September is 161 mm averagely while in August it is 221 mm. 

On the other side of Peninsular Malaysia, the Northeast Monsoon starts to blow in September, meaning the dry season will come to an end and bringing a small amount of drops. Take the example of Redang Island, the popular beach resort, it receives about 156 mm of monthly rainfall on average. 

Borneo in September is influenced by the Northeast Monsoon, experiencing moderate rainfalls compared with other months. Take the example of Kota Kinabalu, the average rainfall in September is 289 mm. 

Malaysia’s rain is usually brief showers, and often happens in the afternoon - about 15:00-18:00. It seldom rains all day. So you can still have a great holiday in the monsoon season as long as you plan your trip wisely. 

Humidity: 80% - 85%

Haze

In September, Malaysia can be impacted by the haze from neighboring Indonesia, especially when it’s not raining. You should arrange some indoor activities on haze days as much as possible, such as visiting museums or shopping malls. 

Is September a good month to visit Malaysia?

Generally, yes. The reasons are as follows: 

1. Malaysia in September has comparatively favorable weather - reasonable rainfall, proper sunshine, and moderate temperature. 

2. There are fewer tourists in September when it is just after the summer vacation. When you visit attractions, there are no long queues; for diving lovers, it’s much less likely that one diving guide will be in charge of multiple people. 

3. Flight tickets and hotel rates are much cheaper in September than in the peak season including July and August. You can have a budget-friendly vacation. 

4. Visitors have a great chance to experience the unique festival atmosphere during the Ghost Festival on the 6th of September in 2025

What Should Visitors Wear in September? 

Clothes: 

To cope with Malaysia’s weather in September, T-shirts and shorts are proper. Considering Malaysia is a conservative country, it is advised to avoid controversial dressing. But on the beach, women can wear a stylish dress or swimsuit. 

After the sunset, it turns cool and you may need a light jacket. 

Footwear: 

A pair of comfortable sneakers is ideal for walking hours in the city, visiting attractions or exploring nature. Slippers are suitable for beach days or relaxed strolls. They are easy to slip on and off and go with the tropical environment.

For rainforest explorers, a pair of non-slip rain boots is important to protect you from potential dangers. 

Accessories: 

Insect repellent is always necessary in Malaysia with tropical weather. 

A raincoat or an umbrella is helpful on rainy days. 

Sun protection is a must, not only for keeping your skin fair but also for preventing sunburn. Therefore, make sure you bring these items: sunscreen, sunglasses and hats. 

What to Do in Malaysia in September

The Ghost Festival - “Halloween” of Local Chinese

The Ghost Festival falls on July 15th every year in the lunar calendar, which corresponds to September 6th in 2025. If you are in Penang or Kuala Lumpur during this period, get ready for a rich cultural experience.

One of the most striking celebrations is the burning of the "Da Shi Ye" paper statue – a symbol of protection for the local Chinese community. As the flames quickly consume the statue, red paper fragments are sent fluttering into the sky, creating a dramatic and emotional scene. 

The height of the Da Shi Ye statue in Penang increases each year, symbolizing progress and a hopeful future. Interestingly, Kuala Lumpur also hosts its own burning ritual during the Ghost Festival, where the Da Shi Ye statue is the tallest in the country, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the city during the festival.

Beyond the burning ritual, Da Shi Ye parades take place along the streets. Visitors can see lion dances, drum beats and other traditional performances, fully immersing themselves in the lively festival atmosphere. 

Taman Negara National Park - Dreamland for Nature Lovers

In September, the weather in Taman Negara National Park with lush forests is cooler than many other places in Malaysia and the precipitation is not large, at about 133 mm, so it remains a comfortable destination to explore during this period.

Taman Negara, as world's oldest rainforest, is home to diverse wildlife, including Malayan tigers and Asian elephants. September is also a prime time for birdwatching, with species like the Malayan Peacock Pheasant.  

For adventure seekers, the Canopy Walkway, the world’s longest suspension bridge, provides an exciting overview of the rainforest. Visitors can also enjoy a night safari to spot animals in their natural habitat. 

Malaysia Rainforest

Kuching - Exploration of the Cultural Villages

With breezy and pleasant climate in September, Kuching is a great place to visit. 

One of the most popular destinations in Kuching is Kampung Budaya Sarawak. It’s a cultural village, a microcosm of the local indigenous culture. Visitors can enjoy local ethnic singing and dancing performances, traditional costume walk shows and acrobatics, and taste local special food. 

Across the cultural village is the beach. Visitors are advised to enjoy the beautiful sunset and have a cold drink to finish the day there. 

Weather of Major Malaysia Cities in September

City	Temp	Rainfall (mm/days)	Humi- dity (%)
Kuala Lumpur	24-33°C (75-91°F)	229 / 13	79
Penang	24-31°C (75-88°F)	288 / 18	83
Redang Island	25-30°C (77-86°F)	156 / 10	82
Pulau Perhentian	25-29°C (77-84°F)	156 / 11	82
Kota Kinabalu	24-32°C (75-90°F)	288 / 14	81
Kuching	23-32°C (73-90°F)	240 / 16	84
Taman Negara	22-29°C (72-83°F)	133 / 20	82
Cameron Highlands	15-22°C (59-72°F)	278 / 28	84

Malaysia Weather by Month