Malacca City in November

December through February gives you the coolest weather — still hot, but bearable for walking around all day. Chinese New Year in January or February brings incredible food but also crowds and higher prices. June to August works well too, just pack extra shirts because you'll sweat through them. Avoid March to May unless you enjoy feeling like you're breathing soup. The monsoon season (September to November) isn't terrible here — afternoon thunderstorms cool things down and clear the air. Just bring an umbrella and don't plan outdoor activities after 3pm. Weekends get crazy busy with domestic tourists, so visit Monday through Thursday if you can swing it.