Malaysia is hot, hot, hot in July. But it's also generally dry, making this a great month for outdoor and wildlife-focused adventures. Whether you want to go diving among shipwrecks, spot birds in wildlife sanctuaries, enjoy cultural festivals in Malaysia's diverse towns and cities, or see orangutans in their natural habitat, you can do it in July. Read on to find out more about where to go and what to do in Malaysia in July.

Weather

As a tropical country, Malaysia is hot and humid year-round, with two main seasons: wet and dry. These seasons don't always happen at the same time throughout the country, but June and July are the closest Malaysia gets to a uniformly dry season. With little rain, humidity is relatively low. However, temperatures are the hottest in July. Temperatures sit between 71°F (22°C) and 91°F (33°C) throughout the year in most places, with higher altitudes being cooler than sea-level towns and cities, which are especially hot in this month.

Although July is generally dry, there's always a chance of a shower so pack an umbrella. Smoke from forest fires in neighboring Indonesia can also affect air quality in July, leading to haze.

Crowds & Costs

Travelers come to Malaysia throughout the year as there's always somewhere at its best, but July can be considered the peak season. As well as summer vacationers from North America and Europe, many travelers come from the Arab States of the Persian Gulf in July. If you want to stay at a particular resort in a beach area, book early and expect to pay higher prices than during some other months. Resorts near popular diving spots are especially busy in July.

Where to Go

With so much of Malaysia open, accessible, and dry (albeit hot) in July, choose your destination based on the activities you want to enjoy.

Head to one of Malaysia's many beautiful beaches to cool off in the sea this month. There are many options along the country's long coastline, but for an easy and accessible slice of paradise, head to Tioman Island, off the southeastern coast of Peninsula Malaysia. The island is a nature reserve, and although it is inhabited, the seven villages are dotted around, and there's a laid-back, natural feel, plus few paved roads. Surrounded by coral reefs (and a few shipwrecks), Tioman Island is popular among divers, snorkelers, and surfers. It's straightforward to get to from both Kuala Lumpur and Singapore.

Another great beach destination is Langkawi, an island in northwestern Malaysia. As well as beautiful white-sand beaches, travelers can hike one of the island's volcanic peaks, check out the views from the Langkawi SkyBridge and cable car, or take a mangrove forest safari in the Kilim Karst Geoforest Park. On the latter, you can look out for otters, dolphins, eagles, and even a species of fish that walks on land.

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What to Do

July is one of the best months for bird watching in Malaysia. Thousands of local and migratory species can be seen throughout peninsular and eastern Malaysia. Many forests and national parks are permanent or temporary homes to these birds, but keen birders might like to hone in on specific bird sanctuaries. See colorful rail babblers in Johor's Panti Bird Sanctuary, egrets and migratory water birds (including incredible godwits) in Perak's Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, and North Asian migratory birds in the Kota Kinabalu Ramsar Wetland Site.

If you prefer your animals furry rather than feathered, you can't beat orangutan watching in Borneo. Borneo and Sumatra (Indonesia) are the only two places in the world where orangutans can be seen in the wild. This is best done in Borneo's dry season (generally March to October). July is a perfect time to go because the orangutans tend to be more active in the jungles, coming out to look for the fruit in season. The Semenggoh Nature Reserve near Kuching in Sarawak and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in East Sabah are two of the best places to see them.

Events in July

George Town UNESCO World Heritage Day, Penang. This festival on July 7 is a public holiday in Penang and celebrates the unique culture and 500-year history of George Town. Schools and many businesses are closed, but visitors can enjoy the community-led events that take place around a different theme each year.

Rainforest World Music Festival, Kuching. This three-day festival in mid-July in the capital of Sarawak state celebrates the diversity of indigenous and world music through performances.

George Town Festival, Penang. Not to be confused with the other abovementioned holiday in George Town, the annual George Town Festival runs for two weeks in mid-to-late July and is a further celebration of George Town's culture, history, and arts. 

Sabah International Folklore Festival, Kota Kinabalu. This festival in early-to-mid July brings together folk groups from around the world to showcase their song, dance, and traditional dress.

Traveling to Malaysia in July? Check out these great itineraries

Wildlife & Sea in Malaysia - 5 Days. Animal lovers and ocean enthusiasts, get ready: this five-day trip is bursting with sea and wildlife. Make your way through the five distinct habitats of the Kinabatangan River to a chalet on the beach, keeping an eye out for proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, and Pygmy elephants along the way.

Borneo Adventure: 10 Days. Dive, walk, and bird-watch your way through 10 days of wildlife reserves and resorts, tucked away islands, and lush valleys in Malaysian Borneo.

More Helpful Information

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Best Time of Year to Visit Malaysia
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