When Should You Plan Your Visit To Cameron Highlands
This is probably the most important thing to think about when planning a trip to Cameron Highlands. Because it can get really crowded in certain times of the year.
And despite being cooler than the mainland, there are times when it is hot in the highlands too.
What else should you expect? Read on to find out.
School Holidays And Public Holidays
Both Malaysians and Singaporeans love going to Cameron Highlands for family trips. It’s a lot cheaper than flying overseas for cooler climate.
Therefore, it’s wise to look up when the local school holidays and public holidays are before you make any bookings.
A foreshadowing of such dates are higher prices for hotels.
Malaysia has no shortage of national public holidays too – of these 5 are nationwide. And even state-related public holidays (i.e. non nationwide) can affect the traffic in Cameron Highlands (e.g. Public holidays in Terengganu and Kelantan).
Similarly, major Singaporean holidays like National Day are key factors for when the crowds will come.
Related: How to get to Cameron Highlands from Singapore
Weather
Temperatures are delightfully cooler than the mainland in between December and January.
Months between March to June are typically much warmer. Increasingly throughout the years, it is only a few degrees cooler than the mainland in the afternoons.
Some parts of the year see more rain, and that increases the risk of landslides even if the rain helps provide relief from the afternoon heat.
If you’re planning on hiking, you do need to prepare yourself accordingly for muddy trails.
But when it comes to sightseeing opportunities, many attractions in Cameron Highlands are covered so you won’t get wet.
It tends to rain more towards the end of April. Downpours are common between June to September as well. Expect light drizzles throughout the day towards the end of the year too.
Strawberry Season
You will probably see some strawberries in Cameron Highlands, regardless of when you go.
But there should be less of them to pick right after big public holidays and school holidays (since the kids have already picked them).
If there’s an optimum time to see strawberries here, it would be towards the end of the year since these are usually the cooler months of the year.
Conclusion
Don’t underestimate the popularity of Cameron Highlands. In our opinion, the best time to visit Cameron Highlands are the off peak days. It’s quieter with all the families gone, and hotel rates are significantly cheaper too.
If you can, choose a day in the middle of the week. And even better, after a big public holiday or round of school holidays has finished.
If you can, pick dates between mid- to end- January. This is when the end-of-the-year crowds have cleared, kids have gone back to school, and the weather is still cool.