City in Sabah, Malaysia
Kota Kinabalu weather by month and the best time to visit
When to go to Kota Kinabalu
Drier Feb–May with clearer mountain views. Heavy rain Oct–Jan. Book Mount Kinabalu permits months ahead for Mar–Sep.
Kota Kinabalu weather by month
Average daily high, rainfall and conditions.
- Jan30°197 mm
- Feb30°98 mm
- Mar30°123 mm
- Apr31°138 mm
- May31°218 mm
- Jun30°263 mm
- Jul30°259 mm
- Aug30°239 mm
- Sep30°272 mm
- Oct30°356 mm
- Nov30°282 mm
- Dec30°270 mm
Monthly averages
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30°C85°F | 25°C76°F | 197 mm | 87% | Rainy |
| February | 30°C85°F | 24°C75°F | 98 mm | 87% | Pleasant |
| March | 30°C87°F | 25°C76°F | 123 mm | 85% | Pleasant |
| April | 31°C88°F | 26°C78°F | 138 mm | 83% | Hot & humid |
| May | 31°C87°F | 26°C79°F | 218 mm | 85% | Rainy |
| June | 30°C86°F | 26°C79°F | 263 mm | 85% | Rainy |
| July | 30°C85°F | 26°C78°F | 259 mm | 85% | Rainy |
| August | 30°C86°F | 26°C78°F | 239 mm | 85% | Rainy |
| September | 30°C86°F | 25°C78°F | 272 mm | 85% | Rainy |
| October | 30°C85°F | 25°C78°F | 356 mm | 87% | Very wet |
| November | 30°C86°F | 26°C78°F | 282 mm | 86% | Rainy |
| December | 30°C85°F | 25°C78°F | 270 mm | 87% | Rainy |
Best months across Malaysia
| Place | Best months | Warmest month |
|---|---|---|
| Kuala Lumpur | Jan–Feb, Jun–Aug | Apr (31°C) |
| Penang | Dec–Mar | Mar (31°C) |
| Langkawi | Dec–Mar | Mar (32°C) |
| Malacca | Jan–Feb, Jun–Aug | Apr (30°C) |
| Kota Kinabalu | Feb–May | Apr (31°C) |
| Cameron Highlands | Mar–Jul | Mar (22°C) |
| Perhentian Islands | Apr–Aug | May (31°C) |
| Ipoh | Jan–Feb, Jun–Aug | Mar (31°C) |
| Johor Bahru | Feb–Mar, Jun–Aug | Apr (30°C) |
| Genting Highlands | Jan–Feb, Jun–Aug | Apr (29°C) |
| Kuching | Mar–Aug | May (30°C) |
| Tioman | Apr–Aug | May (27°C) |
| Redang | Apr–Aug | May (30°C) |
| Semporna | Apr–Sep | Apr (29°C) |
| Sandakan | Mar–Aug | May (29°C) |
| Taman Negara | Mar–Aug | Apr (29°C) |
Quick answers
What is the best month to visit Kota Kinabalu?
Feb–May. Drier Feb–May with clearer mountain views. Heavy rain Oct–Jan. Book Mount Kinabalu permits months ahead for Mar–Sep.
When is the rainy season in Kota Kinabalu?
Rain peaks in October with about 356 mm. Months with 150 mm or more: May–Jan.
What is the hottest month in Kota Kinabalu?
April, with average highs of 31°C (88°F).
How cold does Kota Kinabalu get?
The coolest nights are in February, averaging 24°C (75°F).
More about Kota Kinabalu
- Weather & best timeacross Malaysia
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- Cost of livingin Kota Kinabalu
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- Tap waterin Kota Kinabalu
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- Solo travelin Kota Kinabalu
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Sources
- NASA POWER climatology (2001–2020)
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Malaysia Airports)
- Sabah Parks (Mount Kinabalu)
- Gleneagles Hospital Kota Kinabalu
- Grab Malaysia
Climate averages are modelled from NASA POWER (MERRA-2) for 2001–2020 at about 50 km resolution, so coasts and valleys can differ a little. Temperatures are adjusted by 3°C for the city's elevation. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.