November through February and Kuala Lumpur and Malacca are both hot and humid throughout, temperatures range from 22 °C to 32 °C (72-90 °F), though with a tropical climate, slight showers occur almost daily. Around the start of the year, January or February, Chinese New Year gets into full swing with Petaling Street in Kuala Lumpur in particular coming alive with red lanterns and fire crackers lighting up the city. It is also a time when Hindu and Tamil communities celebrate Thaipusam with the temples at the famed Batu Caves, just outside Kuala Lumpur attracting large crowds for the national holiday.
It is dry season in Western Malaysia, though there are still frequent, albeit brief, showers. The temperature on the island of Penang in the west remains uniform throughout the year between 24 and 32 °C (75-90 °F). January and February are the best time to visit the islands of Langkawi, with their golden beaches, crystal waters, palm trees, surreal rock formations and lush vegetation. Many choose to visit George Town, capital of Penang, an architectural gem of the first-order, containing one of the largest collections of pre-war buildings in Southeast Asia, and a Unesco world heritage site.
Unlike the west coast, this time is wet season on the East Coast (any time of year and Malaysia offers a place to avoid the heaviest rains), though as with most of the country the weather remains hot, between 24 and 32 °C (75-90 °F). The monsoons can make the water choppy for water sports, but it is the best time to view the nation’s many sea turtles, particularly off the coast of the island of Redang. The rains are a lot heavier on this side of the peninsula and rainfall can reach 600 mm in November, which can disrupt boat crossings, and some of the resorts close during these months, re-opening in March.
November
Water sports enthusiasts gather for this annual, two-day event, which historically celebrates peace between warring tribes. As well as racing traditional, decorated long boats, the teams of rowers from all over ASEAN take part in a range of other events, competing for cash prizes. There is also a food festival and golf tournament.
Location Sarawak, Malaysia
October-November
Hindus all over Malaysia celebrate this joyful and festive occasion once a year. On the day of Deepavali, devotees cleanse themselves and visit the temple. They decorate their houses and the streets with colorful lights to commemorate the return of the gods Rama and Sita from exile. There are firework displays and meals are shared.
Location Countrywide, Malaysia
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