When to Visit Kota Kinabalu
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
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Year-Round Essentials
Dry Season (Feb-Apr)
Transition Period (May-Jun)
Wet Season (Jul-Sep)
Monsoon Season (Oct-Jan)
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Month-by-Month Guide
January
January marks the tail end of the wetter period, though rainfall is already tapering off compared to November and December. You'll likely see some afternoon showers, but mornings tend to be clear and perfect for getting out early. Temperatures stay consistent with the rest of the year, and the humidity makes everything feel a bit sticky.
February
February is when things really start to dry out, making it one of the most popular months for visitors. You'll still get the occasional shower, but they're brief and usually at night. The seas are calmer now, which is ideal if you're planning to visit the islands off the coast.
March
March continues the dry trend and is probably the most reliable month weather-wise. Clear skies are common, humidity feels slightly more bearable, and visibility is excellent for diving and snorkeling. This is peak season territory, so expect hotels to be fuller and prices to reflect that.
April
April wraps up the driest stretch of the year with minimal rainfall and plenty of sunshine. Temperatures tick up slightly, and you'll notice the heat more during midday. It's still a great time to visit, though you might start seeing brief afternoon showers toward the end of the month.
May
May sits in a transitional period where rainfall starts to pick up gradually. You'll get a mix of sunny mornings and afternoon thunderstorms, which actually provide a nice break from the heat. Crowds thin out a bit as school holidays end in many countries.
June
June brings more frequent showers, but they're typically short and intense rather than all-day affairs. Mornings are often beautiful, making it worth planning your outdoor activities early. The rain keeps things feeling fresh, and the vegetation is incredibly lush.
July
July sees consistent afternoon rainfall, though mornings tend to stay dry enough for beach trips and island visits. The humidity is noticeable, but the rain cools things down. This is actually a decent time to visit if you don't mind working around the weather patterns.
August
August continues the rainy pattern with regular afternoon downpours. That said, you'll still get plenty of sunshine between showers, and the rain tends to clear quickly. Fewer tourists mean better deals on accommodations and a more relaxed vibe around town.
September
September stays wet with frequent showers throughout the day, though you'll notice they're often predictable—usually hitting in the late afternoon. Temperatures remain steady, and the rain keeps the heat from feeling too oppressive. It's a quieter month for tourism.
October
October marks the beginning of the wettest period as the northeast monsoon kicks in. Rain becomes more frequent and heavier, though it's rarely continuous all day. Indoor activities like visiting markets and museums become more appealing, and hotel prices drop noticeably.
November
November is typically the wettest month, with heavy afternoon and evening thunderstorms. The upside is that mornings often start clear, giving you a window for activities. The rain can be dramatic and intense, but it's also part of the tropical experience—just be prepared with waterproof gear.
December
December stays wet but rainfall starts to ease slightly compared to November. You'll still see regular showers, but they become less predictable in timing. Despite the rain, the festive atmosphere and lower prices make it an interesting time to visit if you're flexible with your plans.