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 simultaneously throughout the country, but June and July are the closest Malaysia gets to a uniformly dry season. With little rain, humidity is relatively low, which many travelers will find most comfortable. Be prepared with an umbrella, though, as showers can occur almost any time. 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.
Crowds & Costs
Malaysia sees a steady stream of visitors throughout the year because different parts of the country are ideal at varying times. However, June 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 June. 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 on (and off) the peninsula's east coast, from where diving can be done, are bustling in June.
Where to Go
There's hardly a wrong place to go in Malaysia in June, so choose your destinations according to the activities you want to enjoy.
June is a great month to hang out in Kuala Lumpur ("KL"), as it's a relatively dry time. You can enjoy the big-city sights at any time of year, but in June, you're less likely to need to dash for cover. Sample street food from across South and Southeast Asia at KL's markets; learn about Islamic art, architecture, and culture at the Islamic Arts Museum; check out the city views from the viewing platforms of the Petronas Twin Towers; be delighted by the residents of the Kuala Lumpur Bird Park and the nearby Kuala Lumpur Butterfly Park; and take a half-day trip out to the Tamil Hindu Batu Caves in the hills on the outskirts of the city.
For a completely different Malaysian experience, head east to Malaysian Borneo. Malaysia is one of only two countries where you can spot orangutans in the wild (the other country is neighboring Indonesia, which shares the island of Borneo with Malaysia). June is an excellent time to look for these primates because it's fruit season in the jungles, meaning orangutans come out searching for tasty snacks. Visit the Semenggoh Nature Reserve near Kuching or the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in East Sabah, where there are good chances of spotting the intelligent creatures.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
June is one of the best times of the year to go diving in Malaysia, with little rain or wind leading to calm waters and good visibility. Divers can enjoy beautiful coral reefs and fascinating wrecks all around the country, especially from islands off the coast of the mainland. There are also options for experienced and beginner divers, making Malaysia a great family destination. Check out Redang Island, Lang Tengah Island, or the Perhentian Islands off the peninsula. From Borneo, head to Sipadan Island, Mabul Island, Sibuan Island, or the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Snorkeling is also good if you're not a diver.
As well as orangutan-related activities in Borneo, visitors can enjoy a mangrove forest safari from Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) or Kuching (Sarawak). You can paddle a kayak, a stand-up paddle board, or take a guided boat tour. Mangrove forests are among the most biodiverse habitats in Malaysia, and you might see proboscis monkeys, macaques, and a variety of birds. Mangrove safaris can also be taken from Langkawi in northwestern Malaysia.
Events in June
Dragon Boat Festival, Penang. This event in early June is a riot of colorful boats, music, and boat racing.
Yang di-Pertuan Agong's Birthday, Kuala Lumpur. Festivities are held in the capital to celebrate the king's birthday, Malaysia's head of state.
Gawai Festival, Sarawak. This religious and cultural festival is held in early June and celebrates the culture of the Dayak people, who live in Sarawak and West Kalimantan, Indonesia. It's a public holiday in Sarawak, celebrated with traditional music, dancing, and costumes.
Festa San Pedro, Melaka. Melaka's Portuguese-Malaysian community holds the Feast of Saint Peter on June 29. It celebrates fishing, which was traditionally the main livelihood in Melaka.
Traveling to Malaysia in June? Check out these great itineraries
Borneo Nature Lodge - 4 Days. This four-day tour will take you into the heart of the jungle to search for pygmy elephants, orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and Bornean gibbons.
Wildlife in Sepilok & Kinabatangan Wetlands - 4 Days. Nature-lovers, grab your cameras! This four-day trip features wild rivers, mangroves, and a diverse variety of wildlife as you make your way to Borneo's off-the-beaten-track gems for an immersive jungle experience.
More Helpful Information
Malaysia in May
Malaysia in July
Best Time of Year to Visit Malaysia
Malaysia Tours & Itineraries