What is the weather like in different regions of Malaysia during December?

The Malaysian climate in December follows distinct regional patterns. West coast destinations maintain favorable conditions with temperatures near 30°C while the east coast sees heavy monsoon rainfall. Visitors to Penang and Langkawi can expect clear skies perfect for outdoor activities. The highlands around Cameron offer a refreshing break with temperatures around 20°C. Borneo remains accessible despite moderate rainfall particularly in Kota Kinabalu. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The weather in December was perfect for exploring - not too hot and with occasional refreshing showers in Sandakan making the jungle treks very pleasant."

What are the best destinations to visit in Malaysia during December?

December travelers should focus on Malaysia's west coast where clearer weather prevails. The UNESCO site of George Town provides an excellent base with accommodations like the Eastern & Oriental Hotel. Cultural enthusiasts will find rich experiences at the Dusun Village near Mount Kinabalu. The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sabah offers unique wildlife encounters. As one TourRadar traveler noted: "The weather was perfect for exploring Borneo's diverse wildlife and cultural sites in December."

Which cultural festivals and events can I experience in Malaysia during December?

December fills Malaysian cities with year-end celebrations. Kuala Lumpur hosts the Mega Sale Carnival throughout the shopping districts of Bukit Bintang and KLCC. Malacca comes alive during the Sultan's birthday celebrations with traditional performances and food festivals. Georgetown's UNESCO Heritage zone features special events at historic sites like the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The cultural performances at the local villages were very special giving us real insight into Malaysian traditions."

What makes December a good time to visit Borneo's wildlife sanctuaries in Malaysia?

The relatively dry December weather creates prime conditions for wildlife viewing at Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre. Visitors can observe orangutan feedings at 10:00 AM in Sepilok while river cruises along Kinabatangan reveal proboscis monkeys pygmy elephants and crocodiles. The Mutiara Taman Negara Resort provides convenient access to these natural attractions. As one TourRadar traveler mentioned "We saw all the wildlife we'd hoped for and more - including proboscis monkeys crocodiles orangutans and plenty of bird life."

What are the best food experiences to try in Malaysia during December?

December's pleasant weather creates perfect conditions for exploring Malaysia's street food culture. Penang's Gurney Drive and Little India buzz with local vendors while Malacca's Jonker Street Night Market serves special seasonal dishes. Modern establishments like Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur present holiday menus that blend traditional and contemporary flavors. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The food markets in Georgetown were amazing in December - we tried everything from laksa to durian while the weather was perfect for outdoor dining."

How much should I budget for a December trip to Malaysia?

Comfort-level December tours in Malaysia typically cost between USD 150-250 daily including stays at quality hotels like Parkroyal Collection Kuala Lumpur or Hotel Jen Penang. Specialized tours range from USD 1749 for an 8-day Borneo wildlife experience to USD 2588 for an 11-day comprehensive country tour. A TourRadar traveler noted: "While December had slightly higher prices the experience was worth it - especially for wildlife viewing and cultural experiences."

Malaysia Tours in December 2026

Dec '26

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10 best Malaysia trips in December 2026

