Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Kota Kinabalu
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- November sits right in the sweet spot between monsoon seasons - you'll get occasional afternoon showers, but they're quick bursts rather than the all-day soakers that hit during peak monsoon months. The rain actually cools things down nicely, and you can plan around it.
- Crowds are noticeably thinner than the December-February peak season rush. You'll actually get space at Tanjung Aru Beach sunset spots, shorter queues at the Filipino Market, and better rates at mid-range hotels - typically 20-30% cheaper than high season pricing.
- The diving and snorkeling conditions around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park are genuinely excellent in November. Water visibility reaches 15-20 m (50-65 ft) as the sea settles after the southwest monsoon, and you'll spot more marine life as water temperatures hover around 28-29°C (82-84°F).
- November marks the beginning of the durian season in Sabah, and if you're into trying local fruit, this is your moment. The Gaya Street Sunday Market gets absolutely packed with durian vendors, and locals take this seriously - you'll see families spending hours selecting the perfect fruit.
Considerations
- The humidity sits around 70% consistently, but it feels higher after rain showers. That sticky, clingy feeling is real, and synthetic fabrics become unbearable by midday. Your clothes won't dry overnight if you hand-wash them, which catches a lot of travelers off guard.
- November weather is genuinely unpredictable - you might get three stunning days followed by two grey, drizzly ones. This makes planning multi-day treks up Mount Kinabalu trickier, and boat operators occasionally cancel island trips with short notice when seas get choppy.
- Some migratory bird species haven't arrived yet at the Kinabatangan River wetlands, so if you're specifically coming for birdwatching, you'll miss the peak diversity that comes in December-January. That said, you'll still see proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, and orangutans.
Best Activities in November
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park Island Hopping
November offers some of the clearest water conditions of the year across the five islands - Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik, and Sulug. Visibility reaches 15-20 m (50-65 ft), and the coral reefs around Sapi and Manukan are particularly vibrant after the monsoon nutrients settle. The water temperature stays comfortable at 28-29°C (82-84°F), and you'll avoid the December-February crowds when boats get packed. Morning departures around 8-9am give you the calmest seas before afternoon breezes pick up.
Mount Kinabalu Day Hikes and Nature Trails
While summit attempts require months-advance permits, the lower elevation trails around Kinabalu Park headquarters are spectacular in November. The cloud forests are lush from recent rains, waterfalls are flowing strong, and temperatures at 1,500-1,800 m (4,900-5,900 ft) elevation drop to a refreshing 15-18°C (59-64°F). The Silau-Silau Trail and Liwagu Trail offer 2-4 hour loops through moss-covered forests with minimal crowds. Morning hikes between 7-10am give you the clearest views before afternoon clouds roll in.
Kota Kinabalu City Food Trail Experiences
November evenings are perfect for exploring KK's food scene as temperatures drop to 24-25°C (75-77°F) after 6pm. The Gaya Street Sunday Market runs 6am-1pm and showcases Sabah's incredible food diversity - ngiu chap beef noodles, hinava raw fish salad, and fresh coconut puddings. The Filipino Market waterfront area comes alive after 5pm with grilled seafood stalls where you can pick live fish, prawns, and squid charged by weight, typically RM 40-80 per person for a full meal. Night markets at Asia City and Sinsuran operate 5pm-11pm with dishes running RM 5-15.
Kinabatangan River Wildlife Cruises
November marks the transition into drier conditions along the Kinabatangan, making wildlife spotting more predictable as animals congregate around remaining water sources. Early morning cruises at 6-7am and late afternoon departures at 4pm offer the best chances for proboscis monkeys, pygmy elephants, orangutans, and crocodiles. The river sits about 2.5 hours drive from KK, and most visitors do overnight stays at riverside lodges. Water levels are optimal - not too high, not too low - giving you access to oxbow lakes where wildlife activity concentrates.
Mari Mari Cultural Village Experiences
November's afternoon showers actually enhance the cultural village experience - watching traditional houses and demonstrations in light rain feels more authentic than staged performances in harsh sun. The half-day tours showcase five indigenous Sabahan tribes through their architecture, crafts, and food traditions. You'll try making fire without matches, taste bamboo chicken and rice wine, and learn about headhunting history. The village sits 25 km (15.5 miles) from KK city center in secondary rainforest that's particularly green in November.
Poring Hot Springs and Canopy Walkway
Located 40 km (25 miles) from Mount Kinabalu Park headquarters, Poring offers a perfect complement to mountain activities. The natural sulfur hot springs feel especially good after hiking, and November's cooler temperatures at 600 m (1,970 ft) elevation make the warm pools more appealing. The canopy walkway suspended 41 m (135 ft) above the rainforest floor gives you eye-level views of the forest canopy, and recent rains mean maximum bird activity. The Kipungit Waterfall trail is a moderate 45-minute hike through jungle that's lush but not overgrown.
November Events & Festivals
Kaamatan Harvest Festival Preparations
While the main Kaamatan Festival happens in May, November sees villages beginning preparations and practicing traditional dances and rituals. You might catch rehearsals at cultural centers and notice increased activity around Kadazan-Dusun community halls. It's not a tourist event, but if you're staying in rural areas around Tambunan or Keningau, locals are generally welcoming if you show genuine interest.