SeasonMapPerhentian Islands (Perhentian) weather in May
Malaysia
May in Perhentian Islands: sweltering, rainy, with clean air — fine if you can take 20 rainy days.
#8 of 12 months in Perhentian Islands · #770 of 1383 destinations to visit in May · comfort 79/100 (tier B)
Updated September 2026 · climate normals from ERA5 reanalysis
Traveller notes on Perhentian Islands in May
Other months in Perhentian Islands
Perhentian Islands' forum is candid that March is a coin flip — some years it's calm, clear-water conditions perfect for the beach, others it's still catching the tail end of the monsoon with rough, murky seas. Regulars say the north-east monsoon usually eases by mid-March but doesn't stick to a schedule, so it's worth playing it by ear rather than booking too far ahead.
Add your own note from Perhentian Islands's card on the map.
Perhentian Islands climate normals — May
| Daytime high | 31°C / 87°F | 🔥 sweltering |
|---|---|---|
| Nighttime low | 26°C / 79°F | |
| Feels like (high) | 38°C / 100°F | |
| Sea temperature | 32°C / 89°F | ♨️ bath-warm |
| Rainfall | 122 mm / 4.8 in | 🌧 rainy |
| Rainy days | 20 days | |
| Humidity | 83% | 💦 very humid |
| Dew point | 25°C / 77°F | |
| Sunshine | 10.6 h/day | |
| Daylight | 12.4 h | |
| Wind | 17 km/h / 10 mph | |
| Air quality (US AQI) | 42 | 🍃 good |
Monthly averages from ERA5 reanalysis. AQI is the mean US Air Quality Index for the month.
Crowds in Perhentian Islands in May
How busy the place itself is — school and mass holidays, the months an editor tagged, and how sought-after the weather makes them. Never part of the comfort score.
Peak crowdsOpen season, clear water, Malaysian school holidays, Mid-year break in Malaysia(estimated)
Peak crowdsBusyShoulder seasonQuiet
Best months for Perhentian Islands's weather
Ranked by this destination's own climate comfort score across the year — a different thing from how busy it gets (see Crowds above).
Fair weatherPerhentian Islands's best weather comes in February, March and July — separate windows, not one continuous season.
Best weatherFair weatherToughest weather
What's on in Perhentian Islands in May
Recurring seasonal events, natural spectacles, closures and holidays — curated and sourced.
- Nature
Turtle nesting
1 Apr – 30 Sep · usuallyGreen turtles haul up on the quieter beaches through the open season and the ranger station moves clutches to a fenced hatchery. Watching is licensed and the beaches close at night. Source ↗
- Season
Open season, clear water
1 Apr – 30 Sep · usuallyDry seasonCrowdedThe only months everything runs: daily boats, all the dive sites, and the best visibility of the year on the reef. The islands are small and it shows in July and August.
- Holiday
Malaysian school holidays
20 May – 15 Sep · usuallyCrowdedBook earlyThe mid-year and term breaks send families from the peninsula out on the Kuala Besut boats, and the handful of beach chalets sell out well in advance. Source ↗
Nearby, and something's on
Within 300 km of Perhentian Islands — a day trip or a short hop — with something on this month. Never part of the comfort score.
Where is Perhentian Islands?
Perhentian Islands in May — FAQ
- Is May a good time to visit Perhentian Islands?
- May in Perhentian Islands: sweltering, rainy, with clean air — fine if you can take 20 rainy days. It ranks #8 of 12 months for Perhentian Islands on SeasonMap's comfort score (79/100).
- What is the weather like in Perhentian Islands in May?
- In May, Perhentian Islands averages a daily high of 30.6°C and a low of 26.2°C, with about 122.1 mm of rain over roughly 19.8 rainy days.
- What is the air quality in Perhentian Islands in May?
- Perhentian Islands has a mean US Air Quality Index of about 42 in May.
Other months in Perhentian Islands
Compare Perhentian Islands in May
Warmer or cooler than Perhentian Islands in May
Similar destinations in Southeast Asia — May
Within 300 km: Penang's Wesak Day on 31 May, and Cameron Highlands' Mid-year school break around 20 May – 10 Jul.