Best Time to Visit Sabah
Quick Answer
Go in February or March for the best overall experience. February is the driest month with the least rainfall (78mm), moderate crowds, and lower prices than peak season. March offers equally good weather with spring energy and cultural events. If you're on a budget and flexible, May or September offer great weather with fewer tourists and 20-30% cheaper accommodation than July-August.
February-March and September-October (first half) hit the sweet spot: good weather, fewer crowds, and reasonable prices. These are "shoulder seasons" and offer the best value for most travellers.
Month-by-Month Guide
| Month | Avg Temp | Rain | Crowds | Top Activities | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28-32°C | High (late monsoon) | Very High (New Year) | City tours, cultural sites, museums | 7/10 |
| February | 28-31°C | Lowest (78mm) ★ | Moderate | Kinabalu climbing, whale sharks, all water sports | 9/10 ★ |
| March | 28-32°C | Low (100mm) | Low-Moderate | Climbing, diving, wildlife, whale sharks peak | 9/10 ★ |
| April | 29-32°C | Low (140mm) | Moderate (Regatta Lepa) | Regatta Lepa festival, diving, whale sharks | 8.5/10 |
| May | 29-32°C | Moderate (160mm) | High (Kaamatan) | Kaamatan Festival, orangutans, all activities | 8/10 |
| June | 28-31°C | Moderate (145mm) | Very High (school holidays) | All activities available, orangutans, hiking | 8.5/10 |
| July | 28-31°C | Moderate (155mm) | Very High (peak holidays) | Diving (30m+ visibility), rafting, hiking | 7.5/10 |
| August | 28-31°C (lowest humidity) | Low (120mm) | Very High (school holidays) | Excellent for all outdoor activities | 8/10 |
| September | 28-31°C | Moderate (170mm) | Low-Moderate (shoulder) | All activities, fewer crowds, great value | 8.5/10 |
| October | 28-30°C | Highest (387mm) ⚠️ | Low (cheapest season) | Limited — wet season, but budget-friendly | 5.5/10 |
| November | 28-30°C | High (300mm+) | Low-Moderate | Sipadan CLOSED (Nov 15-30), limited options | 4/10 |
| December | 28-31°C | High (280mm) | High (Christmas/New Year) | Christmas markets, diving improves late month | 6/10 |
Weather Patterns
Dry Season (March-September)
This is the optimal window for most activities. Rainfall is moderate, visibility is good, and weather is generally stable. The Northeast Monsoon (October-March) actually affects the west coast more heavily. The east coast (Sandakan, Semporna) experiences the worst of it, but even then, rain typically comes in afternoon downpours rather than all-day storms.
Wet Season (October-November)
October is the wettest month with 387mm of rain in Kota Kinabalu and even more in Sandakan (300mm+). November is also wet with high humidity (83%). However, this is when you get the cheapest accommodation (40-50% cheaper). Rain typically falls in the afternoon; mornings can be clear and suitable for activities.
Temperature & Humidity
- Coastal areas: 29-32°C year-round (very consistent)
- Highlands (Kundasang): 18-25°C daytime, dropping to 13°C at night
- Humidity: 70-90% year-round, lowest in August (78%), highest in November (83%)
- No cyclone risk: Sabah sits below the typhoon belt — a major advantage
West Coast (Oct-Mar)
Heaviest rainfall: Oct-Nov peak, esp. Kota Kinabalu (387mm in Oct)
Best workaround: Rain comes late afternoon; mornings usually clear
Activities: Kinabalu climbing affected, some tour cancellations possible
Diving visibility: Moderate, but Sipadan is still operational (until Nov 15)
East Coast (Oct-Nov peak)
Extreme conditions: Sandakan receives 300mm+ in Dec alone; worst Nov-Dec
Critical closure: Sipadan diving CLOSED Nov 15-30 due to rough seas
Travel impact: Some river tours and boat activities may be cancelled
Best strategy: Avoid Nov if Sipadan diving is a must-do
Best Times for Activities
Mountain Climbing (Mount Kinabalu)
- Best: February-April — Sunniest, clearest views, highest success rate
- Good: May-September — Still excellent conditions, fewer crowds (April onwards)
- Avoid: October-November — Heavy rain, low visibility, difficult conditions
- Permit booking: 3-6 months in advance for peak season, 1-2 months for off-peak. Only 163 climbers per day allowed.
