Things to Do in Kotakinabalu in January

January Weather in Kotakinabalu

32°C (90°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

65mm (2.6 inches) Rainfall

78% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Peak dry season with only 6 rainy days - perfect for Mount Kinabalu climbing with clear summit views and minimal trail closures
Optimal marine visibility for diving and snorkeling - 25-30m (82-98 ft) underwater visibility at Sipadan and Mabul islands
Chinese New Year celebrations (late January 2025) bring vibrant festivals in Gaya Street with lion dances and special night markets
Coolest temperatures of the year make daytime city walking comfortable, with sea breezes dropping feels-like temperature to 28°C (82°F)

Considerations

Peak tourist season means Mount Kinabalu permits book out 3-4 months ahead and accommodation prices increase 40-60%
Strongest northeast monsoon winds create choppy seas - some island day trips to Mantanani may be cancelled 20% of days
Extreme UV levels (index 11) require constant sun protection and limit comfortable outdoor activities to early morning and late afternoon

Best Activities in January

Mount Kinabalu Summit Climbing

January offers the clearest weather for Malaysia's highest peak. Success rate for seeing sunrise from Low's Peak (4,095m/13,435ft) is 85% compared to 40% in rainy months. Cool morning temperatures of 18-20°C (64-68°F) make the pre-dawn summit push more comfortable. Trail conditions are driest with minimal leeches.

Booking Tip: Book permits minimum 3 months ahead through Sabah Parks - only 130 climbers allowed daily. Two-day packages typically cost RM800-1,200 (USD180-270). Choose operators with mountain guide certification and emergency radio equipment. See current certified operators in booking section below.

Sipadan Island Diving Tours

January delivers the year's best underwater visibility and calmest seas. Water temperature is perfect at 28°C (82°F) with minimal current. This is prime season for seeing tornado-like barracuda schools and reef sharks. The northeast monsoon actually brings nutrient-rich waters that attract marine life while keeping seas calmer on Sipadan's protected side.

Booking Tip: Sipadan permits limited to 120 divers daily - book 4-6 weeks ahead through PADI-certified dive centers. 3-day/2-night packages from Semporna typically cost RM1,200-1,800 (USD270-400). Advanced Open Water certification required. Check current permit availability in booking section below.

Proboscis Monkey River Cruises

Dry season concentrates wildlife along riverbanks as water levels drop. Proboscis monkeys are most active in cooler morning temperatures before 9am and after 4pm when humidity drops to 65%. January's minimal rainfall means better boat access to narrow tributaries where monkeys feed. Firefly displays are also most spectacular on clear nights.

Booking Tip: Morning cruises (6am-9am) offer best wildlife sightings in cooler temperatures. Half-day tours typically cost RM120-180 (USD27-40) per person. Choose operators with small boats (maximum 8 passengers) and local Kadazan guides. Book 1-2 weeks ahead. See current river cruise options in booking section below.

Mari Mari Cultural Village Tours

January's dry weather allows full exploration of outdoor tribal house replicas without mud or cancellations. Traditional cooking demonstrations over wood fires are more comfortable in lower humidity. Chinese New Year period adds special cultural fusion demonstrations showing how different Sabah tribes interact with Chinese traditions.

Booking Tip: Morning tours (9am-12pm) avoid peak heat and afternoon humidity. Full cultural experience typically costs RM100-150 (USD22-34) including traditional lunch. Book directly or through hotel concierge 3-7 days ahead. Transport usually included from city center. Check current cultural tour packages in booking section below.

Manukan Island Day Trips

Calmest seas of the year make the 20-minute speedboat ride comfortable even for sensitive stomachs. Crystal-clear water (20-25m/65-82ft visibility) is perfect for snorkeling. Beach temperatures are manageable with sea breezes, and low tide timing in January exposes the best coral areas for exploration between 10am-2pm.

Booking Tip: Island hopping packages visiting 2-3 Tunku Abdul Rahman islands typically cost RM80-150 (USD18-34) including equipment and transfers. Book through licensed operators at Jesselton Point jetty or hotel tour desks. Avoid weekend crowds by visiting Tuesday-Thursday. See current island tour options in booking section below.

Kundasang Highland Vegetable Market Tours

January harvest season brings the year's freshest produce to this mountain market at 1,200m (3,937ft) elevation. Cool morning temperatures of 16-18°C (61-64°F) make walking comfortable while viewing Mount Kinabalu backdrop. Local strawberry and corn seasons peak in January. The drive up offers spectacular valley views in clear dry-season weather.

Booking Tip: Visit early morning (6am-9am) for best selection and comfortable temperatures. Day trips from KK typically cost RM150-250 (USD34-56) including transport and guide. Combine with Desa Dairy Farm visits. Book through hotel tour desks or local operators 2-3 days ahead. Check current highland tour options in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Late January 2025

Chinese New Year Celebrations

Gaya Street transforms into a festival zone with traditional lion dances, dragon parades, and special night market stalls. KK's large Chinese community creates authentic celebrations with temple visits, family reunions, and red lantern displays throughout the city center. Many local restaurants offer special reunion dinner menus.

Throughout January

Harvest Festival Preparations

While the main Kaamatan festival is in May, January marks the beginning of preparation season in Kadazan-Dusun villages. Traditional rice wine brewing starts, and cultural groups begin practice sessions. Some villages offer visitors glimpses into traditional preparation rituals.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches dangerous level 11 with intense equatorial sun reflecting off water

Lightweight long-sleeved shirts and pants - essential for Mount Kinabalu's 4°C (39°F) summit temperatures and protection from UV

Quick-dry clothing in breathable fabrics - 78% humidity makes cotton uncomfortable, synthetic blends dry faster after brief showers

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - sudden 10-minute downpours can soak belongings even in dry season

Reef-safe mineral sunscreen - coral protection required at marine parks, zinc oxide based products work best

Insect repellent with 20% DEET - highland areas and river cruises have persistent mosquitoes despite dry weather

Comfortable walking sandals with grip - wet boat decks and temple stairs require good traction

Light rain jacket or poncho - afternoon showers are brief but intense, umbrella insufficient for sideways tropical rain

Electrolyte tablets or powder - high heat and humidity cause rapid dehydration, especially during hiking activities

Modest clothing for cultural sites - long pants and covered shoulders required at temples and traditional villages

Insider Knowledge

Book Mount Kinabalu climbing permits exactly 3 months ahead at 8am Malaysian time when online bookings open - they sell out within hours for January dates

Sipadan diving is weather-dependent despite dry season - operators often switch to Mabul or Kapalai when currents are strong, which happens 1-2 days per week

Chinese New Year period (late January) sees many local restaurants close for 2-3 days but creates the year's best street food variety at temporary festival stalls

Morning flights to KK airport experience less turbulence in January's stable weather, while afternoon flights can hit thermal updrafts from heated land

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all islands are accessible daily - northeast monsoon winds still cause 15-20% of island trips to be cancelled or rerouted to protected areas

Underestimating Mount Kinabalu's cold temperatures - summit can be 25°C (45°F) colder than sea level, causing hypothermia in unprepared climbers

Scheduling outdoor activities during 11am-3pm peak UV hours - even locals avoid direct sun exposure during these dangerous radiation levels