Figuring out the best time to visit Cameron Highlands is tricky. Because you want to be there to enjoy the outdoors! Without the rain soaking everything including you!
At the same time, it’s no fun to get stuck in the heavy traffic that is inevitable during the peak seasons.
No doubt, when you decide to go plays a major role in how your Cameron Highlands trip will turn out! And this guide will help you to figure out when you should go.
Table of contents:
- Best Time To Visit Cameron Highlands
- Cameron Highlands Weather
- Where To Stay At Cameron Highlands
- Getting To Cameron Highlands
- Frequently Asked Questions
Best Time To Visit Cameron Highlands
There really is no best time to visit Cameron Highlands when it come to the weather since it is pleasantly cool for most of the year. Albeit afternoons on a sunny day can get uncomfortably warm.
Rain is common for much of the year but less during January to February and the summer months!
To escape the holiday crowds however, you have to compromise by taking extra days off work in the middle of the week.
Other questions to ask yourself:
- Do you want to see the Brinchang Night Market?
- Are you going hiking? Constant rain makes hiking trails slippery.
- Is picking strawberries one of your top priorities?
- Is one of your main priorities the Sungai Palas BOH tea estate? This location is closed every Monday! Closing time is 4:30pm so take the drive (into the estate) into your considerations as well!
- How much time do you have in Cameron Highlands? Can you afford to wait out the rain?
- Is it important to you to have the lowest temperatures possible?
You’ll know which is the best month to visit Cameron Highlands after reading the sections below!
Cameron Highlands Weather – Best Month To Visit Cameron Highlands
It is humid in Cameron Highlands for most of the year with regular rain. And the temperature can range from 14°C to 28°C.
If you compare this to the rest of the mainland (~30°C) though, it’s still cooler up in Cameron Highlands! Even on the hottest days.
1. Monthly Average Lowest And Highest Temperature At Cameron Highlands
If you want to experience the coldest temperatures possible in Cameron Highlands however, the coolest months are between December and February!
| Month | Average High Temperature Over The Year (°C) | Average Low Temperature Over The Year (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 21.3 | 13.8 |
| February | 21.9 | 12.2 |
| March | 21.9 | 12.2 |
| April | 23 | 13.8 |
| May | 23 | 14.2 |
| June | 23 | 13.8 |
| July | 21.9 | 12.2 |
| August | 21.9 | 13.8 |
| September | 22 | 13.7 |
| October | 22 | 13.8 |
| November | 21.3 | 13.8 |
| December | 21.3 | 13.8 |
2. Monthly Average Monthly Rainy Days At Cameron Highlands
And if you want to avoid rain:
The wettest months are October and November. Followed by April. So if you plan to do a lot of hiking, you may want to avoid going in these months!
In contrast, the driest months are February, June and July. You will need hats and sunscreen! It is noticeably getting hotter every year due to climate change.
| Month | Average No. Of Rainy Days Over The Year |
|---|---|
| January | 18 days |
| February | 13 days |
| March | 20 days |
| April | 24 days |
| May | 22 days |
| June | 16 days |
| July | 15 days |
| August | 20 days |
| September | 22 days |
| October | 27 days |
| November | 25 days |
| December | 21 days |
3. Cameron Highlands Peak Season
Generally, every weekend in Cameron Highlands sees more traffic than usual! But what you should avoid is going during extended weekends (e.g. when a public holiday falls on a Monday or Friday)!
This also includes Singaporean public holidays like Singapore’s National Day on August 9.
The beginning of the year is cooler and drier but crowded due to Chinese New Year! Hari Raya is also a major holiday period for the locals. This is usually between April and May.
And mid-year is when many families can bring their children up because of the school holidays! Again, take Singaporean school holidays into account.
While the year-end brings many families wanting to enjoy a “cool” Christmas!
Major Public Holidays
- New Year’s Eve
- Chinese New Year
- Hari Raya
- Singapore National Day
- Merdeka and Malaysia Day
- Deepavali
- Christmas
4. Cameron Highlands Strawberry Season
Some say the best time to pluck strawberries is January:
But strawberry farms can grow them all-year-round using their trusty hydroponic systems!
You might find less to pluck if you visit a popular strawberry farm (like Raaju’s Hill) during the peak season! Especially during school holidays.
5. Brinchang Night Market
The most famous market in Cameron Highlands is only open on Friday and Saturdays from 4pm to 11pm!
But it is open every day during the school holidays too!
If you’re not sure, you can message any Cameron Highlands homestay or hotel close to that area.
Read more: 29 Must-See Cameron Highlands Attractions
Where To Stay At Cameron Highlands
You won’t run out of Cameron Highlands hotels and homestays to stay in! But to be on the safe side, book in advance if you’re going on a weekend or during the peak season!
