Things to Do in Kotakinabalu in March

March Weather in Kotakinabalu

32°C (90°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

89mm (3.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is March Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect diving conditions with 25m+ (82ft+) visibility at nearby islands - March sits between monsoon seasons with calm seas
Shoulder season pricing saves 20-30% on accommodations compared to peak months, with fewer crowds at Mount Kinabalu
Optimal wildlife viewing at Kinabatangan River - lower water levels concentrate animals, and March marks peak proboscis monkey activity
Pleasant hiking weather with morning temperatures around 24°C (75°F) - ideal for early Mount Kinabalu attempts before afternoon clouds roll in

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-4pm, disrupting outdoor activities for 30-45 minutes with intense downpours
High humidity makes midday activities feel oppressive - 32°C (90°F) feels like 38°C (100°F) with 70% humidity
Variable weather patterns make advance planning tricky - some years see extended dry spells, others have week-long cloudy periods

Best Activities in March

Sipadan Island Diving Expeditions

March offers the year's best diving conditions with minimal current and exceptional visibility. Water temperature holds steady at 27°C (81°F), and the transition between monsoons creates perfect conditions for seeing barracuda tornadoes and hammerhead sharks. Macro photography is spectacular with calm waters.

Booking Tip: Book 3-4 weeks ahead as Sipadan permits are limited to 120 divers daily. Expect to pay RM800-1,200 (US$180-270) for day trips including permits. Look for operators offering Mabul accommodation packages. Check current diving tours in the booking section below.

Mount Kinabalu Summit Attempts

March provides the most stable weather window for summit attempts. Morning starts are crisp at 8°C (46°F) at Laban Rata, with clear views before afternoon clouds form. Success rates are highest in March due to minimal rainfall above 3,000m (9,843ft). The Via Ferrata routes are also in prime condition.

Booking Tip: Summit permits must be booked 2-3 months ahead through Sabah Parks. Budget RM1,500-2,500 (US$340-560) total including permits, guide, accommodation, and meals. Two-day packages are mandatory. Current climbing packages available in the booking section.

Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruises

March is peak season for proboscis monkey viewing as females with new babies become more active. Lower river levels concentrate wildlife along banks - expect 85% success rate for seeing orangutans, pygmy elephants, and crocodiles. Early morning cruises (6-8am) offer coolest temperatures and most animal activity.

Booking Tip: Stay 2-3 nights minimum for best wildlife odds. River lodge packages cost RM400-800 (US$90-180) per night including meals and boat trips. Book 4-6 weeks ahead as March is popular with wildlife photographers. See current river tour options below.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Island Hopping

Calm seas and excellent snorkeling visibility make March ideal for exploring the five islands. Coral bleaching recovery is most visible now, and schools of tropical fish are abundant. Water temperature averages 28°C (82°F) - perfect for extended swimming and snorkeling sessions.

Booking Tip: Day trips cost RM150-300 (US$34-67) including boat transfers, snorkeling gear, and lunch. Book morning departures to avoid afternoon storms. Licensed operators depart from Jesselton Point. Multi-island packages offer better value than single-island trips. Current island tours available below.

Poring Hot Springs and Canopy Walks

March's moderate rainfall keeps the rainforest lush while maintaining accessible trail conditions. The 41m (135ft) high canopy walkway offers spectacular views when morning mists clear around 10am. Hot springs provide perfect relief after hiking - natural pools maintain 40-60°C (104-140°F).

Booking Tip: Entry fees are RM30 (US$7) for adults. Arrive early (8am opening) to avoid crowds and catch the best wildlife activity. Combine with Kipandi Butterfly Park for full-day nature experience. Budget RM200-400 (US$45-90) for guided nature walks.

Kota Kinabalu City Food Trail Adventures

March weather is perfect for evening food market exploration. Night markets operate comfortably from 6pm-midnight when temperatures drop to 26°C (79°F). This is durian season - try the king of fruits at peak ripeness. Local specialties like hinava (raw fish salad) use the freshest March catch.

Booking Tip: Food tours cost RM120-250 (US$27-56) per person for 3-4 hour guided experiences. Start at Filipino Market (Pasar Filipino) for seafood, then move to Gaya Street for local dishes. Bring cash - most stalls don't accept cards. Current food tour options available below.

March Events & Festivals

Throughout March

Tadau Kaamatan Preparation Season

While the main Harvest Festival occurs in May, March marks the beginning of preparation season when you can witness traditional rice wine (tapai) brewing and cultural costume preparation in Kadazan-Dusun villages. Local markets start selling traditional crafts and ceremonial items.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket with ventilation - afternoon storms dump 25-40mm (1-1.6 inches) in 30 minutes with little warning

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index of 8 causes burns in 15 minutes, and you'll spend significant time on boats

Moisture-wicking synthetic shirts over cotton - 70% humidity makes cotton stay damp and uncomfortable

Waterproof phone case and dry bag - essential for boat trips and sudden downpours during wildlife viewing

Lightweight hiking boots for Mount Kinabalu - temperatures drop to 8°C (46°F) at 3,272m (10,735ft) elevation

Insect repellent with 20%+ DEET - March's humidity increases mosquito activity, especially near rivers and mangroves

Electrolyte tablets or powder - high humidity and heat cause rapid dehydration during outdoor activities

Waterproof watch or fitness tracker - essential for timing activities around afternoon storm patterns

Packable down jacket for mountain activities - temperature drops 6°C per 1,000m (3.3°F per 1,000ft) of elevation gain

Anti-chafe balm or powder - high humidity increases friction during long hikes and diving activities

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations in Semporna 6-8 weeks ahead - March is peak diving season and beds fill up quickly, especially budget options near the jetty

Time outdoor activities for 7am-1pm window - afternoon storms are predictable and intense, but morning weather is consistently excellent

Carry small denomination Malaysian Ringgit - many boat operators and market vendors don't have change for large bills, especially at remote locations

Download offline maps before jungle treks - cell coverage disappears 30 minutes outside KK city, and GPS still works without data

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking only one day for Mount Kinabalu summit attempt - regulations require minimum two days, and permits sell out months ahead

Scheduling outdoor activities after 2pm - afternoon thunderstorms are violent and dangerous, especially on exposed mountains and open water

Bringing only cotton clothing - synthetic fabrics dry 3x faster in 70% humidity and prevent heat rash during extended outdoor time