Which coast to choose in Malaysia in July?

Hi everyone!

So great to be back on this forum after being away for—I don’t even know what!

I’m planning a trip to Malaysia in July with my 5-year-old son. The thing is, I’m not sure which coast to choose. AI keeps telling me east one minute and west the next. Which spot is least affected by rain during this time?

Thanks a bunch

yes, in the east indeed, and there’s a wider choice of islands.

That’s exactly what I noticed on Google Maps. But my question was about which coast to visit at this time of year. I’m thinking of heading to Langkawi.

Thanks a bunch

Hi, double-check if Langkawi is actually on the east side; either way, it’s totally doable in July.

Hi, In July, it's the east coast based on everything I've read. We went to the Perhentian Islands this summer and had great weather (just one good downpour one night). We also visited Redang, but there we had a red flag for the sea (rough) for 2 days. Here’s my travel journal if you want to pick up some ideas: 3 weeks in Malaysia in July with family (with a side trip to Indonesia) - Malaysia - Routard.com Forums. Though we also went to Penang, which is on the west coast, and had nice weather there too... Happy travels!

Langkawi is on the west coast

Hi, You won’t find better than this kind of info that provides weather stats over several years:

https://www.ou-et-quand.net/partir/quand/asie-sud-est/malaisie/region/c-te-ouest-2011/ https://www.ou-et-quand.net/partir/quand/asie-sud-est/malaisie/region/c-te-est-2010/

After that, it’s good to know that the west coast is more urbanized than the east. You should also consider that July in Malaysia is peak tourist season... If you’re heading west, prioritize Langkawi—the rest (in my opinion) isn’t great.

On the east side, the Perhentian Islands are a good option, but July isn’t the best time (it’s a bit of a gamble).

Hi, Thanks for your reply.

I read your travel journal—you really got around and took some amazing photos! 😊

Hello, Thanks for your reply.

I’d already checked that site and another one (https://www.historique-meteo.net). This year I didn’t go—I went back to Samui since I knew the climate at that time of year—but in 2026 I’ll almost certainly go and split my stay between Kuala Lumpur and maybe Borneo.

July is the ideal season for Tioman, Perhentians... (East coast)

Hi, In July, the east coast is the way to go, as mentioned in previous posts. So, places like Perhentian and Tioman, for example. I’ve spent two trips in a row during this same period on these islands, and the weather was really sunny. Sometimes the sky was a bit hazy (especially in the morning) with a few raindrops, but it never lasted long. And it never ruined our activities (snorkeling, chilling on the beach, etc.). Anyway, it’s impossible to predict the weather with certainty—it’s always a bit random—but the risk is lower than on the west coast.

Thanks for your reply.

Hi, Thanks for your reply. Well, I think I’ll rework my plans—based on everything I’ve read on the forum and elsewhere, the east coast seems to be the best option.

That's not what long-term recorded climatology shows. Statistics are clearly more favorable for the west coast. Just because we had good weather during a specific period doesn’t mean it’s always the case. It’s statistically recognized that the best time on the east coast is February and March. After that, you can go anytime—it’s a gamble. For the Perhentians, the ideal period is from February to April. Further south in Tioman, it’s February and March.

I’m not generalizing at all. I don’t know where you’re getting your stats, but when it comes to Malaysia, the good season on the east coast runs from May to October. In fact, most hotels on the Perhentians are closed outside this period. Read what other contributors have said above—I’m not the only one saying it.

The good season on the east coast runs from May to October. In fact, most hotels on the Perhentians are closed outside this period.

https://www.ou-et-quand.net/partir/quand/asie-sud-est/malaisie/iles-perhentian/

7 days of rain in February and 23 days in July! (average calculated over several years) Check the graphs for rainy days and precipitation levels—it’s pretty clear. Best time for weather (February and March) and the busiest months: Peak season: February and March! (from this perspective, it might not be an advantage)

I know this site. I’ve read the recorded data. We’ll then have to explain to the local authorities why they’re wrong to close the Perhentian Islands during the so-called “ideal” period listed on this site.

Personally, I went there (to Kecil) in February and had great weather, but that doesn’t mean much since it can vary from year to year... On the other hand, in terms of crowds, it was busy, and I didn’t see any guesthouses closed. From what I’ve heard, the monsoon typically affects the months of November, December, and up until mid-January.

Either it’s a typo on the site—which would be odd but not totally impossible—or the stats have changed drastically in recent years. It’s still the only site listing this period as favorable. Curious, once again.

I’ll emphasize: a lot of hotels are closed until at least the end of February, precisely because of weather-related risks. We’re not just talking about rain here, but also rough seas that can be dangerous. That’s the case on Besar, for example, at Abdul Chalet, which only opens in March.

Thanks for your reply.

Here’s the little travel journal we kept during our family trip to Malaysia in July 2018: https://mikasandra18.blogspot.com/

I went to the Perhentian Islands in September 2016 and the weather was gorgeous—over a little more than a week, it only rained once or twice if I remember correctly.

I’ll check that out, thanks