Season and Monsoon in Redang Island
Part of the Redang Island travel guide — see every topic in All Redang Island Guides.
The weather decides everything on Redang. The east coast of peninsular Malaysia gets the northeast monsoon from about November to February, with strong winds, heavy rain and big waves. During these months most resorts close and boats run only rarely or not at all. The rest of the year the sea is calmer and the island is open. Planning your dates well is the most important step for a good trip.
The open season
Most resorts open from about March to October. Some open a little later in spring or close a little earlier in autumn, depending on the weather that year and the resort's own plan. In the first weeks of the season the sea can still be rough, and in late October the wind starts to rise again. The exact dates change, so always check with your resort before you book flights. Boat transfers can also be cancelled at short notice if the sea is too rough, so leave a spare day in your plans if possible.
The best months
The calmest and clearest months are usually from about May to August. The sea is often flat in the morning and the water is very clear for snorkelling and diving. March and April can also be very good, with fewer people. September and October are still open, but there is a higher chance of rain and wind. It is hot and humid all year, with daytime temperatures often around 30 degrees Celsius. Afternoon showers can happen in any month, but they are usually short.
The monsoon closure
From about November to February the northeast monsoon brings rough seas to the whole east coast. Most resorts on Redang close for the season, and regular boat services stop or run only on some days. Even if one place stays open, getting there can be difficult or unsafe. Beaches may have strong currents and rubbish washed in by the storms. If you want a beach holiday in Malaysia during these months, the west coast islands, such as Langkawi and Penang, have better weather.
Crowds and holidays
Redang is very popular with Malaysian and Singapore travellers. School holidays, public holidays and long weekends fill the resorts quickly, and prices go up. Weekdays outside the holidays are much quieter. If you visit at a busy time, book your package many weeks ahead, because rooms and boat seats run out. Some resorts need a minimum stay of two or three nights. Arriving midweek also means quieter beaches and less crowded snorkelling spots. The weeks just after the season opens and just before it closes can also be quieter.
Season and Monsoon at a glance
| Getting there | Boats run mainly in the open season, about March to October |
|---|---|
| Hours | Resort and boat dates change each year; check with your resort |
| Cost | Higher prices in school holidays and long weekends |
| Best time | About May to August; March-April for fewer people |
| Closed | Most resorts about November to February (northeast monsoon) |
| Tip | Leave a spare day in case boats are cancelled |