Best Time to Visit Malaysia from New Zealand: What to do, weather, visas, and more
Malaysia is a relatively accessible destination with great food, lovely beaches, interesting historical and cultural sites and excellent infrastructure allowing for a low stress visit. If you’re thinking of your next break away, you might be wondering about the best time to visit Malaysia from New Zealand.
The Malaysian temperature is pretty stable, but you might want to think about the impact of the monsoons on your visit if you’re thinking of hitting the beach. This guide walks through the best month to visit Malaysia for different itineraries. We’ll also share more about the Wise card, a handy way to spend internationally.
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When is the best time to visit Malaysia from New Zealand
The best time to visit Malaysia from New Zealand is from June to August. This period allows you to escape the cold Kiwi winter and land right in the middle of the dry season on Malaysia's beautiful east coast, home to idyllic islands like the Perhentians and Tioman. You'll be trading frosty mornings for warm sunshine, clear blue waters, and perfect beach weather.
Malaysia is a very large country, which means that the weather across different areas can vary a lot at any given time. There’s always somewhere good to visit, but the right place for your trip might vary depending on the time of year.
Let’s work through what to do in Malaysia month by month so you can get a flavour for the different options.
Northeast Monsoon: December - February
While the monsoon brings rain to Malaysia's east coast, the western Andaman coast enjoys glorious weather. This makes it a great time for Kiwis on their summer holidays to visit the western islands and coastal regions.
December: December is a peak travel month due to Christmas and New Year, so flight and accommodation costs can be higher. You’ll need to book well in advance. Despite the crowds, it’s a perfect time of year for a Malaysian beach break on the west coast. Consider the resorts on Langkawi for a relaxing, sun-soaked stay.
January: Once the New Year celebrations are over, visitor numbers on the western coast can drop, but the weather remains beautiful. If you’re interested in a mix of culture, street art, and incredible food, a trip to Georgetown in Penang is an excellent choice. Avoid Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, as heavy rain can disrupt travel plans.
February: Lunar New Year, which often falls in February, is celebrated with great fanfare in many parts of Malaysia. Expect dragon dances, festive rituals, and vibrant decorations. Keep in mind that there are at least two public holidays, and many locals travel during this time, so plan accordingly.
Shoulder Season: March - May
There's plenty to do in Malaysia during the quieter shoulder season, when tourist numbers are relatively low and hotel prices can be more affordable. This period offers excellent weather in many areas, creating opportunities for beachgoers, hikers, and anyone looking to explore before the main tourist season begins.
March: If your plans include trekking, March is an ideal time to tackle popular routes like the climb up Gunung Ledang in Johor. You could also visit one of Malaysia's fantastic National Parks, such as Taman Negara, which offers superb hiking, river trips, and plenty of wildlife.
April: Malaysian Borneo begins to experience good weather, making this a great time to visit Sabah for hiking and nature exploration. The diving in this area is world-class, though you'll need to book in advance as permits are often required for top spots like Sipadan.
May: The eastern coasts and islands start to hit their prime in May. Popular destinations like the Perhentian Islands see the rain subside and sunny days return. These stunning islands boast white sandy beaches and are well worth the journey from Kuala Lumpur.
High Season: June - August
The New Zealand winter is the perfect time to visit Malaysia. Most of the country experiences relatively dry conditions, with excellent diving and snorkelling on the east coast. While it's a popular time to visit, planning ahead will ensure a hassle-free trip.
June: The weather in Kuala Lumpur is stable, offering great conditions for visiting the city's iconic attractions like the Petronas Towers. And when you need a break from the tropical heat, you can retreat into an air-conditioned mall or enjoy the culinary delights of a local food court.
July: This is the peak season for beach activities on the eastern coasts and islands. The waters are calm, and visibility is perfect for diving and snorkelling. You can easily set up island-hopping adventures to take in beautiful spots like Tioman and Rawa.
August: Many communities hold festivals in August to make the most of the good weather before the rains return. Penang has a particularly lively festival schedule, and the whole country celebrates Hari Merdeka, Malaysia’s National Day, at the end of the month.
