Climate Malaysia
At latitudes close to the equator, Malaysia enjoys an equatorial climate. This is characterized by high temperatures and abundant rainfall all year round. Nevertheless, Malaysians consider themselves to have four seasons, as we do: the monsoon seasons, which occur twice a year, and the seasons between the monsoons, with less abundant rainfall. But that doesn't mean there's any difference in temperature. Temperatures range from 20°C at night to 30°C during the day on the plains. Temperatures are lower at higher altitudes, and can even be negative on Mount Kinabalu. Climate change is also having an impact on Malaysia. As a result, spectacular floods are becoming more frequent. 38 major floods have been recorded in the last 20 years, causing the death of 148 people and damage estimated at over one billion euros. The December 2015 floods in the state of Kelantan are considered the worst to date.
The monsoons give rhythm to the climatic year
The south-west monsoon originates in Australia and mainly affects the coastline of the state of Sabah. Flooding is frequent. The northeast monsoon forms in the China Sea and strikes Borneo and the east coast of the Malay Peninsula from November to March. Rainfall is very heavy and the seas rough. On the other hand, because of its proximity to the equator, Malaysia never experiences cyclones. Coastal areas can, however, experience thunderstorms accompanied by violent gusts. Outside monsoon periods, the weather remains humid throughout the country. So pack a waterproof jacket in your luggage and a pair of grippy shoes if you're planning to go hiking. Average annual rainfall on the Malay Peninsula is 2,540 mm, while Borneo receives between 2,030 mm and 3,560 mm, depending on the region. By way of comparison, France's lowlands receive between 550 mm and 700 mm of rainfall per year. The driest part of Malaysia, a few kilometers from Kuala Lumpur, still receives 1,650 mm of rainfall - as much as the French Basque country, our wettest region. On average, it rains every other day between June and September, the driest months. Malaysia's wettest region, northwest of Ipoh in the mountains, drowns in 5,000 mm of annual rainfall! This is still less than Mawsynram, a village in India's Meghalaya region, which receives 11,871 mm of water per year.
Constant temperatures
As far as temperatures are concerned, Malaysia displays exemplary stability. The average is 27°C, with very little variation. The thermometer never falls below 23°C, day or night, but rarely exceeds 35°C. To get some fresh air and escape the suffocating feeling of the plains, you need to go to altitude. In the Cameron Highlands, at 1,500 metres above sea level, you lose around 10°C compared with the plains. And if you're planning to climb Mount Kinabalu, you'll want to pack winter clothes. It can get as cold as -4°C in December and as hot as 12°C between June and September.
In short, you'll be hot and rainy in Malaysia! But you'll also see the sun. Days often start with clear skies. As the hour advances and the temperature rises, clouds form. Large cumulonimbus clouds, resulting from the evaporation of water from oceans and forests, block the horizon. Showers often occur at the end of the day, when temperatures cool. Outside monsoon periods, it rarely rains all day. Although the showers are intense, they only last a few tens of minutes. In addition to an umbrella, you'll need a tube of high factor sun cream, as the radiation is intense. You're at the equator.
