Kota Kinabalu features a tropical rainforest climate with warm temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall year-round. The city experiences little temperature variation, with daytime highs typically between 30–33°C and nights rarely below 23°C. Distinct wet and drier seasons shape travel experiences, offering lush scenery, vibrant festivals, and excellent conditions for both adventure and relaxation.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Kota Kinabalu’s climate is characterised by steady warmth and humidity, with average temperatures ranging from 27°C in January to 29°C in May. Daytime highs typically reach 31–33°C, while nights remain warm at 23–25°C. The sea is inviting year-round, with temperatures from 27.5°C in February to 30°C in June. There is virtually no risk of cold weather or frost, and snow is unknown.
The city receives significant rainfall, averaging 2,500–2,700 mm annually. The driest months are January to April, especially February (about 78 mm), while the wettest months are October and November (up to 387 mm). Rain often falls in short, heavy bursts, especially in the wet season, but sunny intervals are common. Sunshine averages 6–8 hours per day, peaking in March and April. Humidity remains high year-round (77–85%), and winds are generally light to moderate (6–15 km/h). Daylight is consistent, with about 12 hours throughout the year. The lush tropical environment supports vibrant rainforests, waterfalls, and thriving marine life, while the city’s coastal setting offers beautiful sunsets and warm sea breezes.
| Average climate data for Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 30 | 31 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 | 31 | 32 | 31 | 31 | 31 | 32 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 23 | 23 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 23 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 105 | 73 | 50 | 113 | 215 | 279 | 260 | 269 | 284 | 346 | 306 | 243 | 2,543 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 8 | 7 | 6 | 8 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 16 | 17 | 13 | 140 |
| Average water temperature (°C) | 28 | 27 | 27 | 29 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 30 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 | 29 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 11 | 11 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Average UV index | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu is from January to April, when rainfall is lowest, skies are sunniest, and humidity is slightly more comfortable. These months are ideal for outdoor adventures, island-hopping, and climbing Mount Kinabalu, with clear views and excellent conditions for exploring the city’s natural beauty.
The least favourable time to visit is from October to December, when rainfall is heaviest and thunderstorms are frequent. Outdoor activities may be disrupted by intense downpours and muddy trails, though the landscape is lush and vibrant. Flexible plans and rain gear are essential during this period.
Kota Kinabalu has a tropical rainforest climate with warm temperatures (27–33°C), high humidity, and abundant rainfall year-round. The city experiences little temperature variation but distinct wet and drier seasons.
The wet season runs from May to December, with the heaviest rainfall in October and November. Rain falls in short, intense bursts, often in the afternoon or evening, but sunny intervals are common.
Daytime temperatures in Kota Kinabalu typically reach 31–33°C, with nighttime lows rarely below 23°C. The warmest months are April and May, but the difference is minimal throughout the year.
Kota Kinabalu is humid year-round, with humidity levels between 77% and 85%. Winds are generally light to moderate (6–15 km/h), with occasional breezier days during storms.
Pack light, breathable clothing, sun protection, and a rain jacket or umbrella. Waterproof shoes are useful during the wet season. A light jumper is handy for cool air-conditioned interiors.
Kota Kinabalu enjoys 6–8 hours of sunshine daily, with the sunniest months from February to April. Even during rainy months, there are usually sunny intervals between showers.
Yes, sea temperatures remain warm (28–30°C) all year, making swimming, snorkelling, and diving possible in any season. The dry season offers the best conditions for island-hopping and marine adventures.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is May (32.2 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is January (30.3 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 31.4 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is May (24.2 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is January (22.8 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 23.6 °C.
The month with the highest average water temperature is June (30.2 °C). The month with the lowest average water temperature is February (27 °C). Overall, the average water temperature over the whole year is 28.9 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is October (346.4 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is March (50.3 mm). Over the whole year there are 2,543.2 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is November (16.9 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is March (6.1 days). Over the whole year there are 140.1 days of rain on average.
The month with the longest days, so the most daylight, is June (Average daylight: 12 h). The months with the shortest days, so the least daylight, are January, February, November and December (Average daylight: 11.1 h). Over the whole year there are 11.7 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is April (Average sunshine: 7.9 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is September (Average sunshine: 5.9 h). Over the whole year there are 6.5 h of sunlight per day on average.
Over the whole year the average UV index is 12.
