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Kota Kinabalu - Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu in December

Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Kota Kinabalu

30°C (86°F) High Temp
24°C (75°F) Low Temp
280 mm (11 inches) Rainfall
70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

  • December marks the start of dry season in Kota Kinabalu - you'll typically see clearer skies and calmer seas compared to October-November, making it actually reliable for island hopping and diving. Water visibility improves to 15-25 m (49-82 ft) around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.
  • School holiday season means local markets and food stalls operate extended hours, particularly around Gaya Street and the Filipino Market. You'll find night markets running until 11pm instead of the usual 9pm, and weekend crowds bring out specialty vendors who don't show up during quieter months.
  • Mount Kinabalu climbing conditions are optimal - the drier weather means fewer trail closures and better summit visibility. Rangers report that December has the highest percentage of successful summit attempts, around 85% compared to 60% during wetter months.
  • December sits right before the peak Christmas-New Year surge, so accommodation prices remain reasonable until around December 20th. You're looking at 30-40% lower rates than the final week of December, while still getting the improved weather conditions.

Considerations

  • Those 10 rainy days aren't evenly distributed - December tends to front-load rainfall in the first two weeks, with afternoon thunderstorms that can last 1-2 hours rather than the quick 20-minute showers you get later in dry season. This affects afternoon island tours and sunset viewing.
  • Chinese tour groups increase significantly in December as it's a popular shoulder season month before their New Year peak. Expect crowded conditions at Poring Hot Springs, Mari Mari Cultural Village, and the Tip of Borneo between 10am-2pm on weekdays.
  • Sea conditions can still be unpredictable in early December - ferry operators occasionally cancel morning departures to outer islands like Mantanani if overnight winds pick up. You'll want flexibility in your itinerary rather than booking island activities for your first or last day.

Investigate Other Months

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Best Activities in December

Mount Kinabalu Summit Climbs

December offers the most reliable summit conditions of the year. The drier weather means Laban Rata rest house stays are more comfortable, and you're much more likely to get clear sunrise views from Low's Peak at 4,095 m (13,435 ft). Morning temperatures at the summit hover around 0-2°C (32-36°F), but the reduced rainfall means less ice on the final granite sections. Book your permit and guide package early - December slots fill up 2-3 months ahead.

Booking Tip: Permits are controlled by Sabah Parks and must be booked 60-90 days in advance for December climbs. Two-day packages typically run RM 1,200-1,800 (USD 255-385) including guide, permits, accommodation, and meals. Look for operators who provide proper cold-weather gear in their packages - you'll need it for the pre-dawn summit push.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Island Hopping

The five islands - Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug - are at their most accessible in December. Calmer seas mean smoother 15-20 minute boat rides from Jesselton Point, and improved water clarity makes snorkeling actually worthwhile. You'll spot green sea turtles around Manukan's coral gardens, and the reduced plankton bloom means visibility reaches 15-20 m (49-66 ft). Mid-December onwards is particularly good as the early-month rains settle down.

Booking Tip: Island hopping packages typically cost RM 150-250 (USD 32-53) for 2-3 islands including boat transfers, snorkel gear, and basic lunch. Book through licensed operators at Jesselton Point jetty - morning departures at 9-10am give you the calmest seas and best visibility before afternoon boat traffic stirs up sediment. Avoid weekends if possible when local crowds triple.

Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruises

December sits in the transitional period when wildlife viewing is excellent but tourist numbers haven't peaked yet. The reduced rainfall means animals concentrate along the riverbanks for water access, improving your odds of spotting proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and orangutans. Early morning cruises at 6am offer the best wildlife activity, and the cooler temperatures make the 2-3 hour boat rides more comfortable than the humid months.

Booking Tip: Multi-day packages from Sukau village run RM 800-1,400 (USD 170-300) including accommodation, meals, and multiple river cruises. Book at least 3-4 weeks ahead for December dates. Look for lodges that offer both morning and late afternoon cruises - wildlife activity peaks during these cooler periods. The 2.5-hour drive from KK to Sukau is best done as an overnight trip rather than a day tour.

Tip of Borneo Coastal Exploration

The northernmost point of Borneo becomes genuinely accessible in December when the coastal roads dry out and the dramatic sea views aren't obscured by haze. The 3-hour drive from KK takes you through Kudat's fishing villages and ricefields. December timing means you'll catch the tail end of rice harvest season, and roadside stalls sell fresh coconuts and local snacks. The Tip itself offers 180-degree ocean views where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea - worth the drive on clear December days.

Booking Tip: Day tours typically cost RM 250-400 (USD 53-85) including transport, lunch, and stops at Kudat town and local beaches. Self-driving is feasible if you're comfortable with rural roads - rental cars run RM 150-200 per day. Start early at 7am to avoid the midday heat and catch better light for the dramatic coastal photography. The Rungus longhouse visits often included in tours are genuine cultural experiences, not staged tourist shows.

Poring Hot Springs and Canopy Walkway

Located 40 km (25 miles) from Mount Kinabalu Park headquarters, Poring offers a completely different ecosystem at just 500 m (1,640 ft) elevation. December's weather makes the outdoor hot spring pools actually enjoyable - soaking in 40°C (104°F) sulfurous water is more appealing when it's not pouring rain. The canopy walkway at 41 m (135 ft) height gives you genuine rainforest views, and December's clearer conditions mean you might actually spot hornbills and flying squirrels.

