Weather
As a tropical country, Malaysia is hot and humid year-round, and there are two main seasons: the wet and the dry. These seasons don't always happen at the same time throughout the country, and while some parts of Malaysia will be mainly dry in one month, other parts may be wetter.
September is sometimes referred to as the start of fall in Malaysia. While this doesn't make exact sense in a tropical country without four distinct seasons, it is generally wetter and (slightly) cooler than the preceding months. Although levels of rain in September shouldn't have much impact on travel to most parts of the country, these do pick up in the west of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah in Malaysian Borneo throughout September. Seas can get choppy, which can affect ferry crossings.
Temperatures sit between 71°F and 91°F (22°C and 33°C) throughout the year in most places, with higher altitudes being cooler than sea-level towns and cities.
Crowds & Costs
Travelers visit various places in Malaysia throughout the year, so there aren't clearly defined on and off seasons. However, September is a bit of a shoulder-season month. Many potential visitors from Europe and North America will have returned to work and school after their summer vacations. However, this month, travelers from the Arab States of the Persian Gulf are still drawn to Malaysia. You may find lower prices at some popular resort areas in September, but with increasing rain in some places, this is a trade-off.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Where to Go
Anyone interested in birds and wildlife should head to northern Malaysia in September to the artificial Temenggor Lake. Thousands of hornbill birds flock here in August and September to feast on the figs that are now ripe. You'll likely hear them before you see them. Birdwatching can be enjoyed in many other parts of Malaysia, especially Johor's Panti Bird Sanctuary, Perak's Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, and Kota Kinabalu's Ramsar Wetland Site.
September is a great time to head to the capital, Kuala Lumpur, with a number of cultural festivals to enjoy this month. Hindu Malaysians celebrate Navaratri in September/October, a festival in which nine nights are devoted to music and dancing. While Hindus throughout Malaysia celebrate this, Kuala Lumpur's Little India is an especially good place to go to see the festivities. Also, in September, the Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival celebrates arts and culture and the way these impact people.
What to Do
September is one of the best months to spot wildlife in Peninsular Malaysia. Check out national park Taman Nagara, northeast of Kuala Lumpur. The 130-million-year-old rainforest has canopy walkways, caving, and hiking opportunities. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot a range of wildlife in a network of hides on stilts, including various monkeys, Malayan tapirs, elephants, and possibly even critically endangered Sumatran rhinos.
September is also an excellent time for city sightseeing in Peninsular Malaysia's diverse cities, like Penang. While there's a chance of rain, there are also plenty of indoor activities to take shelter in. Penang's George Town could keep culture and history enthusiasts occupied for weeks. Visit the Cheong Fatt Tze Blue Mansion, the Peranakan Mansion, Armenian Street, Khoo Kongsi Clan Houses, Chew Jetty, and other Malay, Peranakan, Indian, Chinese, and colonial-era attractions around town. Foodies might also want to take a cooking class at the Tropical Spice Garden on Penang's north coast.
Events in September
Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, nationwide. This Buddhist festival lasts for a month in August and September. Chinese Malaysians honor their deceased ancestors by appeasing them with offerings of food, entertainment, and prayers.
Moon Cake Festival, nationwide. Malaysia's Chinese community exchange and eat mooncakes during this harvest festival in early September. The cakes are made from sesame and lotus seeds and are sometimes filled with a cooked duck egg.
Navarathri, nationwide. This Hindu festival lasts for nine days in September and October. It honors Mother Goddess Durga with singing and dancing in temples.
Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival. In late September, this festival in the capital celebrates arts and culture and how these impact people. Visitors can check out performances, including concerts.
More Helpful Information
Malaysia in August
Malaysia in October
Best Time of Year to Visit Malaysia
Malaysia Tours & Itineraries