There are two peak seasons in Malaysia, one in winter and another in summer. The peak winter tourist season falls roughly from the beginning of December to the end of January, covering the major winter holidays -- Christmas, New Year's Day, Chinese New Year. Hari Raya Puasa, celebrating the end of Ramadan, shifts dates from year to year. If you plan to travel to Malaysia around October, I highly recommend calling MTB to find out exactly when this holiday will fall.
Singapore's school holidays occur from mid-May through to the end of June, and again during November and December, when families are likely to flock to Malaysia's seaside resorts, particularly the budget and mid-priced properties. I hate to say it, but I've heard numerous complaints about resort holidays that have become nightmares when guests have to wrestle to get to the breakfast buffet and must suffer screaming children around the pool. Malaysia's schoolchildren are cut loose for about 1 to 2 weeks in March, May, and August with a longer break from mid-November through December.
The peak summer season falls in the months of June, July, and August, and can last into mid-September. During this period hotels are booked solid with families from the Middle East as this is school holiday season for many of the region's countries. After September it's quiet again until December. Both seasons experience approximately equal tourist traffic, but in summer months that traffic may ebb and flow.
Climate -- Climate considerations will play a role in your plans. If you want to visit any of the east coast resort areas, the low season is between November and March, when the monsoon tides make the water too choppy for watersports and beach activities. During this time many island resorts will close. On the west coast, the rainy season is from April through May, and again from October through November.
The temperature is basically static year-round. Daily averages range from 67°F to 90°F (21°C-32°C). Temperatures in the hill resorts get a little cooler, averaging 67°F (21°C) during the day, 50°F (10°C) at night.
Holidays -- During Malaysia's official public holidays, expect government offices to be closed, as well as some shops and restaurants, depending on the ethnicity of the shop owner or restaurant owner. During Hari Raya Puasa and Chinese New Year you can expect many shop and restaurant closings. However, look out for special sales and celebrations. Also count on public parks, shopping malls, and beaches to be more crowded during public holidays, as locals will be taking advantage of their time off.
Official public holidays fall as follows: New Year's Day (Jan 1), Chinese New Year (Feb 7-8, 2008), Prophet Muhammad's Birthday (Mar), Labor Day (May 1); Wesak Day (May 1, 2007; May 19, 2008), King's Birthday (June 2); National Day (Aug 31), Hari Raya Aidil Fitri (also called Hari Raya Puasa, Oct 13-14, 2007; Oct 2-3, 2008), Deepavali (Nov 8, 2007; Oct 27, 2008), Hari Raya Haji (Dec 20-21, 2007; Dec 9-10, 2008) and Christmas (Dec 25). Note: Please confirm all 2008 dates listed above before you plan your trip; at the time of writing, dates beyond 2007 could not be confirmed by any authority. In addition, each state has a public holiday to celebrate the birthday of the state sultan.