Booking Tip: Entry fees are RM 15 for adults, and the site is open 7am-6pm. Most visitors combine this with a Kinabalu Park day trip. Arrive before 10am or after 2pm to avoid the tour bus crowds. The hot springs have individual tubs you can rent for RM 20-30 per hour - much better than the communal pools. Bring your own towel and soap. The nearby Kipungit Waterfall requires a steep 20-minute hike but is worth it for the natural plunge pools.

Kota Kinabalu City Food Market Tours

December's extended market hours and local holiday preparations mean you'll find specialty items that don't appear year-round. The Filipino Market operates daily but December brings out vendors selling traditional Kadazan-Dusun fermented foods and Christmas-season specialties. Night markets at Gaya Street on Sundays and the waterfront near Centre Point expand in December. You'll find amplang (fish crackers), hinava (raw fish salad), and fresh durian when it's in season.

Booking Tip: Self-guided market exploration is straightforward, but joining a local food guide gives you context and translation help. Food tour packages typically run RM 180-280 (USD 38-60) for 3-4 hours covering 8-10 tastings. The Gaya Street Sunday market runs 6:30am-1pm - arrive before 9am for the best selection and cooler temperatures. Bring small bills - most vendors don't have change for RM 50 or RM 100 notes. Budget RM 30-50 for serious snacking.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Sabah Fest

This month-long cultural celebration typically runs throughout December, showcasing Sabah's 32 ethnic groups through traditional dance, music, and craft demonstrations. The main events happen at various venues around KK including the Sabah State Museum and cultural villages. You'll see genuine cultural performances rather than tourist shows, and local artisans sell traditional textiles, beadwork, and bamboo crafts. The festival timing varies year to year, but December is the consistent month.

Late December

Christmas Celebrations

KK's significant Christian population means Christmas is genuinely celebrated, not just commercially observed. Churches around the city hold midnight mass services open to visitors, and the waterfront area near Centre Point gets decorated with lights and temporary markets. Hotels and restaurants offer special Christmas Eve dinners, and you'll find caroling groups in shopping malls. It's interesting to experience Christmas in tropical heat while locals embrace the full festive tradition.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket that packs small - those December afternoon storms can catch you out, and the rain is warm enough that you don't need anything heavy. Skip the poncho, it's useless in wind.
Reef-safe sunscreen with SPF 50 minimum - the UV index of 8 is no joke, and you'll burn in 15 minutes without protection. Regular sunscreen damages the coral reefs around the marine park islands.
Quick-dry clothing in breathable fabrics - cotton takes forever to dry in 70% humidity, while synthetic athletic wear dries in 2-3 hours. Pack enough to rotate through sweaty days.
Closed-toe water shoes for rocky beaches and coral areas - the islands have sharp coral fragments and sea urchins. Those flimsy flip-flops from the hotel won't cut it.
Long, lightweight pants and long-sleeve shirt for jungle trekking - protects against leeches, mosquitoes, and scratchy vegetation. The thin hiking fabrics are cooler than you'd expect.
Small dry bag for boat trips - even on calm days, the speedboats to islands create spray that will soak your belongings. A 10-liter dry bag handles phone, wallet, and camera.
Power bank with at least 10,000 mAh capacity - you'll be out all day photographing wildlife and landscapes, and many jungle lodges have limited charging hours.
Insect repellent with 30% DEET minimum - the mosquitoes around Kinabatangan River and evening markets are persistent. Natural repellents don't work effectively in this climate.
Headlamp with red light setting - essential for early morning Mount Kinabalu summit attempts and wildlife night walks. Red light doesn't disturb animals or ruin other people's night vision.
Small daypack around 20-25 liters - you'll need something for water bottles, snacks, rain jacket, and camera during day trips. Hotel safes can store your main luggage.

Insider Knowledge

The Jesselton Point ferry terminal to the islands operates on a shared boat system - don't pay for a private charter unless you're a group of 8-plus. Shared boats leave when full, typically every 20-30 minutes from 8am-3pm, and cost RM 23 return versus RM 300-400 for private charters.
Mount Kinabalu permits are theoretically released 3 months in advance, but December slots often get block-booked by large operators. If the official Sabah Parks website shows no availability, check with local climbing operators who sometimes release cancelled slots 2-3 weeks before climb dates.
The airport GRAB taxi system is more expensive than the coupon taxi counter inside arrivals - you're looking at RM 30-35 versus RM 25 for the same ride to city center hotels. The coupon system is actually more reliable despite looking old-fashioned.
Filipino Market vendors expect bargaining, but not aggressive haggling - offering 70-80% of the initial price is reasonable for souvenirs and textiles. The fresh produce and food sections have fixed prices, don't bargain there as it marks you as disrespectful.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking island hopping tours for your arrival or departure day - sea conditions can cause delays or cancellations even in December, and you'll be stressed about making flights. Build in buffer days for weather-dependent activities.
Underestimating how long Mount Kinabalu takes - it's a genuine two-day climb requiring reasonable fitness, not a day hike. Tourists regularly book this without proper preparation and struggle with the altitude and steep sections above 3,000 m (9,843 ft).
Skipping travel insurance that covers adventure activities - standard policies often exclude mountain climbing above 3,000 m (9,843 ft) and water sports. Mount Kinabalu summit attempts and diving require specific coverage that costs an extra USD 20-40 but is worth it.

Explore Activities in Kota Kinabalu

Continue Planning Your Trip

November

Travel guide for November

January

Travel guide for January

Climate Guide

Weather and seasonal patterns for Kota Kinabalu

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