Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu in January
January weather, activities, events & insider tips
January Weather in Kota Kinabalu
Is January Right for You?
Advantages
- Post-monsoon clarity means exceptional visibility for diving and snorkeling around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - typically 15-25 m (50-82 ft) underwater visibility, compared to 8-12 m (26-39 ft) during wetter months. The marine life is particularly active as waters settle.
- January sits in the sweet spot between Christmas crowds and Chinese New Year rush (which hits late January/February). Accommodation rates drop 20-30% compared to December, and you'll actually get decent photos at Kota Kinabalu City Mosque without dodging tour groups.
- Mount Kinabalu climbing conditions are about as good as they get - clearer morning summit views (though never guaranteed), less trail mud, and the coolest temperatures you'll find at altitude. Sunrise summit temps hover around 0-4°C (32-39°F) instead of the bone-chilling negatives of June-August.
- The seafood night markets along the waterfront are in full swing without the suffocating December tourist crush. You'll pay local prices at Filipino Market and Pasar Malam Sinsuran - grilled stingray runs RM15-25 (USD 3-5) and you can actually find seating after 7pm.
Considerations
- January weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get five straight days of sunshine, or three days of on-and-off drizzle. Those 10 rainy days don't tell the full story because afternoon thunderstorms can roll in fast, dump rain for 45 minutes, then disappear. Makes planning island day trips a bit of a gamble.
- Late January bleeds into Chinese New Year preparations, which means some local restaurants and shops close for 3-5 days when the holiday hits. If CNY falls in late January 2026, expect reduced services and higher prices for the week surrounding it. Many tour operators also take family time.
- The 70% humidity combined with 30°C (86°F) days creates that sticky, shirt-clinging heat that catches first-timers off guard. It's not oppressive like April-May can be, but you'll be doing laundry more often than you planned and that 2km (1.2 mile) walk to Signal Hill Observatory feels longer than it looks on the map.
Best Activities in January
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Island Hopping
January offers the clearest waters you'll see all year for snorkeling and diving around the five islands - Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug. The post-monsoon conditions mean visibility is exceptional, typically 15-25 m (50-82 ft), and the coral reefs are vibrant without the sediment stirred up during heavier rain months. Water temperature sits comfortably at 27-29°C (81-84°F). Mid-morning departures (9-10am) let you beat the afternoon weather uncertainty, giving you 4-5 hours of solid beach and snorkeling time before any potential rain rolls in around 2-3pm.
Mount Kinabalu Summit Climbs
January provides some of the best climbing conditions for Southeast Asia's highest peak at 4,095 m (13,435 ft). The trails are drier than monsoon months, though still expect some mud - this is Borneo rainforest after all. More importantly, you get better odds for clear summit sunrise views, though weather at that altitude is always a roll of the dice. The cooler January temperatures make the 6-8 hour ascent to Laban Rata less brutal, and you'll appreciate the chill at the 3,272 m (10,735 ft) rest point. Summit attempts start around 2am for sunrise, with temperatures dropping to 0-4°C (32-39°F) at the top.
Klias or Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruises
January sits in a decent window for proboscis monkey and wildlife spotting along Sabah's river systems. The drier conditions mean animals congregate more predictably near riverbanks for feeding, particularly in late afternoon. Klias Wetlands is the closer option at 120 km (75 miles) from KK - about 2 hours drive - while Kinabatangan offers more diverse wildlife but requires 5-6 hours travel or an overnight stay. You're looking at proboscis monkeys (almost guaranteed), long-tailed macaques, crocodiles, and if you're lucky, pygmy elephants in Kinabatangan. Firefly displays after dark are spectacular in January's clearer conditions.
Tip of Borneo and Kudat Region Day Trips
The northernmost point of Borneo at Simpang Mengayau offers dramatic coastal scenery and significantly fewer tourists than KK's main attractions. January's clearer skies make the 190 km (118 mile) drive north worthwhile - you'll actually see the meeting point of the South China Sea and Sulu Sea in all its glory. The journey takes 3 hours each way through Rungus villages, with stops at traditional longhouses and honey bee farms. The beaches at Kalampunian Damit and Kelambu are genuinely quiet in January, with warm, swimmable waters and none of the seaweed buildup that plagues March-April.
Kota Kinabalu City Food Market Tours
January is prime time for exploring KK's food scene without the December tourist chaos. The waterfront night markets - particularly the Filipino Market along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens and Pasar Malam Sinsuran - are bustling but manageable. You'll find grilled seafood, satay, ikan bakar (grilled fish), and local specialties like hinava (raw fish salad) and bambangan (wild mango) at genuine local prices. The Central Market (Pasar Besar) opens early at 6am and is worth visiting for tropical fruits you won't recognize and fresh produce. Morning visits avoid the midday heat and give you first pick of the catch.
Mari Mari Cultural Village Experiences
This reconstructed village showcasing Sabah's five main indigenous tribes - Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus, and Dusun - is actually quite well done despite the touristy setup. January's weather makes the outdoor walking between traditional houses more comfortable than the April-May heat. You'll see traditional house construction, watch blowpipe demonstrations, try bamboo cooking, and sample tapai (rice wine). The 2-hour tours run morning and afternoon, with the morning slot (10am) being cooler for walking the 15-20 minute circuit between houses. Located 25 km (15.5 miles) from KK city center, about 35-40 minutes drive.
January Events & Festivals
Sabah Fest (if scheduled)
This annual celebration of Sabah's cultural diversity typically happens in May, but occasionally special January editions or cultural showcases pop up at the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) hall. Features traditional dance performances, handicraft exhibitions, and local food stalls representing Sabah's 32+ ethnic groups. Worth checking local event listings closer to your travel dates as the schedule varies year to year.
Chinese New Year Preparations (Late January)
When CNY falls in late January, the city transforms with decorations along Gaya Street and in the Filipino Market area. The actual holiday means some closures, but the week leading up is fascinating - night markets expand, specialty foods appear, and the energy is palpable. The Kah Hiong Temple and Tze Miu Temple in the city center become focal points for celebrations. Expect lion dances, firecrackers, and family gatherings. Note that this also means higher prices and reduced availability for tours and restaurants during the actual holiday period.