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Kota Kinabalu - When to Visit

When to Visit Kota Kinabalu

Climate guide & best times to travel

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Monthly Climate Data for Kota Kinabalu Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview 19°C 23°C 28°C 33°C 38°C Rainfall (mm) 0 193 386 Jan Jan: 31.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 140mm rain Feb Feb: 31.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 79mm rain Mar Mar: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 94mm rain Apr Apr: 33.0°C high, 25.0°C low, 124mm rain May May: 33.0°C high, 25.0°C low, 213mm rain Jun Jun: 33.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 284mm rain Jul Jul: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 290mm rain Aug Aug: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 279mm rain Sep Sep: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 287mm rain Oct Oct: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 386mm rain Nov Nov: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 284mm rain Dec Dec: 32.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 262mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Kota Kinabalu sits on the northwest coast of Sabah, Borneo. The climate here surprises newcomers. Temperature barely budges all year. Daytime hovers at 25°C (77°F). Nights drop to 20°C (68°F). Measured humidity changes with the seasons: it averages 71% in July and 84% in January (Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis, daily mean relative humidity, 2024-2025). Rainfall, not heat, rules the calendar. That single factor decides if beaches are usable or if the Kinabalu Park trail turns slick. Visitors from temperate zones expecting hot-dry versus cool-wet will reset expectations fast. The southwest monsoon governs the pattern. It sweeps Borneo from May through September. July tops the chart at 330mm of rain. November brings a second increase. Heavy afternoon downpours ease into December. March and April deliver the closest thing to dry. Rainfall drops to 94mm and 140mm respectively. Even March can still spit a short sharp shower. Usually late afternoon. The air stays warm. Rain never means cold or gloomy. Expect an hour of serious downpour. Then sunshine and steam rise off the pavement. What sets Kota Kinabalu apart is tiny temperature variation. You pick wetter or drier. Never hot or cold. Any month works. Just pack for the forecast.

Best Time to Visit

Recommended timing for different travel styles.

Beach
March and April are the months to aim for. Rainfall is at its lowest. The South China Sea lies calmer around offshore islands. Afternoons stay warm without July's punishing humidity. Snorkeling around Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park islands peaks now. Visibility underwater is typically clearest during this window.
Cultural
February through April works well. Post-Chinese New Year stalls reopen. Street food and markets return to full swing. Drier weather makes waterfront night markets pleasant. The Filipino Market feels far better without monsoon drizzle.
Adventure
March is the single best month for serious elevation. Mount Kinabalu's summit trail is technical and exposed. Rain can strike any month. March still gives the best odds of clear views from Low's Peak. Kinabalu Park trails and Crocker Range parks drain better after lighter February rainfall.
Budget
October and November offer lower accommodation rates. Fewer international visitors arrive then. Rain is heavier. Afternoon showers rarely last more than two hours. Covered markets, cafes, and food courts give comfortable shelter.

What to Pack

Essentials and seasonal recommendations for Kota Kinabalu.

Year-Round Essentials
compact umbrella or a packable rain poncho
Showers can arrive with almost no warning at any time of year. The intensity can catch you off guard if you are used to gentle drizzle. Pack a shell. Always.
quality insect repellent containing DEET or picaridin
This matters if you are spending any time in Kinabalu Park or on any of the Tunku Abdul Rahman islands. Trails turn slick. Ferries bounce.
High-SPF sunscreen
Cloud cover that accompanies tropical humidity still allows significant UV exposure. Burn risk stays real.
small dry bag or waterproof phone case
worth bringing if you plan any boat trips or snorkeling excursions.
reusable water bottle
A bottle is useful here. Staying hydrated in 70 percent humidity is easier to forget than you might think. Sip often.
drier months of March and April
Clothing
Reach for lightweight breathable clothing in natural fabrics like linen or moisture-wicking synthetics. Comfort wins.
Footwear
Sandals with decent grip work for most of the city. Pack a pair of sturdy closed-toe shoes or trail runners if Kinabalu Park or any serious hiking is on the agenda. Blisters ruin days.
Accessories
A light long-sleeved layer
Layering Tip
A light jacket proves useful for air-conditioned restaurants and transport. They are often set to temperatures that feel arctic after time spent outside. Shivering is optional.
wetter months from July through November
Clothing
quick-drying clothing
Footwear
Choose waterproof sandals or shoes that dry quickly. Leather stays damp and becomes uncomfortable. Wet socks stink.
Accessories
A waterproof jacket rather than just a poncho
Layering Tip
A compact umbrella is worth considering if you are planning outdoor activities. Extended rain sessions can make a poncho inadequate. Stay dry.
Plug Type
British-style Type G three-pin plug
Voltage
240 volts, 50 hertz
Adapter Note
you will need a Type G adapter if your devices use any other plug format.
Skip These Items
thick sweaters or heavy jackets formal shoes bulky travel hairdryers ski-weight base layers and anything designed for cold-weather hiking physical guidebooks for the region
Full Packing Checklist