Expect prices to be higher than normal during busy periods too!
Budget:
- Gerard’s Place
- Cameronian Inn
- Kea Garden Guesthouse
Read here for more budget hotels in Cameron Highlands.
Mid-range:
- Copthorne Hotel Cameron Highlands
- The Bala’s Holiday Chalet
- Heritage Hotel
Luxury:
- Century Pines Resort Cameron Highlands
- Cameron Highlands Resort
- Lakehouse Cameron Highlands
Getting To Cameron Highlands
Trains and flights won’t get you up to Cameron Highlands. The only way is via the highland passes.
Driving up to Cameron Highlands involves long winding roads for at least 2 hours. Which can be treacherous in the dark or when it’s raining!
If you don’t fancy driving or taking the bus, you can get a private tour service (RayTheTour) which starts in Ipoh!
- Pick-up anywhere in Ipoh
- Reliable service
- Experienced local guides
- Day trips are available!
- Flexible itinerary
And more! You can contact them on WhatsApp or Facebook to inquire about a personalized private tour!
1. How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Ipoh
There are many ways to travel up to Cameron Highlands from Ipoh. Taking the bus may be the cheapest option. But it is also the least convenient!
Alternative ways to go to Cameron Highlands:
- Car rental and self-drive from Ipoh via Tapah (old route) or Simpang Pulai (new, straighter route)
- Private car service from Ipoh
- Private tour service from Ipoh (RayTheTour)
- Taxi from Ipoh
- Grab from Ipoh
- Bus from Ipoh AmanJaya Bus Terminal
If you are planning to drive, don’t forget to check your tire pressure before you start!
Do not travel at night if you can help it and if you have no experience on these roads. As there are no streetlights and only limited phone coverage!
2. How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Kuala Lumpur
From Kuala Lumpur, you should use the Tapah road as you can exit straight from the North-South Expressway!
Other options include:
- Private car service from Kuala Lumpur
- Taxi from Kuala Lumpur
- Grab from Kuala Lumpur
- Bus from Terminal Bersepadu Selatan to Tanah Rata Bus Terminal
- 3-hour ETS train to Ipoh first
3. How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Singapore
Although driving to Cameron Highlands is possible from Singapore:
It’s neither comfortable nor practical.
The 1-hour flight to Ipoh is a smarter way to do it – saving you more time to spend in Cameron Highlands!
For the remainder of the journey, arrange for any of the following to take you up to Cameron Highlands from Ipoh Azlan Shah Airport:
- Taxi
- Car rental (and you self-drive)
- Grab (not always available)
- Private car service
- Private tour service (RayTheTour)
Further reading:
- How To Get From Ipoh To Cameron Highlands
- How To Go To Cameron Highlands From Singapore
- How To Go To Cameron Highlands From Kuala Lumpur
- How To Get To Cameron Highlands From Penang
Frequently Asked Questions For A Trip To Cameron Highlands
Q1: What should I wear in Cameron Highlands?
A1: Light clothing (but not too revealing) and at least 1 jacket and long pants. For hiking, a waterproof jacket, sports shoes, or hiking boots, and long pants.
Q2: Is Cameron Highlands safe?
A2: Landslides and floods can occur after days of heavy rain. This may result in road blockages and slippery hiking trails. Lone hikers are targets for robbers in the jungle.
Q3: How far is Cameron Highlands from cities?
A3: ~2 hours’ drive from Ipoh, ~3 hours’ drive from Kuala Lumpur, and ~4 hours’ drive from Penang.
Q4: What is Cameron Highlands famous for?
A4: Cooler temperatures, tea plantations and strawberry farms!
Q5: How many days should you spend in the Cameron Highlands?
A5: A day trip will suffice to see the main attractions.
Q6: Is Cameron Highlands worth visiting?
A6: While there is a lot of beautiful greenery in Cameron Highlands, it can be touristy.
Q7: How do you get around Cameron Highlands?
A7: Grab and Uber are not common here. You can rent a scooter at ~RM80/10 hours or take a taxi or the public bus. Engaging a private tour service is another way. To go up to Gunung Brinchang and the mossy forest, you should hire a 4WD.
Read more: Best Time To Visit Penang: When Not To Go & Special Events To Look Out For
Conclusion
There are many factors to consider for the best time to visit Cameron Highlands, there is no clearcut, wrong or right answer!
In general, go in the middle of the week to avoid the crowds. It is also advisable to plan your trip right after any major public holidays have passed.
But if you’re worried about rain, choose the drier months like mid-to-end February, June and July!
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