November is Malaysia's coldest month of the year, but as a tropical country, it's still warm, albeit wet. It's the low season for travel, and popular beach resorts and jungle areas are best avoided, but Malaysia's fantastic towns and cities offer plenty of cultural attractions. If you want to retreat to nature, head to the famous Cameron Highlands, which are lush at this time of year. Read on to find out more about where to go and what to do in Malaysia in November.

Weather

November is Malaysia's coldest month. Although being a tropical country, "cold" is relative, and "cool" might be more accurate. 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. Expect temperatures on the lower end of this scale in November.

As a tropical country, there are two main seasons in Malaysia, wet and dry. November is the wet season, although the rains don't affect all parts of the country equally. Eastern Malaysia, including Borneo, is very wet in November, while you should expect rain elsewhere but not in the same volumes. In contrast, the southern city of Melaka stays quite dry in November. 

Crowds & Costs

November is a low season for tourism in Malaysia as two favorite activities—time at the beach and wildlife spotting in Borneo—are not ideal this month due to the rain. However, there are a wealth of city-based cultural activities to enjoy. In some places, you might get a good deal on accommodation and transport in Malaysia in November. However, cities like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Melaka will have plenty of visitors this month.

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Where to Go

While travelers, especially domestic Malaysian travelers, visit the Cameron Highlands year-round thanks to its cooler climate, November is arguably the best month to visit. The rains that start in September and/or October refresh the landscape and bring color and vibrancy to the hillsides. Located in northern Malaysia, you can tour tea fields, visit indigenous Orang Asli villages, check out several gardens and fruit plantations, and bird-watch. If you're looking for an active adventure, hike through forests like the Mossy Forest and jungles or to the impressive Thompson Falls or summit Mount Brinchang. (The latter is also accessible by cable car.)

To take a break from the rain, November is an ideal month to visit Melaka, which stays quite dry. This southern city is a must-visit destination for lovers of culture and history, as it has both in abundance. Check out the 17th-century Stadthuys Town Hall built by the Dutch, the 18th-century Christ Church, and the 16th-century St. Paul's Church atop a hill. Take a river cruise or go sightseeing by trishaw (a three-wheeled vehicle with pedals)—all in relatively dry weather.

What to Do

One of the biggest Hindu festivals of the year happens in November (sometimes October): Diwali/Deepavali. Travelers interested in local culture and festivals should head to parts of Malaysia with large Indian populations, especially Kuala Lumpur and Penang, to witness these festivals. It's a five-day festival celebrating the triumph of good over evil, ushering light into the world with candles, oil lamps, street lights, and fireworks displays.

If you're sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur and the weather is wet, head to some of the city's great indoor attractions. Art and culture enthusiasts shouldn't miss the Islamic Arts Museum, with exhibits from across the Islamic world. To get a great view of the city, head up to the viewing platform of the Petronas Twin Towers, which were the tallest buildings in the world until 2004. Look for a gap in the rainclouds, so you don't end up just with a view of gray mist. Note that tickets need to be booked in advance. 

Events in November

Diwali/Deepavali, nationwide. The Hindu festival of light is a five-day festival celebrating the triumph of good (light) over evil (dark). Parts of Malaysia with large Indian communities, especially Kuala Lumpur and Penang, will be especially festive at this time, particularly around temples. It can fall in October or November (or both).

Thimithi, nationwide. In this South Indian fire walking ceremony, devotees show devotion by walking over hot coals. It's a one-day event that's held either in late October or early November. It is best seen in parts of Malaysia with large Indian communities, especially Kuala Lumpur and Penang.

George Town Literary Festival, Penang. Beautiful George Town is the backdrop to this international literature festival in late November.

More Helpful Information

Malaysia in October
Malaysia in December
Best Time of Year to Visit Malaysia
Malaysia Tours & Itineraries