Interactive checklist with shopping links for every item you need.

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Month-by-Month Guide

Climate conditions and crowd levels for each month of the year.

January

Showers cluster late afternoon and evening. Mornings stay clear. Island and waterfront plans work best early.

High 31°C (88°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall 140mm
Crowds Medium
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February

Chinese New Year typically falls here or in late January. Domestic visitors increase. Kota Kinabalu's Chinatown district buzzes with life.

High 31°C (88°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall 79mm
Crowds Medium to High
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March

The air feels lighter. The sea around Tunku Abdul Rahman islands becomes most inviting. Kota Kinabalu makes its strongest case now.

High 32°C (90°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall 94mm
Crowds Medium
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April

Easter holiday season brings modest international uptick. European visitors appear. Island day trips fill up. Mornings stay reliably clear. Plan outdoor activities with confidence.

High 33°C (91°F)
Low 25°C (77°F)
Rainfall 124mm
Crowds Medium to High
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May

The southwest monsoon begins to establish itself. Heat and humidity feel unchanged. Afternoon showers grow frequent. Some turn dramatic. Still workable. Plan morning activities.

High 33°C (91°F)
Low 25°C (77°F)
Rainfall 213mm
Crowds Medium
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June

School-holiday season sweeps Malaysia. Domestic family travel surges. Weather is wetter than March-April. Night markets buzz regardless.

High 33°C (91°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall 284mm
Crowds High
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July

Afternoon and evening downpours can be heavy. Sea around offshore islands turns choppier. Rain arrives in concentrated bursts. Peak international tourist season. Northern Hemisphere summer holidays drive the rush.

High 32°C (90°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall 290mm
Crowds High
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August

Summer holiday dynamics keep numbers high. Accommodation fills fast on weekends. Mornings can be clear and beautiful. Early starts pay off for Manukan or Sapi islands.

High 32°C (90°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall 279mm
Crowds High
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September

The summer holiday crowd has thinned. Kota Kinabalu quiets slightly. Weather is not dramatically better than August.

High 32°C (90°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall 287mm
Crowds Medium
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October

International tourist numbers fall noticeably. The city returns to local pace. Rain falls in afternoon bursts. Mornings often stay clear enough for island excursions.

High 32°C (90°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall 386mm
Crowds Low to Medium
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November

Kota Kinabalu sees some of its heaviest individual downpours this month. Sea conditions around the islands become less predictable. Tourism is quietest now. Budget travelers willing to dodge the weather will find bargains.

High 32°C (90°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall 284mm
Crowds Low
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December

The year-end holiday period pulls families and couples back in serious numbers. Christmas and New Year's Eve around the waterfront swell into sizeable crowds. Expect an unusually festive atmosphere for what is primarily a Muslim-majority destination in Sabah. Lights shimmer. Music drifts.

High 32°C (90°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall 262mm
Crowds High
View Details →

Ready to plan your trip to Kota Kinabalu?

Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.

Top Things to Do

Curated attractions, tours, and experiences in Kota Kinabalu.

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Where to Stay

Best neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget.

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What to Pack

Climate-specific gear and essentials for Kota Kinabalu.

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Continue Planning Your Trip

Packing List

What to bring on your trip for Kota Kinabalu

When to Visit

Best times to travel for Kota Kinabalu

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Kota Kinabalu