I'm trying to figure out the best time for a trip to Singapore, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and maybe Bangkok. Some websites I read, and some of the posts here, say that November thru March is monsoon season and that it rains constantly. Others say that it's in August-September. I know it's going to be humid, and I know that the humidity doesn't vary much, but I'd like to fine a time that has little rain and less humidity than others. Recommendations? Thanks everyone.

Here's the problem: you're asking about a very large area, and different parts of that area have monsoons at different times. WHile November through February is ideal for most of Thailand, the east coast of Malaysia gets monsoons then. Check www.weatherbase.com for monthly stats on all the places you are considering.

My other recommendation is to consider carefully what you want to see/do/experience on your trip so you can choose just a few locations to spend your time. Travel in Asia is best done at a slow pace so you can experience the local cultures.

Singapore is so close to the equator that there is little variation in the weather. Hot and humid all year round.
December and the early part of January are the rainy season....it rains every day, but not for the whole day. In late Jan and for most of Feb, the monsoon shifts and we get a few blissful weeks of slightly cooler and drier air. It's always the nicest month of the year.

Hi,

Its hot and hotter, and wet and wetter here in Malaysia! But it's nice!

Ok, for KL (and Sgp is pretty much like KL), I wld say avoid the end of yr monsoon season (Nov to April) although KL (and Sgp) is not really affected by monsoon rains per se - it just gets wetter. It will rain, and maybe the rains wld be for 2 to 3 hrs (on bad days)vs showers lasting 1 hr or less.

The West coast of Malaysia is not really a "monsoon" area, affected but not in direct path. May to Sept is a good time to visit in general, "drier" (relatively,and the fruits are out - amazing variety! East Coast of Msia will then experience great weather, and arguably, a better place to go for snorkelling, coral watching, etc, but not as great a party place as Phuket or other places in Thailand.

Sgp is Sgp - rain or no rain, it will be ok as you will be in buildings most of the time!

Need more info, let me know.

greenman,

We have won a trip to Langkawi, and are getting conflicting advice about the best time to visit there - the travel agent says Nov / Dec, and this would seem to be supported by the hotel's seasonal rates, but this seems to be in direct contrast to your comments.

Are you able to offer any further information?

Thanks,

Rob

Hi Bendigo,

Langkawi is on West Coast of Malaysia, hence not affected by the NE Mnsoon (Nov-Mar). Langkawi not affected by any serious monsoons, so pretty much ok all year round. Nov-Dec is high season because both Malaysia and Singapore school is out, and parents take kids for vacations - read, crowd. Still, never really packed with tons of folks.

Depending on how much time you have, some time in Langkawi, a short hop to Penang (2 hrs high speed ferry away, south) to experience the food and temples, etc, wld be nice.

My personal favorite time to travel within Malaysia is still May to Aug. Less crowds, fruits are out, in general "drier" (if that can be applied to Malaysia!)...

Have fun!