Expats moving to Malaysia will quickly find themselves well acquainted with its tropical climate and monsoons. These seasonal winds carry torrential downpours that can cause everything from mild crop failure to disastrous flash floods.

Weather in Malaysia is heavily affected by the strong gusts. The country's seasons change as a result of the different intensities of these prevailing winds. A southwesterly wind blows from April to September and a northeasterly wind from November to February. Light, variable winds occur between seasons.

As troublesome as these currents can be, the winds are the most important mitigating factor in relieving the oppressive heat of Malaysia. High temperatures and high humidity envelop the country throughout the year, ranging from between 71° to 91°F (22° to 33°C). Unfortunately, the heat doesn't let up in the evenings. Expats may find the country's extreme heat difficult to adjust to, and should take care to stay cool and hydrated.