The short answer
When to go to Perhentian Islands
The best months are roughly April to September, when seas are usually calm and visibility is good; May to August is the driest stretch at the Kuala Terengganu station used here. From about November to February the north-east monsoon brings very heavy rain, rough seas and closures, so do not plan a trip then. For older travellers, shoulder months such as March and October can be fine but are less reliable, and boat landings are easier in settled weather.
Month by month
Perhentian Islands weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29°C | 24°C | 295 mm | Monsoon; most resorts and boats shut | |
| February | 30°C | 24°C | 163 mm | Seas rough; most places still closed | |
| March | 31°C | 25°C | 160 mm | Reopening, seas settling | |
| April | 32°C | 25°C | 155 mm | Season under way, seas usually calm | |
| May | 32°C | 25°C | 135 mm | Calm seas, good visibility | |
| June | 32°C | 25°C | 109 mm | Driest stretch, good for snorkelling | |
| July | 32°C | 25°C | 117 mm | Dry-season peak, book ahead | |
| August | 32°C | 25°C | 150 mm | Warm, reliable boat trips | |
| September | 32°C | 24°C | 191 mm | Season winding down, more showers | |
| October | 31°C | 24°C | 279 mm | Rain returning, many places closing | |
| November | 30°C | 25°C | 610 mm | Heavy monsoon rain; closed | |
| December | 29°C | 25°C | 554 mm | Heaviest rain; closed |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Perhentian Islands seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: May, June, July and August
- May: Calm seas, good visibility
- June: Driest stretch, good for snorkelling
- July: Dry-season peak, book ahead
- August: Warm, reliable boat trips
Good, with small trade-offs: April and September
- April: Season under way, seas usually calm
- September: Season winding down, more showers
Possible, with planning: March and October
- March: Reopening, seas settling
- October: Rain returning, many places closing
Closed or largely inaccessible: January, February, November and December
- January: Monsoon; most resorts and boats shut
- February: Seas rough; most places still closed
- November: Heavy monsoon rain; closed
- December: Heaviest rain; closed
Useful answers
Best time to visit Perhentian Islands: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Perhentian Islands?
May, June, July and August are the best months to visit Perhentian Islands, with April and September also good. The best months are roughly April to September, when seas are usually calm and visibility is good; May to August is the driest stretch at the Kuala Terengganu station used here. From about November to February the north-east monsoon brings very heavy rain, rough seas and closures, so do not plan a trip then. For older travellers, shoulder months such as March and October can be fine but are less reliable, and boat landings are easier in settled weather.
Which months should I avoid in Perhentian Islands with elderly parents?
January, February, November and December are the months to avoid with older travellers. Monsoon; most resorts and boats shut Seas rough; most places still closed
When does it rain most in Perhentian Islands?
November is the wettest month, with about 610 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is May, with average highs around 32°C.