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Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia · Alpine mountain climate

Kota Kinabalu in July: go or not?

Mixed period. Kota Kinabalu in July: 5.2/10.

📅 Data updated: October 2026 🛰️ ERA5 · 10 years 📍 5.98°N · 116.07°E
⚡ This month's verdict
Why not
Kota Kinabalu · July
5.2
24–30°
Temperature
45%
Rain
7h
Sun
🌴 Tropical☀️ High UV🌧️ Monsoon season
Photo : Edmund Lou via Unsplash
The month in detail

What to expect in July

Off-season for skiing Kota Kinabalu — lifts are closed. Consider hiking, mountain biking or summer activities at altitude.

July ranks 6 out of 12 months in Kota Kinabalu.

This month's conditions

What it's like in July

UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
very humid
23°
Sea
30°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
12.3h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 29
Compare

Is July the right month?

The best month in Kota Kinabalu is February (5.8/10), 0.6 pt higher than July.

See February →See all 12 months →
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Plan your trip

Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.

🎟️ Activities & tours · Kota Kinabalu

GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation

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Affiliate link · GetYourGuide
Practical info

What you need to know before you go

Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.

Country · Malaysia

🗣️LanguageMalay
💶CurrencyMalaysian Ringgit (RM)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘVery safe · 1/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5

🌡️ Climate

🌍Climate typeAlpine mountain climate
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthApril · 86°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 82°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘOctober · 58%

🏝️ Tropical stay

🌞Dry season ⓘ—
🌧️Wet season ⓘ—
🌀Cyclones ⓘNone (equator)
Location

Where is Kota Kinabalu ?

Global position + regional geographic context.

🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
Malaysia
Alpine mountain climate climate with a 5.8 → 4.9 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
5.98°N · 116.07°E
Questions

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
It depends on the activity. For skiing: April (ski score 1.4/10). For hiking/suiner: February (7.0/10, 28.0°F).
Can you ski in Kota Kinabalu in winter?
Yes, it's peak ski season. Average ski score December–February: 1.1/10. Cold temperatures (28°F max in January) and frequent snowfall.
Is it warm in Kota Kinabalu in suiner?
In February, temperatures average 28.0°F. Ideal for hiking and outdoor activities.
What is the wettest month in Kota Kinabalu?
July is the wettest month with July has the lowest climate score of the year.
Can you swim in Kota Kinabalu in July?
In July, the sea averages 87°F in Kota Kinabalu: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Kota Kinabalu in July?
The average UV index reaches 8 in July in Kota Kinabalu (high), with about 12.3h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.