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Melaka - When to Visit

When to Visit Melaka

Climate guide & best times to travel

Monthly Climate Data for Melaka Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview 18°C 23°C 28°C 33°C 38°C Rainfall (mm) 0 116 233 Jan Jan: 31.0°C high, 23.0°C low, 102mm rain Feb Feb: 32.0°C high, 23.0°C low, 79mm rain Mar Mar: 33.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 130mm rain Apr Apr: 33.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 165mm rain May May: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 168mm rain Jun Jun: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 173mm rain Jul Jul: 31.0°C high, 23.0°C low, 196mm rain Aug Aug: 31.0°C high, 23.0°C low, 218mm rain Sep Sep: 31.0°C high, 23.0°C low, 163mm rain Oct Oct: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 190mm rain Nov Nov: 31.0°C high, 23.0°C low, 234mm rain Dec Dec: 31.0°C high, 23.0°C low, 178mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Melaka sits firmly in the equatorial zone, which means you're looking at consistently warm temperatures year-round—highs hover around 88-91°F (31-33°C) pretty much all the time, with lows rarely dipping below 74°F (23°C). The real story here isn't temperature variation but rainfall patterns. The city experiences two monsoon seasons: the southwest monsoon from May through September and the northeast monsoon from November through March. That said, "monsoon" doesn't mean constant downpours—it just means you'll get more frequent afternoon thunderstorms, though they tend to blow through rather than settling in for days. The humidity stays locked at around 70% throughout the year, which actually feels pretty manageable for a tropical coastal city (you'll find worse in Singapore or Kuala Lumpur). February and March are your driest months with around 3-5 inches of rain, while the wettest period runs from July through November, peaking at over 9 inches in November. For trip planning purposes, there's no genuinely "bad" time to visit—the temperature consistency means you're mainly deciding how much rain you're willing to work around and if you prefer to visit during peak tourist season or when things are a bit quieter.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
February through March offers the driest conditions with less than 5 inches of rain monthly, giving you the best odds for uninterrupted beach time along the Straits of Malacca.
Cultural Exploration
June through August works well despite higher rainfall—the afternoon showers actually provide welcome breaks from sightseeing, and the UNESCO heritage sites are mostly covered anyway.
Adventure & Hiking
January through April gives you the most reliable weather for day trips to nearby nature areas, though honestly the temperatures stay comfortable enough for outdoor activities year-round.
Budget Travel
September through November sees fewer tourists despite being wetter, which typically means better deals on accommodation and less crowded attractions—worth it if you don't mind dodging rain showers.

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What to Pack

Year-Round Essentials

Compact travel umbrella
Rain can hit any month, and the quick afternoon downpours make this more useful than a bulky raincoat in the heat.
High-SPF sunscreen
The equatorial sun is intense year-round, and you'll burn faster than you think even on overcast days.
Lightweight, breathable clothing
The combination of heat and humidity means you'll want fabrics that dry quickly and don't trap moisture against your skin.
Reusable water bottle
Staying hydrated is crucial in this climate, and Melaka has decent tap water that's safe after boiling or filtering.
Modest clothing for temples
Many religious sites require covered shoulders and knees—a lightweight scarf or sarong works for quick coverage.
Insect repellent with DEET
Mosquitoes are active year-round in tropical Malaysia, and dengue fever is a legitimate concern in urban areas.
Portable phone charger
You'll be using your phone constantly for maps, translation, and photos in the humid heat that drains batteries faster.

Dry Season (Jan-Mar)

Clothing
Light cotton t-shirts, Breathable shorts or skirts, Quick-dry sundresses
Footwear
Comfortable walking sandals with good arch support for cobblestone streets
Accessories
Wide-brimmed sun hat, Polarized sunglasses
Layering Tip
Layering isn't really necessary—just bring a light cardigan for overly air-conditioned restaurants and shopping malls.

Southwest Monsoon (Apr-Jun)

Clothing
Moisture-wicking shirts, Lightweight long pants for temple visits, Swim attire that dries quickly
Footwear
Water-resistant walking shoes or sport sandals that can handle wet streets
Accessories
Waterproof phone case, Small dry bag for electronics
Layering Tip
A lightweight rain jacket can work, but honestly it's often too hot to wear—the umbrella approach works better.

Wet Season Peak (Jul-Sep)

Clothing
Extra changes of clothes, Dark colors that don't show rain spots, Synthetic fabrics that dry overnight
Footwear
Closed-toe water shoes or hiking sandals—you'll be walking through puddles
Accessories
Waterproof day pack cover, Zip-lock bags for valuables
Layering Tip
Forget layers—just embrace getting damp and plan for frequent clothing changes back at your hotel.

Northeast Monsoon (Oct-Dec)

Clothing
Multiple lightweight outfits for changing when wet, Long sleeves for sun protection, Casual evening wear for restaurants
Footwear
Flip-flops for hotel room plus proper walking shoes that can get wet and dry
Accessories
Travel-size laundry detergent, Clothesline or travel hangers
Layering Tip
The only "layer" worth considering is a light shawl for women entering religious sites or overly cold air-conditioning.
Plug Type
Type G (UK-style three rectangular prongs)
Voltage
230V, 50Hz
Adapter Note
Most travelers will need an adapter unless coming from UK, Singapore, or Hong Kong—universal adapters work well since you'll likely visit other Southeast Asian countries too.

