Kota Kinabalu, MalaysiaQuick decision
When to visit Kota Kinabalu?
🌞 Best time overall
February
🌡️ Optimal temperature
73°F–82°F in February
🌧 Least rain
48% rainy days in February
🌧 Wettest month
October (84%)
📅 Best score
8.3/10
Monthly climate data
Kota Kinabalu weather month by month
| Month | Min °F | Max °F | Rainy days (%) | Precip. in/d | Sun h/d | Score | Ski score 🎿 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ⛅ January | 75°F | 82°F | 67% | 9.4in | 8.5h | 7.7/10 | 2.6/10 |
| 🌤️ February | 73°F | 82°F | 48% | 4.0in | 10.5h | 8.3/10 | 3.5/10 |
| 🌤️ March | 75°F | 84°F | 53% | 4.1in | 9.9h | 7.9/10 | 3.2/10 |
| ⛅ April | 77°F | 86°F | 61% | 4.4in | 10.6h | 7.6/10 | 3.2/10 |
| ⛅ May | 77°F | 86°F | 70% | 7.5in | 9.5h | 7.4/10 | 2.7/10 |
| ⛅ June | 77°F | 86°F | 65% | 7.6in | 9.5h | 7.5/10 | 2.9/10 |
| ⛅ July | 75°F | 86°F | 64% | 8.0in | 9.3h | 7.5/10 | 2.8/10 |
| ⛅ August | 77°F | 86°F | 65% | 8.5in | 9.1h | 7.5/10 | 2.8/10 |
| ⛅ September | 75°F | 84°F | 70% | 10.9in | 9.0h | 7.5/10 | 2.6/10 |
| 🌧️ October | 75°F | 84°F | 84% | 13.9in | 8.2h | 7.3/10 | 2.1/10 |
| 🌧️ November | 75°F | 84°F | 83% | 9.8in | 9.0h | 7.3/10 | 2.3/10 |
| ⛅ December | 75°F | 84°F | 79% | 10.7in | 8.4h | 7.4/10 | 2.3/10 |
Ideal
Fair
Challenging climate
Source: Open-Meteo · 10 years
🌴 Tropical destination — heavy rain months benefit from an algorithmic adjustment: tropical showers are intense but brief and usually don't ruin a trip.
Seasonal breakdown
What to expect each season
🌸 Spring (Mar–May) — Good time
Average 30°F, 61% rainy days, 10.0h sunshine/day. Score: 7.6/10.
☀️ Summer (Jun–Aug) — Good time
Average 30°F, 65% rainy days, 9.3h sunshine/day. Score: 7.5/10.
🍂 Autumn (Sep–Nov) — Good time
Average 29°F, 79% rainy days, 8.7h sunshine/day. Score: 7.4/10.
❄️ Winter (Dec–Feb) — Good time
Average 28°F, 65% rainy days, 9.1h sunshine/day. Score: 7.8/10.
Accommodation
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Tip : off-peak months (October, November) are cheapest but weather is significantly worse.
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Activities and tours in Kota Kinabalu
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Flights
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Monthly weather
Detailed weather by month
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
It depends on the activity. For skiing: February (ski score 3.5/10). For hiking/suiner: February (8.3/10, 28°F).
Yes, it's peak ski season. Average ski score December–February: 2.8/10. Cold temperatures (28°F max in January) and frequent snowfall.
In February, temperatures average 28°F. Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
October is the wettest month with 84% rainy days.
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