Things to Do in Kotakinabalu in November

November Weather in Kotakinabalu

30°C (86°F) High Temp

23°C (73°F) Low Temp

105mm (4.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect diving visibility at Sipadan and Mabul - November marks peak underwater visibility at 25-30m (82-98 ft) as monsoon winds calm down
Mount Kinabalu climbing season begins - cooler morning temperatures at 12°C (54°F) at Laban Rata and clearer summit views with 80% success rate for sunrise viewing
Affordable accommodation rates drop 30-40% after October school holidays end, with beachfront resorts offering early December booking incentives
Proboscis monkey sightings peak at 90% success rate in Klias Wildlife Sanctuary as fruiting season draws them to riverbanks during 5-6pm feeding tours

Considerations

Afternoon thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-4pm, lasting 45-90 minutes and potentially disrupting outdoor island activities
High humidity at 70% makes midday temple visits and city walking tours feel exhausting - locals avoid outdoor activities 11am-3pm
Some Danum Valley research stations close for maintenance during this transition period, limiting deep jungle trekking options until December

Best Activities in November

Sipadan Island Diving Expeditions

November offers the year's best diving conditions with 25-30m (82-98 ft) visibility and calm seas. Water temperature holds steady at 28°C (82°F). Barracuda tornadoes and hammerhead sightings peak during this transition month. Morning dives avoid afternoon weather completely.

Booking Tip: Permits limited to 120 divers daily - book 45-60 days ahead through PADI certified operators. Typical packages ฿8,500-12,000 for 3-dive trips including permits and transfers. Reference booking widget for current availability.

Mount Kinabalu Summit Attempts

November launches the ideal climbing season with morning temperatures dropping to 12°C (54°F) at Laban Rata base camp. Clear sunrise views occur 80% of mornings versus 40% during monsoon months. Less crowded trails after October holiday rush ends.

Booking Tip: Climbing permits required 30 days minimum advance booking. Two-day packages typically ฿1,200-1,800 including guide, meals, and mountain hut accommodation. Book through Sabah Parks registered operators listed in booking section below.

Klias Wildlife River Cruises

Peak proboscis monkey viewing season - 90% sighting success during 5-6pm tours as fruiting trees draw them to riverbanks. Firefly displays intensify in November's calmer weather. Afternoon rains actually improve wildlife activity as animals emerge to drink.

Booking Tip: Evening tours ฿180-280 per person work best - book same day or 24 hours ahead. Avoid weekend crowds by choosing weekday departures. Tours typically 3 hours including hotel transfers within 15km (9.3 miles) of city center.

Island Hopping to Mantanani Islands

November's calmer seas make the 1-hour boat ride comfortable versus choppy October crossings. Dugong sightings peak at 30% during snorkeling tours. Sea turtle nesting season overlaps, offering rare viewing opportunities at protected beaches.

Booking Tip: Full day packages ฾750-1,200 including speedboat transfers, snorkeling gear, and lunch. Book through licensed marine operators only - check current options in booking section below. Weather dependent - operators typically decide morning of departure.

Kota Kinabalu City Food Trail Walking Tours

November's durian season peaks, offering brave food adventurers the 'King of Fruits' at its absolute best in Filipino Market and Night Bazaar. Evening tours from 6-9pm avoid afternoon heat and rain while catching the liveliest food scene periods.

Booking Tip: Self-guided works well - download offline maps and start at Central Market 6pm when vendors fully setup. Guided food tours ฿350-500 per person for 3-hour experiences. Book day-of through hotel concierge or see current food tour options below.

Kinabalu National Park Canopy Walks

November's reduced rainfall means canopy walkways stay open 85% of days versus 60% during peak wet season. Morning mist clears by 9am revealing mountain views. Hornbill and Bornean gibbon activity increases as fruit trees throughout the park reach peak production.

Booking Tip: Park entry ฿15 adults, canopy walk additional ฿5. Arrive by 8am to secure same-day canopy permits - only 80 visitors per day allowed on walkways. Combine with botanical garden tours. No advance booking required for park entry but check current guided tour availability below.

November Events & Festivals

Throughout November

Kaamatan Festival Extensions

While the main harvest festival occurs in May, Kadazan-Dusun communities hold thanksgiving ceremonies throughout November as the rice harvest season concludes. Village-level celebrations feature traditional tapai (rice wine) tastings and sumazau dancing in rural areas around Penampang and Papar.

Early November

Deepavali Celebrations

Sabah's significant Indian Tamil community creates vibrant celebrations in KK's Indian quarter near Gaya Street. Traditional oil lamp displays, temple visits at Sri Mariamman Temple, and exceptional South Indian food offerings appear throughout the festival period.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry rain jacket with breathability - afternoon storms dump 15-25mm (0.6-1 inch) in 45-90 minutes then stop abruptly

SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen - UV index hits 8-9 even on cloudy days, and you'll spend considerable time on boats between islands

Moisture-wicking base layers instead of cotton - 70% humidity makes cotton shirts stay damp and uncomfortable for hours

Waterproof phone case for boat trips and sudden downpours - especially crucial during island hopping when phones get splashed constantly

Lightweight hiking boots for Mount Kinabalu attempts - temperatures drop to 12°C (54°F) at 3,272m (10,735 ft) altitude

Insect repellent with 20% DEET minimum - November's moisture brings out sand flies on beaches and mosquitoes during evening wildlife tours

Portable battery pack rated for humidity - electronics drain faster in tropical conditions and charging opportunities limited during full-day tours

Quick-dry towel for multiple daily showers - locals shower 2-3 times daily in November heat and you'll want the same comfort

Electrolyte packets or tablets - sweating rate increases significantly during outdoor activities in 86°F (30°C) temperatures with high humidity

Insider Knowledge

Book Mount Kinabalu climbs for mid-week departures - weekend slots fill with local climbers, and weekday groups average 6-8 people versus 12-15 on weekends meaning more personal attention from guides

Visit Gaya Street Sunday Market before 8am in November - vendors set up earlier to beat afternoon rains, and best produce selection happens 7-8am before tour groups arrive at 9am

Schedule diving for 7am morning departures rather than afternoon trips - November afternoon storms create choppy surface conditions even when underwater visibility remains perfect

Local restaurants close 2:30-4:30pm during heavy rain periods - eat lunch before 2pm or wait until evening service starts at 5pm to avoid hunger during afternoon storm windows

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking outdoor island activities for afternoon slots - 60% chance of rain 2-4pm means morning departures at 7-8am offer much higher success rates for completing full itineraries

Wearing white or light colors to wildlife tours - mud from November rains makes jungle floors messy, and bright colors reduce animal sighting opportunities significantly

Assuming indoor malls stay open normal hours during storms - many Kota Kinabalu shopping centers reduce hours or close sections during heavy afternoon rain for safety reasons