Skip These Items

Heavy jeans or denim—they're unbearably hot and take forever to dry in the humidity Bulky towels—hotels provide them, and they take up valuable luggage space Excessive toiletries—pharmacies are everywhere and products are often cheaper than back home Hairdryer—most accommodations provide them, and the humidity will undo your styling within minutes anyway More than two pairs of shoes—you'll likely rotate between sandals and one closed-toe option

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January sits in the tail end of the northeast monsoon, bringing moderate rainfall around 4 inches for the month. Temperatures are as consistent as ever, maxing out at 89°F (32°C). It's actually a pleasant time to visit—you'll get occasional rain but nothing that disrupts plans too much, and the post-holiday period means slightly fewer crowds than December.

32°C (89°F) High
23°C (74°F) Low
102mm (4.0in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

February

This is one of your driest months with only 3.1 inches of rain, making it ideal for outdoor exploration. The heat peaks slightly at 91°F (33°C), but the reduced rainfall means you can plan full days without much weather contingency. Chinese New Year often falls in this month, which brings vibrant celebrations but also higher crowds and prices.

33°C (91°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
79mm (3.1in) Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

March

March continues the relatively dry pattern with 5.1 inches of rain—still quite manageable for a tropical destination. Temperatures hold steady at 91°F (33°C) during the day. It's a solid shoulder month where you get decent weather without the peak season crowds, though things start picking up toward the end of the month as school holidays approach.

33°C (91°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
130mm (5.1in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

April

Rainfall starts increasing noticeably to 6.5 inches as the southwest monsoon begins building. Temperatures remain at 91°F (33°C) highs, and the humidity stays constant. You'll likely see more afternoon thunderstorms, but they tend to be brief and actually provide welcome relief from the midday heat—just plan indoor activities for late afternoon.

33°C (91°F) High
24°C (76°F) Low
165mm (6.5in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

May

May marks the proper start of the southwest monsoon with 6.6 inches of rain spread throughout the month. Interestingly, temperatures actually drop slightly to 90°F (32°C)—not that you'll notice much difference. The rain tends to come in predictable afternoon bursts, so mornings are generally your best bet for outdoor activities and heritage walks.

32°C (90°F) High
24°C (76°F) Low
168mm (6.6in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

June

June continues the wet pattern with 6.8 inches of rainfall, though the monsoon is well-established by now so the rain feels more routine than disruptive. Temperatures ease back to 89°F (32°C). School holidays in some countries mean you might see more family travelers, but overall it's still a quieter period for Melaka's tourism scene.

32°C (89°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
173mm (6.8in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

July

Rainfall increases to 7.7 inches as the southwest monsoon hits its stride. Temperatures drop to their coolest (relatively speaking) at 88°F (31°C), which combined with cloud cover can actually feel quite pleasant. The rain is frequent but rarely lasts all day—you just need to be flexible with your schedule and embrace the occasional downpour.

31°C (88°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
196mm (7.7in) Rainfall
Medium Crowds
View Details →

August

August is your wettest month during the southwest monsoon with 8.6 inches of rain. Temperatures remain at 88°F (31°C), and honestly, the frequent rain can be refreshing given the constant heat. This is low season for tourism, which means better deals and emptier streets—worth considering if you don't mind carrying an umbrella and being spontaneous with plans.

31°C (88°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
218mm (8.6in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

September

Rainfall starts easing off slightly to 6.4 inches as the monsoon transitions. Temperatures tick up to 89°F (32°C) again. September sits in that odd shoulder period where the weather is improving but crowds haven't picked up yet—it's actually a decent time to visit if you're looking for a balance between reasonable weather and good value.

32°C (89°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
163mm (6.4in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

October

October brings 7.5 inches of rain as the inter-monsoon period creates somewhat unpredictable weather patterns. Temperatures hold at 89°F (32°C). The rain can be heavier and less predictable than the monsoon months, oddly enough—you might get clear mornings followed by dramatic afternoon storms that last longer than usual.

32°C (89°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
191mm (7.5in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

November

November is your wettest month of the year at 9.2 inches as the northeast monsoon kicks in properly. Temperatures remain steady at 89°F (32°C). The rain tends to be more persistent than the brief afternoon showers of other months, and you'll definitely need to plan around weather. That said, accommodation prices drop and the rain-washed streets have their own atmospheric charm.

32°C (89°F) High
24°C (75°F) Low
234mm (9.2in) Rainfall
Low Crowds
View Details →

December

December sees 7 inches of rain as the northeast monsoon continues but starts tapering off. Temperatures cool slightly to 88°F (31°C). The holiday season brings more tourists despite the rain, especially around Christmas and New Year when regional travelers descend on Melaka for long weekends—book accommodation well in advance if visiting during this period.

31°C (88°F) High
23°C (74°F) Low
178mm (7.0in) Rainfall
High Crowds
View Details →

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