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Nature & Wildlife
Sabah Adventure
4.5 (25 reviews)
"The tour was an excellent experience with tremendous local knowledge, especially regarding wildlife."
Emily, traveled in December
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Turtle Islands
Age Range
Ages 15+
Islands
Borneo
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $2,895
US$2,171per person
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Price based on Shared Room
26 Dec, 2026
10+ spaces left
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City & Culture
Ronda Ronda: Kuala Lumpur to Kuala Lumpur
3.0 (1 review)
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Lata Iskandar, Cameron Highlands, Ipoh,Kuala Kangsar,Penang Island,Georgetown,Kota Bharu,Kuala Terengganu,Kuantan+6 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Asian Overland Services Tours & Travel
25% Off
From
US$1,692per person
+$22 local payments
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Price based on Private Double Room
2 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
9 Dec, 2026
6 spaces left
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City & Culture
Personalized 10 Days Malaysia Tour with 4-star Hotel, Daily Start (Private Guide & Car)
5.0 (11 reviews)
"It was a very cost-effective Malaysia trip! We had a fantastic time."
Jude, traveled in June
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Kuala Tahan, Taman Negara,Lata Iskandar,Cameron Highlands,Ipoh,Georgetown+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Agate Travel
25% Off
From
US$4,059per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
Best of West Malaysia in 11 Days (Private Custom)
4.8 (4 reviews)
"Our trip in Malasia was well organized."
Ariadne, traveled in July
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands,Ipoh,Kuala Kangsar,Georgetown,Teluk Bahang+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Odynovo
25% Off
From
US$2,424per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
Malaysia: Road trip through the pearl of Southeast Asia
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Taman Negara, Kuala Tahan,Cameron Highlands,Penang Island,Georgetown,Ipoh+4 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Worldee
25% Off
From
US$561per person
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Price based on Shared Room
1 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
5 spaces left
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City & Culture
Discover Malaysia: 12 Days in Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang & Langkawi
5.0 (1 review)
"An excellent overview of Malaysia, hitting most of the highlights of the country."
Steven, traveled in February
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Penang Island,Pulau Langkawi+1 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
Discova
25% Off
From
US$1,859per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
9 Day Kuala Lumpur Adventure Tour
3.7 (3 reviews)
"We had an excellent experience on this 9-day Kuala Lumpur Adventure Tour."
Rebecca, traveled in July
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Kuala Selangor
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Western Malaysia
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $1,165
US$757per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
6 Days in Penang Including George Town Heritage , Penang Hill & Temple with amazing Leisure Tour Cycling At Balik Pulau then Round Island Discovery
5.0 (2 reviews)
"This trip has plenty to keep me busy, and featured all the must see activities in Penang."
Yasmine, traveled in December
Duration
6 days
Destinations
Penang Island, Georgetown, Air Itam
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Western Malaysia
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $710
US$461per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
5 Days in Malaysia including Malacca , Port Dickson & Kuala Lumpur.
5.0 (2 reviews)
"A great Kuala Lumpur experience with smooth arrangements from start to finish."
Hazar, traveled in July
Duration
5 days
Destinations
Malacca, Port Dickson, Kuala Lumpur
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Western Malaysia
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $1,051
US$683per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
9 Days in Malaysia to Discover City and Nature Tour.
5.0 (1 review)
"We really got to see the real Malaysia and Chris was such good company. The variety of places seen also makes this trip a particular highlight."
Graham, traveled in April
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Taman Negara, Cameron Highlands, Ipoh,Kuala Kangsar,Penang Island,Georgetown+3 more
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $2,077
US$1,350per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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City & Culture
9 Day Best of Kuala Lumpur & Beyond Cities
5.0 (1 review)
"Very well organised tour from start to finish. Great variety of activities with each day trip."
Mark, traveled in March
Duration
9 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands, Malacca
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $1,183
US$769per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
7 Day Best of Kuala Lumpur Attractions
5.0 (1 review)
"I wish less theme park and more adventure and visit places around !"
Suzette, traveled in May
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur, Cameron Highlands
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Eastern Malaysia
Operated in
English
Operator
STM Tours LLC
35% Off
From $932
US$606per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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Nature & Wildlife
Sandakan Orangutan Experience 4D/3N
4.4 (11 reviews)
"Great excursions, good accommodation, good food."
Nicole, traveled in August
Duration
4 days
Destinations
Sandakan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary
Age Range
Ages 10+
Regions
Borneo Sabah
Operated in
English
Operator
Bamba Travel
35% Off
From
US$745per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
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City & Culture
7 Days in Kuala Lumpur: City Sights, Culture & Scenic Cruises
5.0 (1 review)
"They were responsive, supportive, and always available when needed."
Hazar, traveled in July
Duration
7 days
Destinations
Kuala Lumpur
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Western MalaysiaTaman Negara National Park+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
East Gate Tours LTD
25% Off
From $841
US$631per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
1 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
2 Dec, 2026
10 spaces left
- Booking needs min. 2 travelers
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Nature & Wildlife
Classic Borneo
4.5 (24 reviews)
"The accommodation was very comfortable and the variety of activities where interesting."
Ruth, traveled in February
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Sandakan, Sepilok, Kinabatangan, Kundasang, Kampung Kiau,Kota Kinabalu,Manukan Island+2 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Borneo SabahMount Kinabalu+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From $3,520
US$3,168per person
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Price based on Shared Room
19 Dec, 2026
9 spaces left
26 Dec, 2026
8 spaces left
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