Sabah Climate 2026 — Rainfall, Temperature & Monsoon Data

Sabah\u2019s Tropical Climate

Sabah sits on the equator and experiences a tropical equatorial climate with year-round warmth, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. There are no true seasons — instead, the state is dominated by monsoon patterns that redistribute rainfall between coasts and months.

Annual rainfall ranges from 2,500 mm in Kota Kinabalu to 3,100 mm in Sandakan, making Sabah one of Malaysia\u2019s wetter regions. Humidity is consistently high (70–90%). Despite the rainfall, Sabah avoids typhoons entirely — a geographic blessing that makes it a reliable tourism and diving destination.

Temperature

Coastal towns stay warm and humid year-round. Kota Kinabalu\u2019s daily high averages 30–32°C, with lows around 23°C. There is virtually no seasonal temperature variation — what changes is rainfall and cloud cover, not warmth.

Interior highlands are dramatically cooler. At 1,500m (Kundasang), temperatures drop to 15–20°C. At 3,000m+ (Kinabalu summit), nights can drop to −5 to 0°C, with afternoon highs around 5–10°C. This altitude effect is critical for hikers and climbers to understand.

Rainfall by Region

Rainfall distribution reflects both monsoons and local geography. Sandakan (east coast, 3,100 mm) receives significantly more than Kota Kinabalu (west coast, 2,600 mm). The Kinabalu Park highlands (2,800 mm) are very wet. Kudat (north, 1,900 mm) is the driest region in Sabah.

Monsoon Patterns

Sabah is influenced by two monsoon systems that redistribute rainfall across the year and state:

• Northeast Monsoon (November–March): This period brings heavy rainfall to Sabah\u2019s east coast. Towns like Sandakan and Tawau see peak rainfall. The west coast (Kota Kinabalu) experiences moderate rain. Rough seas on the east coast can disrupt tourism and fishing.
• Southwest Monsoon (May–September): Heavier rainfall shifts to the west coast and interior. Kota Kinabalu and Crocker Range see peak precipitation. The east coast becomes relatively drier.
• Transition periods (April, October): Variable weather — unpredictable wind shifts and rain patches. These are less reliable for outdoor activities.

The result: there is no truly "dry" season in Sabah. Rain falls year-round, just in different locations and intensities. The "dry season" (Feb–Apr, May–Sep) simply means lower rainfall and more sunshine hours — ideal for tourism, diving, and climbing.

Climate Change Impacts

Sabah is experiencing measurable climate shifts. Temperature has increased by 0.2–0.5°C per decade in recent decades. Monsoon patterns are becoming less predictable — some months increasingly wet, others drier. Coral bleaching events (2010, 2016, 2020) are becoming more frequent in response to warmer sea temperatures. Forest droughts are triggering wildfires, notably during the 2015 El Niño event.

Impacts on agriculture, water supplies, and marine ecosystems are being monitored. Conservation efforts aim to build resilience in forests and coastal zones.

Frequently asked questions