Find cheap flights to Kota Bharu

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Cheapest time to fly from Columbus to Kota Bharu

One-way

Fri, Oct 24 - Fri, Oct 31£410
Sat, Nov 1 - Fri, Nov 7£374
Sat, Nov 8 - Sat, Nov 15£359
Sun, Nov 16 - Sun, Nov 23£337
Mon, Nov 24 - Sun, Nov 30£338
Mon, Dec 1 - Sun, Dec 7£351
Mon, Dec 8 - Mon, Dec 15£361
Tue, Dec 16 - Tue, Dec 23£492
Wed, Dec 24 - Wed, Dec 31£428

Round-trip

Fri, Oct 24 - Fri, Oct 31£621
Sat, Nov 1 - Fri, Nov 7£597
Sat, Nov 8 - Sat, Nov 15£594
Sun, Nov 16 - Sun, Nov 23£553
Mon, Nov 24 - Sun, Nov 30£532
Mon, Dec 1 - Sun, Dec 7£574
Mon, Dec 8 - Mon, Dec 15£576
Tue, Dec 16 - Tue, Dec 23£750
Wed, Dec 24 - Wed, Dec 31£691

When is the best time to visit Kota Bharu

Kota Bharu's best travel window depends on your priorities. Monsoon months offer rock-bottom fares but heavy rain, shoulder seasons balance sunshine with savings, while summer brings cultural buzz, higher prices, and humid heat. Explore seasonal flight deals below to match your budget and weather preference.

High season
June - August
  • Prices: Peak rates for flights and hotels; book 6-8 weeks ahead for better deals on midweek departures.
  • Weather: Warm and humid 24–32 °C with 8–12 rainy days per month; brief afternoon showers common.
  • Events: Hari Raya Aidilfitri brings vibrant celebrations, cultural performances at Istana Jahar, and bustling night markets across the city.
Low season
November - February
  • Prices: Cheapest flights and accommodation—up to 40% less than peak summer; book flexible tickets for weather contingencies.
  • Weather: Cooler 23–30 °C but wettest period with 15–20 rainy days per month; expect heavy downpours and occasional flooding during monsoon.
  • Events: International Kite Festival (February) showcases traditional wau designs, while Chinese New Year brings temple festivities and street parades.
Shoulder season
March - May, September - October
  • Prices: Moderate fares—20-30% below peak summer; flights booked 4-6 weeks ahead offer best value without monsoon risks.
  • Weather: Warm 23–32 °C with 10–14 rainy days monthly; transitional periods bring less humidity than summer, fewer downpours than monsoon.
  • Events: Songkran festivities (April) feature water blessings at temples, Vesak Day processions light up Buddhist sites, and Malaysia Day (September) brings cultural showcases.

Kota Bharu travel tips

Kota Bharu: Culture Waiting to be Discovered

Set against the backdrop of Malaysia’s lush northeastern coast, Kota Bharu offers a blend of cultural tapestry and serene landscapes, making it a unique destination for those seeking more than just a typical getaway. Travelers from anywhere flock to this charming city to immerse themselves in the traditional Malay lifestyle, from the bustling markets to the rhythm of the dikir barat performances.

The eclectic mix of vibrant street art, exquisite local cuisine, and rich history is exactly why Kiwi travelers book flights to Kota Bharu not only for its affordability but for the promise of a storybook adventure. Dive into an experience that’s intimate and enriching, and let Kota Bharu surprise you as it unravels its stories.

Beginning Your Kota Bharu Journey

Once your plane touches down, your Kota Bharu adventure truly begins. Head straight to the city center and explore Pasar Siti Khadijah, where the local hustle transforms into an exhilarating sensory experience. Here, you'll notice how Kiwi.com's flights conveniently align with market opening times, ensuring you witness the full morning buzz.

Next, meander over to the Kampung Kraftangan for exquisite handicrafts—a testament to Kota Bharu’s artistic heritage. Don’t forget to drop by Istana Jahar, where royal history whispers through every ornate detail. With Kiwi.com’s intuitive search tools, you’ll effortlessly maneuver through your itinerary with zero hassle.

Planning Your Flight Wisely to Kota Bharu

Choosing when to fly can be the difference between a crowded trip and a tranquil escape. The best-kept secret is traveling during the shoulder months of March to May when the weather is perfect and the tourist rush is minimal.

Book your flight 4–6 weeks in advance for the best bargains, using Kiwi.com’s Price Alert tool to catch those elusive deals. From major European hubs, flights to Kota Bharu typically last 15 hours, with Kiwi.com's Smart Layovers ensuring your journey is as seamless as possible.

Navigating Airports and Airlines with Ease

Your flight to Kota Bharu lands at Sultan Ismail Petra Airport, a mere 20-minute taxi ride from the city. This regional airport offers a mix of budget airlines like AirAsia, crucial for those prioritizing cost over luxury.

For seamless travel from the airport, local buses and Grab services (Malaysia's ride-hailing app) are budget-friendly choices. Kiwi.com makes it easy to select your ideal airline mix, balancing affordability with service, and our Kiwi Guarantee ensures disruption protection so your travel plans remain intact.

Practical Kota Bharu Travel Tips

  • Set Up Price Alerts through Kiwi.com for the best deals, particularly if your travel dates are flexible.
  • Opt for throwaway ticketing when possible (via Kiwi's Travel Hacks page) to maximize savings.
  • Visit during the Kota Bharu Craft Festival, typically held in June, for immersive cultural experiences.
  • Pack light, enabling easier movement through the city’s narrow market streets.
  • Mobile First Searches on Kiwi.com ensure you find the most current deals anytime, anywhere.

Weather in Kota Bharu

Average Weather

MonthAverage monthly max temperatureAverage monthly min temperature
January27°C24°C
February28°C24°C
March29°C24°C
April30°C25°C
May31°C26°C
June30°C25°C
July30°C25°C
August30°C25°C
September30°C25°C
October29°C25°C
November28°C25°C
December27°C24°C
Hottest Month
31°C
May
Coldest month
24°C
February
Sunny days
181
days per year

14 day forecast

Saturday
15 Nov
95%
28°C24°C
22 Nov
89%
25°C24°C
Sunday
16 Nov
90%
29°C24°C
23 Nov
87%
24°C23°C
Monday
17 Nov
85%
29°C23°C
24 Nov
84%
25°C23°C
Tuesday
18 Nov
87%
29°C24°C
25 Nov
89%
24°C23°C
Wednesday
19 Nov
89%
28°C23°C
26 Nov
86%
25°C23°C
Thursday
20 Nov
86%
27°C24°C
27 Nov
88%
23°C23°C
Friday
21 Nov
88%
25°C24°C
28 Nov
85%
25°C23°C

Frequently asked questions

Main airports in Kota Bharu, Malaysia
Getting from the airport to Kota Bharu, Malaysia
Best time of year to fly to Kota Bharu, Malaysia
Things to do in Kota Bharu, Malaysia
When to book your flight to Kota Bharu, Malaysia
Ideal duration of stay in Kota Bharu, Malaysia
Top tourist attractions in Kota Bharu, Malaysia
Safety walking at night in Kota Bharu, Malaysia
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