The short answer
When to go to Kota Kinabalu
The driest and most comfortable window is February to April, when monthly rain falls to roughly 80 to 125 mm and the sea is usually calmer for island trips. May to December is much wetter, and October is the wettest month at close to 390 mm. Temperatures hardly change through the year, with daytime highs of about 31 to 33 C. For older travellers, February and March are easiest: start early, rest indoors at midday and keep an umbrella ready.
Month by month
Kota Kinabalu weather by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Verdict | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C | 24°C | 141 mm | Drier start to the year but a wetter January than February | |
| February | 31°C | 24°C | 78 mm | Driest month; best for islands and walking | |
| March | 32°C | 24°C | 93 mm | Dry and warm; good sea conditions | |
| April | 33°C | 25°C | 123 mm | Hottest build-up begins; mornings are best | |
| May | 33°C | 25°C | 212 mm | Hot with growing rain; plan around showers | |
| June | 33°C | 24°C | 284 mm | Wetter months begin; showers likely | |
| July | 32°C | 24°C | 288 mm | Wet and humid; island boats can be disrupted | |
| August | 32°C | 24°C | 279 mm | Wet and humid; keep indoor plans ready | |
| September | 32°C | 24°C | 287 mm | Frequent heavy rain | |
| October | 32°C | 24°C | 387 mm | Wettest month; rain can disrupt outdoor days | |
| November | 32°C | 24°C | 283 mm | Still wet; showers most days | |
| December | 32°C | 24°C | 262 mm | Wet, though festive season is busy |
Temperatures and rainfall are long-term monthly averages. Check the forecast a few days before you travel.
Seasons at a glance
Kota Kinabalu seasons for families and seniors
The easiest months: February, March and April
- February: Driest month; best for islands and walking
- March: Dry and warm; good sea conditions
- April: Hottest build-up begins; mornings are best
Good, with small trade-offs: January and May
- January: Drier start to the year but a wetter January than February
- May: Hot with growing rain; plan around showers
Possible, with planning: June, July, August, September, November and December
- June: Wetter months begin; showers likely
- July: Wet and humid; island boats can be disrupted
- August: Wet and humid; keep indoor plans ready
- September: Frequent heavy rain
- November: Still wet; showers most days
- December: Wet, though festive season is busy
Best avoided with parents or children: October
- October: Wettest month; rain can disrupt outdoor days
Useful answers
Best time to visit Kota Kinabalu: FAQs
What is the best month to visit Kota Kinabalu?
February, March and April are the best months to visit Kota Kinabalu, with January and May also good. The driest and most comfortable window is February to April, when monthly rain falls to roughly 80 to 125 mm and the sea is usually calmer for island trips. May to December is much wetter, and October is the wettest month at close to 390 mm. Temperatures hardly change through the year, with daytime highs of about 31 to 33 C. For older travellers, February and March are easiest: start early, rest indoors at midday and keep an umbrella ready.
Which months should I avoid in Kota Kinabalu with elderly parents?
October is the month to avoid with older travellers. Wettest month; rain can disrupt outdoor days
When does it rain most in Kota Kinabalu?
October is the wettest month, with about 387 mm of rain on average. The hottest month is May, with average highs around 33°C.