Diving (Sipadan, Tun Sakaran)
- Peak visibility: July-August — 30m+ underwater visibility, best conditions
- Good: April-December (except Nov 15-30)
- Worst: January-March — Poor visibility, not recommended
- Sipadan closure: November 15-30 — Park entirely closed due to rough seas
- Permit booking: Maximum 6 months in advance, 176 permits issued daily. Most dive operators can help arrange.
Whale Shark Watching
- Peak season: February-April — Highest encounter probability (70%+)
- Extended season: November-April — Still good chance outside peak
- Tours operate from: Semporna (daily tours available during season)
Orangutan Encounters
- Best: April-September — Peak fruit season, more sightings
- Peak: May-June — Fruiting season, easier encounters at Sepilok and Kinabatangan
- Available year-round: Mari Mari Cultural Village (semi-wild orangutans)
Pygmy Elephant Spotting
- Best: March-October — Dry season, better river visibility
- Peak: April-August — Highest sighting rates
- Tour option: Kinabatangan River 2-day trips; elephants more active in evening
Sea Turtle Nesting (Selingan Island)
- Green turtles: July-October — Peak nesting season
- Hawksbill turtles: February-April — Nesting season
- Year-round activity available — Hatchery visits possible any time
Birdwatching
- Best: May-October — Local fruiting season, resident birds active
- Also good: November-March — Migratory birds arrive (winter visitors)
- Hotspot: Kinabatangan River (most biodiverse birdwatching area)
Rafting (Kiulu River, Padas River)
- Best: February-September — Good water levels, stable conditions
- Avoid: October-November — Too much water, dangerous conditions
Firefly Watching
- Best visibility: Moonless nights between 7-10 PM
- Year-round available from Klias, Kinabatangan, and Weston
- Tip: Check lunar calendar before booking for optimal darkness
Events & Festivals
Kaamatan (Harvest Festival)
Dates: May 30-31, 2026 (celebrations throughout May). This is Sabah's biggest cultural festival, celebrating the Kadazan-Dusun rice harvest. Expect parades, traditional food, competitions, and cultural performances across the state. Hotels book up 2-3 months in advance — reserve early if interested.
Regatta Lepa
End of April (3-day event in Semporna). Traditional wooden boat racing festival with cultural performances and seafood markets. Smaller and less crowded than Kaamatan.
Chinese New Year
February 17-18, 2026. Celebrated especially in Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Night markets, lion dances, and special food offerings.
Hari Raya (Islamic Festival)
March 21-22, 2026 (Hari Raya Aidilfitri, end of Ramadan — Feb 17 to Mar 18, 2026). Holiday season with increased traffic and celebrations. Some restaurants may have modified hours.
Christmas
December 25 (Friday in 2026). Holiday crowds and festive atmosphere in Christian-majority areas and tourist spots. Good time for year-end travel if you enjoy holiday energy.
Sabah Jazz & Other Events
Check the Sabah Tourism Board website closer to your travel dates for cultural performances, food festivals, and sporting events. New events are added regularly.
Seasons Explained
Peak Season (June-August, December-January)
School holidays and year-end holidays drive tourism. Hotels are 30-50% more expensive, flights need 2-6 months advance booking, and attractions are crowded. Weather is generally good, making this perfect for activities, but you'll pay premium prices and deal with crowds.
Shoulder Season (February-May, September-October first half)
This is the smart traveller's window. Weather is still good to excellent, crowds are moderate, and prices are 20-30% cheaper than peak. February-March are particularly excellent — you get near-peak conditions at shoulder prices.
Off-Season (October-November)
Hotels are 40-50% cheaper, but October is the wettest month and November has Sipadan diving closed. If you're flexible with activities and don't mind afternoon showers, this offers tremendous savings.
If visiting during monsoon season (Oct-Nov), consider travel insurance that covers weather-related cancellations. Many tour operators offer free rebooking if activities are cancelled due to rain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q What is the absolute best month to visit Sabah?
Q When is the cheapest time to visit?
Q Is it ever "too wet" to visit?
Q What months should I avoid?
Q Can I climb Kinabalu in the off-season?
Q When is the best time for diving at Sipadan?
Q Can I see whale sharks year-round?
Q What is Kaamatan and when is it?
Sources & References 6 sources
Last verified: March 2026