Things to Do in Kotakinabalu in May
May weather, activities, events & insider tips
May Weather in Kotakinabalu
Is May Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak diving visibility at nearby islands - May marks the end of dry season with clearest waters before monsoon season hits in June
- Lowest hotel rates of the year - accommodation prices drop 30-40% as this is the shoulder period before European summer holidays
- Perfect wildlife spotting at Kinabalu Park - proboscis monkeys and orangutans are most active in cooler early morning temperatures
- Harvest season for tropical fruits - rambutans, mangosteens and durians are at peak ripeness, with night markets offering best prices
Considerations
- High humidity makes outdoor activities uncomfortable after 10am - expect to feel sticky and drained, especially during midday hours
- Afternoon thunderstorms are unpredictable - heavy downpours lasting 1-2 hours can disrupt island trips and outdoor plans without warning
- Haze from Indonesian palm oil burning occasionally affects air quality and mountain views, particularly in the second half of May
Best Activities in May
Mount Kinabalu Dawn Climbing Expeditions
May offers the last reliable weather window before monsoon season. Cool pre-dawn temperatures of 8-12°C (46-54°F) at the summit make the climb more comfortable, while afternoon storms usually hold off until climbers descend. Clear morning visibility provides spectacular views across Borneo.
Sipadan Island Diving Expeditions
May delivers the year's best underwater visibility at 25-35m (82-115ft) before seasonal currents shift. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F). Barracuda tornadoes and hammerhead encounters peak during this transition period as marine life congregates before monsoon feeding patterns change.
Klias River Proboscis Monkey Safaris
May's late afternoon storms create perfect timing for wildlife viewing. Proboscis monkeys congregate along riverbanks 4-6pm as temperatures cool from 32°C to 28°C (90°F to 82°F). Post-rain conditions bring out fireflies for evening displays, while crocodiles surface more frequently in cooler waters.
Kundasang Highland Farm Tours
May harvest season brings peak freshness to highland vegetables and strawberries at 1,200m (3,937ft) elevation. Morning temperatures of 18-22°C (64-72°F) provide relief from coastal humidity. Clear early morning views of Mount Kinabalu occur 70% of days before afternoon cloud cover.
Gaya Island Resort Hopping
May's calm morning seas (wave height under 0.5m/1.6ft) create ideal conditions for island exploration before afternoon weather builds. Water visibility peaks at 15-20m (49-66ft) for snorkeling. Resort day passes offer air-conditioned retreats during midday heat while maintaining beach access.
Night Market Food Discovery Tours
May's extended daylight until 7pm allows exploration of multiple markets before peak dinner crowds. Seasonal fruits like mangosteen and rambutan reach lowest prices. High humidity actually enhances spice aromas and flavors. Evening temperatures drop to comfortable 26°C (79°F) after sunset.
May Events & Festivals
Kadazan-Dusun Cultural Festival
Month-long celebration of indigenous Sabah culture featuring traditional bamboo cooking competitions, rice wine tastings, and handicraft demonstrations. Local communities showcase pre-harvest rituals and traditional weather prediction methods still used by highland farmers.
Sabah International Folklore Festival
Week-long cultural exchange bringing together indigenous groups from across Borneo and Southeast Asia. Traditional dances performed outdoors in early evening to avoid afternoon heat, with indoor cultural workshops during peak temperature hours.