Weather
As a tropical country, Malaysia is hot and humid year-round, with two main seasons: wet and dry. They don't always occur simultaneously throughout the country, and while some parts of Malaysia will be mainly dry in one month, others may be wetter. August is generally hot and humid, with a gradual increase in rain in some parts of the country, particularly the west.
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, which are especially hot in this month. Smoke from forest fires in neighboring Indonesia can also affect air quality in August, leading to haze.
Crowds & Costs
Travelers visit various places in Malaysia throughout the year, but August is 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 August. 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 near popular diving spots are bustling in August.
Where to Go
With so much of Malaysia open, accessible, and dry (albeit hot) in August, choose your destination based on the activities you want to enjoy. If you don't mind a bit of rain, western parts (including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Langkawi, and Melaka) offer many cultural and natural attractions. Otherwise, head to eastern Malaysia, which is still mostly dry.
With high temperatures this month, you'll probably want to spend some time on a beach, and you'll want to visit a beach if you dive or snorkel. While Malaysian Borneo (the states of Sabah and Sarawak) is perhaps best known as the place to see orangutans in the wild, there are also some excellent beaches here. The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is a great option for travelers passing through Kota Kinabalu city. The five islands have beautiful beaches with calm waters, great snorkeling and diving, a zipline between two islands, and other watersports, including parasailing and banana boating.
The national park islands are popular for day trips from Kota Kinabalu, but you can stay at resorts on Gayan Island and Manukan Island.
Keen bird watchers (as well as anyone with even a passing interest) should head to Temenggor Lake in August. This large lake in northern Malaysia, near the border with Thailand, hosts thousands of hornbill birds at this time of year. Southeast Asia's answer to a toucan, these birds flock to the artificial lake to feast on the now ripe figs. They're not migratory birds but happen to gather here at this time in large numbers. They're best viewed from a cruise on the lake, where you'll likely hear them before seeing them.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
What to Do
Whether or not you make it to northern Malaysia's Temenggor Lake to see the hornbills, there are numerous other opportunities to spot tropical birds in Malaysia in August. Many forests and national parks are permanent or temporary homes to these birds, but keen birdwatchers might like to focus on bird sanctuaries around the country. Johor's Panti Bird Sanctuary, Perak's Kuala Gula Bird Sanctuary, and Kota Kinabalu's Ramsar Wetland Site all offer fantastic and very different bird-watching opportunities.
For a different kind of wildlife encounter, head to Borneo to see orangutans in the wild. Borneo and Sumatra (Indonesia) are the only two places in the world where you can do this, and this is best done in Borneo's dry season (generally March to October). There are good chances of seeing the intelligent animals in special reserves and sanctuaries, such as the Semenggoh Nature Reserve near Kuching and the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in East Sabah.
As the air is rather hot and humid in August, you might want to take a jungle tour by boat to eliminate some walking. Take a cruise on the Kinabatangan River in northeastern Sabah, for example, and you may also see proboscis monkeys, crocodiles, pythons, and elephants.
Events in August
Festival of the Hungry Ghosts, nationwide. This Buddhist festival lasts for a month and runs into September. Chinese Malaysians honor their deceased ancestors by appeasing them with offerings of food, entertainment, and prayers.
Malaysia National Day, nationwide. This public holiday on August 31 commemorates the formation of Malaysia in 1963. While it's observed all over the country, you can see grand parades and festivities in Kuala Lumpur, centered around Merdeka Square.
Traveling to Malaysia in August? Check out these great itineraries
Borneo Adventure: 7 Days. Spend a week exploring off-the-beaten-track destinations rich in wildlife. You'll trek through the rainforest, take a riverboat safari, taste exotic fruits in local markets and explore the jungle canopy in Poring.
Caves & Pinnacles in Borneo - 4 Days. Explore the beautiful Mulu Show Caves and the dramatic, razor-sharp limestone peaks known as the Pinnacles on this immersive Bornean itinerary, made with nature-lovers in mind. Come prepared for challenging hikes and stunning views at every turn.
More Helpful Information
Malaysia in July
Malaysia in September
Best Time of Year to Visit Malaysia
Malaysia Tours & Itineraries