Kota Kinabalu Weather in December
In Kota Kinabalu, December brings high daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F), with nights cooling to 24°C (75°F). This month falls within the rainy season, so expect frequent rainfall.
Rainfall in Kota Kinabalu in December
Kota Kinabalu is in the rainy season in December, with rain on around 21 days and an average of 255 mm (10 in). Rainfall this month is frequent and tends to be fairly heavy when it does fall. Packing waterproofs is a good idea.
Temperature in Kota Kinabalu in December
Expect highs of 29°C (84°F) in Kota Kinabalu in December, with nights dropping to around 24°C (75°F). This gives the month a fairly typical daily rhythm, with warmer afternoons and more comfortable nights. Nights stay warm at around 24°C (75°F), so light bedding and good ventilation are worth thinking about.
Sunshine in Kota Kinabalu in December
The city usually sees around 198 hours of sunlight, indicating many sunny days despite it being the rainy season.
Wind Speed in Kota Kinabalu in December
Wind speeds average 1 m/s (2 knots) during December. At this speed, you'll experience mostly light air movement that's just barely noticeable. As an average, some days will be completely calm while others have gentle breezes you can feel on your skin.If you prefer enjoying temperate temperatures and rain-free days, February typically offers the best circumstances. If you're seeking pleasant, dry and sunny weather somewhere else in the world, our weather planner can help you explore other options.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Malaysia, check out our Kota Kinabalu's climate page.
Kota Kinabalu Temperature in December
Min Temperature
24°C (75°F)
Max Temperature
29°C (84°F)
Chance of Rain
70%
Precipitation
255 mm (10 in)
Rainy days
21 days
Humidity
83%
Windspeed
1 m/s (2 knots)
Sunshine
198 hours
Percentage Sunshine
Daily Historical Temperatures
46-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Kota Kinabalu typically stay consistent throughout December, with daily highs averaging around 29°C (84°F). Nights are warm, with lows around 24°C (75°F).
Average temperatures in December
Daily Historical Precipitation
46-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in December
Historical weather for Kota Kinabalu in December
Browse day-by-day weather records for Kota Kinabalu spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Kota Kinabalu historical weather extremes in December
Based on 25 years of weather observations in Kota Kinabalu between 2000 and 2025, these are the recorded extremes.
- On December 6, 2002, temperatures climbed to 34°C (93°F), marking the warmest December day on record.
- The lowest daytime temperature in December was 25°C (77°F), recorded on December 21, 2003.
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to 21°C (70°F) on December 30, 2001, marking the coldest December night on record.
- The wettest December day on record brought 146 mm (5.7 in) of precipitation to Kota Kinabalu (December 1, 2014).
Best Places in Malaysia in December
Find out more about the weather in Malaysia and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of Malaysia in December →
perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor
What to Wear in Kota Kinabalu in December
Warm weather calls for comfortable, breathable clothing in December. Cotton t-shirts, shorts, light dresses, and sandals are perfect. You might still want a light layer for evenings or air-conditioned places (for example buses). Also bring a poncho, it will rain a lot! Waterproof everything you can. You'll definitely want to pack sunglasses and sunscreen. There will be plenty of bright sunshine this month.What To Do in Kota Kinabalu in December
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit Malaysia, check out our Kota Kinabalu's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity Wind Speed
See the full Kota Kinabalu climate overview or explore weather in Malaysia.
