Tambunan is part of Sabah's Interior region. Like all of Sabah, it has a tropical climate โ warm and humid year-round โ but being inland and sheltered by mountain ranges, its rain is spread more evenly through the year than on the coast (Met Malaysia). In short: Rafflesia spotting in a highland valley.
Best Months to Visit Tambunan
The best time to visit Tambunan is Feb, Mar. These months bring drier weather, better road conditions, and optimal visibility for outdoor activities.
Book accommodation in advance, especially around school breaks (late May to early June, late August and December) and long weekends. Rates often rise during peak periods.
Months to Avoid
There's no strict month to avoid for Tambunan. Weather is fairly consistent throughout the year โ plan around your own schedule rather than the calendar.
Tambunan is inland, so it does not follow the coastal wet and dry seasons. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year (Met Malaysia), so no single month stands out as one to avoid. At Keningau, the closest station with a published monthly record (not necessarily the closest to Tambunan), July, February and March are the driest months and April and May the wettest.
Month-by-Month Breakdown
- Jan 138mm Shoulder
- Feb 109mm Shoulder
- Mar 110mm Shoulder
- Apr 195mm Quietest month
- May 186mm Quiet
- Jun 123mm Shoulder
- Jul 91mm Peak
- Aug 144mm Peak
- Sep 106mm Peak โ 2nd busiest
- Oct 150mm Quiet
- Nov 120mm Quiet
- Dec 171mm Peak โ busiest
- Best months
- OK
- Visitor crowds
Average monthly rainfall in mm, bar height to scale. Crowd dots rank Sabah-wide visitor arrivals in 2025: three for the busiest months, one for the quietest.
Source: Met Malaysia, Keningau station, 2013โ2022 average; Sabah Tourism Board arrivals, 2025
Monthly Conditions in Detail
Tap a month to show or hide its rain, crowds and holidays.
Jan ๐ OK
Weather: About 138mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average).
Crowd level: Shoulder
Events & notes: New Year's Day on 1 January. Schools reopen after the New Year break (12 January in 2026, 4 January in 2027).
Feb โ Best
Weather: About 109mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average).
Crowd level: Shoulder
Events & notes: Chinese New Year brings family travel and some business closures (17โ18 February in 2026), with a school break around it.
Mar โ Best
Weather: About 110mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average).
Crowd level: Shoulder
Events & notes: Hari Raya Aidilfitri and a school break fell in late March in 2026 (19โ29 March). The Sabah Governor's Birthday holiday is 30 March.
Apr ๐ OK
Weather: About 195mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average). The wettest month at this station.
Crowd level: Quietest month
Events & notes: Good Friday is a Sabah public holiday, so Easter makes a long weekend.
May ๐ OK
Weather: About 186mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average).
Crowd level: Quiet
Events & notes: Pesta Kaamatan on 30 and 31 May, the biggest cultural event of the Sabah calendar. The mid-year school break starts in late May (23 May in 2026).
Jun ๐ OK
Weather: About 123mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average).
Crowd level: Shoulder
Events & notes: The mid-year school break runs into early June (to 7 June in 2026), then schools go back.
Jul ๐ OK
Weather: About 91mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average). The driest month at this station.
Crowd level: Peak
Events & notes: One of the busiest months of the year for visitors. Book popular trips early.
Aug ๐ OK
Weather: About 144mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average).
Crowd level: Peak
Events & notes: National Day on 31 August, with a one-week school break starting just before it (29 August in 2026). Busy with visitors.
Sep ๐ OK
Weather: About 106mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average).
Crowd level: Peak โ 2nd busiest
Events & notes: Malaysia Day on 16 September. One of the busiest months for visitors.
Oct ๐ OK
Weather: About 150mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average).
Crowd level: Quiet
Events & notes: Schools are in term and it is one of the quieter months for visitors.
Nov ๐ OK
Weather: About 120mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average).
Crowd level: Quiet
Events & notes: Deepavali (8 November in 2026, with a Monday replacement holiday) makes a long weekend. Otherwise one of the quietest months for visitors.
Dec ๐ OK
Weather: About 171mm at the Keningau weather station (Met Malaysia, 2013โ2022 average).
Crowd level: Peak โ busiest
Events & notes: Year-end school holidays (from 5 December in 2026), Christmas Eve and Christmas Day make this the busiest travel month.
What to Pack for Tambunan
If visiting during the dry season (typically FebโMar), pack for heat and sun with a backup for sudden showers:
- Lightweight moisture-wicking shirts and shorts โ it's hot and sunny
- High-SPF sunscreen (SPF50+) and a wide-brim hat or cap
- Reef-safe sunscreen if you're swimming or snorkelling
- Sunglasses with UV protection
- A light packable rain jacket โ even dry season brings surprise showers
- Comfortable walking shoes or trail runners for day hikes
- Sturdy hiking boots if planning jungle trails
Universal Sabah pack list: Insect repellent (DEET-based for jungle areas), a basic first aid kit, rehydration sachets, and a power bank. Sunscreen is cheaper bought in KK than at tourist spots.
Getting There
Tambunan is about 75 km by road from Kota Kinabalu.
- Minivan or car from KK
Browse accommodation in Tambunan on Agoda โ prices drop significantly in the shoulder months โ
We may earn a small commission if you book through this link โ it costs you nothing extra.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to visit Tambunan?
The best time to visit Tambunan is Feb, Mar. These months offer drier weather, clearer skies, and better conditions for outdoor activities.
What is the weather like in Tambunan during peak season?
Peak visitor season is July to September. Tambunan is inland, so it does not follow the coast's wet season: rain is spread more evenly through the year (Met Malaysia). It is also cooler than the coast โ the Keningau and Ranau stations average about 26ยฐC and 24ยฐC (2013โ2022). Expect higher prices and more crowds at popular spots.
Can I visit Tambunan during the rainy season?
Yes โ Tambunan doesn't shut down during the wet season. Rain typically falls in heavy afternoon bursts rather than all-day drizzle. Mornings are often clear and usable. The upside: fewer crowds, lower prices, and a quieter experience. The downside: some outdoor activities may be cancelled and remote roads can be affected.
What should I pack for a trip to Tambunan?
Pack for heat, sun and sudden showers: light breathable clothes, a light rain jacket, SPF50+ sunscreen, insect repellent and comfortable walking shoes. Go to the list