Shoulder Season: September - November
Much of Peninsular Malaysia gets heavy rain from October onwards, which means fewer visitors and lower prices. While it may not be optimal beach weather, it can be a perfect option for a trip focused on cities and historical sites.
September: September can bring mixed weather across many areas, but the rain isn't usually disruptive in the east just yet. Pack a light rain jacket and plan a variety of activities to ensure you're prepared for any showers.
October: The Cameron Highlands region is especially pretty during this period as the landscape becomes lush from the rain. Known for its tea plantations and cool climate, it offers interesting tours and outdoor activities when the weather cooperates.
November: Rain is common through November, but the historic city of Melaka can be a good choice with its lower rainfall and many interesting places to visit. Alternatively, use the wetter weather as an opportunity to explore Kuala Lumpur, where it's always easy to dodge storms in malls, museums, and restaurants.
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What to do in Malaysia for Kiwis
There’s plenty to do in Malaysia, and while different times of year have their advantages, there’s always a destination to suit your plans. Once you've decided when to go, here are a few popular options.
Beach activities
Whether you’re planning on island hopping, relaxing on the shore, snorkelling or diving, Malaysia offers endless options for a beach holiday. And since the monsoons affect different coasts at different times, there are destinations with sunshine all year round.
History and culture
Malaysia has a fascinating history. Even a short visit to UNESCO World Heritage sites like Georgetown or Melaka will help you understand the country's rich, multicultural past. There are also many local festivals you can experience for a unique Malaysian adventure.
Food and drink
Malaysian food is a delicious blend of Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences. Be sure to try iconic dishes like Laksa and Nasi Lemak, as well as street food favourites like Roti Canai and Char Kway Teow.
Planning a trip to Malaysia from New Zealand
Once you’ve decided on the best time for your Malaysian holiday, you can start organising the practical details. Here are a few important things to consider when planning a trip from New Zealand.
Malaysia Visa Requirements
If you have a New Zealand passport, you can generally visit Malaysia as a tourist for up to 90 days without needing a visa¹.
It is also mandatory to complete a Malaysian Digital Arrival Card (MDAC), which can be done up to 3 days before entering the country through the official website².
When you complete your MDAC, you’ll receive an email with a link to access your visit pass. It’s a good idea to take a screenshot of this pass in case you’re asked to show it to border officers during your stay.
Flights to Malaysia
You can fly to Malaysia from New Zealand, with direct flights available from Auckland to Kuala Lumpur. The direct flight takes around 11.5 hours. Other routes with a stopover, often in Australia or Singapore, are also available.
Carriers like Malaysia Airlines offer direct routes, while others such as Air New Zealand, Qantas, and Singapore Airlines provide convenient connecting flights. This gives you a range of options to suit your budget and travel preferences.
Get the most out of your NZD to MYR conversions on your holiday with Wise
The Wise card is a simple way to save up to 8x when you're spending internationally. You can spend in 150+ countries at mid-market rate — basically the rate you see on Google. With no foreign transaction fees and low, transparent pricing, Wise usually gives you the best value for your money.
Simply create a Wise account for free, order a card and top-up NZD to get started. Having a physical Wise card allows you to make chip and pin payments, as well as make some free ATM withdrawals each month for when you're abroad. You can get digital cards and add to your Google or Apple Pay wallet for instant use. Spend directly with the Wise account in NZD and let auto-conversion do the trick or convert in advance to your desired currency. You can hold and exchange 40+ currencies in your Wise account and spend the currencies you hold for free.
Wherever your travel takes you, the Wise card makes spending money abroad cheaper and easier.
This general advice does not take into account your objectives, financial circumstances or needs and you should consider if it is appropriate for you. Savings claim based on our rates vs. selected New Zealand banks and other similar providers in Jan 2025. To learn more please visit https://growth-layer.live/nz/compare%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Please see Terms of Use and product availability for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
Sources:
- High Commission of Malaysia, Wellington - Visa Information
- Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (Official Website)
*Please see terms of use and product availability for your region or visit Wise fees and pricing for the most up to date pricing and fee information.
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