January is considered a perfect time to visit the West Coast of Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur. Beach holidays to Langkawi and Penang are popular at this time of year, with long hours of sunshine and little rain expected.

By contrast the East Coast of Malaysia is in the grip of the Northeast monsoon at this time of year, which can be characterized by heavy rain, which although often concentrated in dramatic thunderstorms can also sometimes be more persistent. Many East Coast Malaysia resorts close during January.

Both Sabah and Sarawak in Borneo also receive higher rainfall during this time of year and follow the same pattern as the East Coast of Peninsula Malaysia although without the extremes of rainfall.

Sarawak in particular receives a higher level of rainfall in January and areas such as Miri and Mulu are not at their best during this season.