Sabah, known as 'The Land Below the Wind,' is Malaysia's easternmost state on the island of Borneo, celebrated for its extraordinary biodiversity, towering Mount Kinabalu, and world-class diving at Sipadan Island. The state is home to over 42 ethnic groups, pristine rainforests, and wildlife including orangutans, pygmy elephants, and proboscis monkeys.
Sabah has a tropical rainforest climate with year-round heat (25-32°C) and high humidity. Its nickname 'Land Below the Wind' reflects its position south of the typhoon belt, giving it relatively stable weather compared to the Philippines. The west coast (KK, Kinabalu) receives more rain from October to March, while the east coast (Sandakan, Semporna) has a more complex pattern with June-July being relatively drier.
Best time to visit
Best: March to September
Best Reason: The west coast (Kota Kinabalu) and Kinabalu Park have drier, sunnier conditions from March to September, making this the ideal period for hiking, island trips, and outdoor activities. Diving visibility at Sipadan and Mabul peaks July-August.
Peak Season: July to August (Malaysian school holidays; highest accommodation prices)
Avoid: November to January
Avoid Reason: The north-east monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the west coast and can make outdoor activities, sea crossing, and mountain hiking uncomfortable or impossible. Diving visibility is poorest December-February.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
25°C/77°F (avg high 30°C)
Wet season peak on west coast; heavy rainfall possible; rougher seas limit island trips; quieter and cheaper
February
25°C/77°F (avg high 30°C)
Still wet but improving; good for budget travelers; Chinese New Year celebrations add cultural colour
March
26°C/79°F (avg high 31°C)
Weather improving on west coast; fewer crowds; Kaamatan preparations begin; good hiking conditions
April
26°C/79°F (avg high 31°C)
Excellent weather; diving visibility improving; ideal for Kinabalu climbing and island trips; shoulder season value
May
27°C/81°F (avg high 32°C)
Kaamatan Harvest Festival month; excellent weather; wildlife activity peaks on Kinabatangan; pre-peak value
June
27°C/81°F (avg high 32°C)
Peak diving season begins; hot and sunny; good Kinabalu climbing conditions; prices rising
July
27°C/81°F (avg high 32°C)
Peak season; best diving visibility at Sipadan; hottest month; school holidays bring maximum crowds and prices
August
27°C/81°F (avg high 32°C)
Peak season continues; excellent diving and outdoor conditions; Malaysia National Day (31st); expensive and busy
September
27°C/81°F (avg high 32°C)
Excellent conditions with fewer crowds post-school holidays; wildlife and diving still excellent; shoulder season pricing
October
26°C/79°F (avg high 31°C)
Good conditions early in month; northeast monsoon begins mid-October on west coast; good wildlife on east coast
November
25°C/77°F (avg high 30°C)
Increasing rainfall on west coast; rougher seas; indoor and east coast activities better; budget prices
December
25°C/77°F (avg high 29°C)
Wet season; Christmas and New Year celebrations; festive atmosphere but outdoor activities disrupted by rain
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Transition to the dry season on the west coast. Excellent hiking conditions at Kinabalu Park, good diving visibility improving through April, and ideal weather for island trips. Fewer crowds than peak July-August.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Peak season with best diving conditions (30m+ visibility at Sipadan), hot and sunny weather on the west coast, and excellent conditions for Mount Kinabalu climbing. July-August school holidays bring the highest crowds and prices.
Fall
Months: Sep-Oct
Shoulder season with good weather continuing on the west coast, excellent value accommodation, and wildlife activity on the Kinabatangan. October sees increasing cloud on the west coast but remains pleasant for most activities.
Winter
Months: Nov-Feb
The north-east monsoon affects the west coast with increased rainfall and rougher seas. Diving at Sipadan and east coast sites is possible but visibility drops. Kinabalu summit climbs are harder in wet conditions. Budget accommodation prices are significantly lower.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- July to August (Malaysian school holidays)
- Shoulder Season
- March to June and September to October
- Low Season
- November to February
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Thaipusam
Hindu festival with processions at KK Hindu temples
Chinese New Year
Major celebration in Kota Kinabalu with lion dances, fireworks, and family gatherings across Chinese community
Pesta Kaamatan (Harvest Festival)
Month-long Kadazan-Dusun harvest celebration culminating in the state-level Unduk Ngadau pageant and cultural performances on May 30-31
Regatta Lepa
Annual Bajau Laut boat festival in Semporna with decorated lepa boat parades and cultural displays
Sabah Fest
Annual tourism festival promoting Sabah's cultural diversity with performances, crafts, and food
Malaysia National Day (Merdeka)
Independence Day on August 31 with parades and celebrations across Sabah
Sabah International Folklore Festival
International cultural festival featuring dance and music from dozens of countries alongside Sabahan performances
Christmas Celebrations
Christmas is widely celebrated in Sabah given the large Christian population; churches and communities host major festivities