Semporna

Sabah Weather & Climate: Malaysia

Climate by month across Sabah, Malaysia, average temperatures, rainfall and the best time to visit.

Climate overview of Sabah

Sabah in Malaysia sees its peak temperatures in May (31°C (88°F)) and its coolest in February (28°C (82°F)). For a full breakdown of what to expect throughout the year, we've put together a climate overview based on data from Kota Kinabalu, the region's most visited city. For more detailed climate information about other cities in the area, please see the section beneath the map further down the page.

The climate in Sabah, particularly in Kota Kinabalu, is characterized by consistently high temperatures, with average maximums never falling below 28°C (82°F).

May, June and August are generally the hottest months of the year.

Precipitation in Sabah varies considerably throughout the year. The wettest conditions occur in October with 281 mm (11 in) of rain, while March stays relatively dry with 146 mm (5.7 in).

Visitors hoping to maximize their time in the sun should consider planning their trip for April, when daylight hours are at their peak.

Explore Sabah by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Sabah — and find the best time to visit. (based on Kota Kinabalu)

Popular cities by month

Compare cities per month. Toggle cities on/off.

Kota Kinabalu Sandakan Ranau Semporna Bilit Sepilok
Day temperature (°C)
Monthly rainfall (mm)
Monthly sunshine (hours)

Climate map of Sabah

Average daily temperature, monthly rainfall & sunshine hours across cities.

Avg day temp (°C)
32°

Compare popular cities

Average daytime and nighttime temperatures, yearly rainfall and sunshine.

Kota Kinabalu 29°C (84°F) 31°C (88°F) 24°C (75°F) 25°C (77°F) 2495 mm (98 in) 2,459 hours
Sandakan 31°C (88°F) 34°C (93°F) 23°C (73°F) 24°C (75°F) 3057 mm (120 in) 2,476 hours
Ranau 28°C (82°F) 31°C (88°F) 19°C (66°F) 20°C (68°F) 2199 mm (87 in) 2,459 hours
Semporna 30°C (86°F) 31°C (88°F) 25°C (77°F) 26°C (79°F) 2342 mm (92 in)
Bilit 31°C (88°F) 34°C (93°F) 23°C (73°F) 24°C (75°F) 2920 mm (115 in) 2,476 hours
Sepilok 30°C (86°F) 33°C (91°F) 24°C (75°F) 25°C (77°F) 2785 mm (110 in) 2,476 hours

Places in Sabah, Malaysia

Select a city to see its average temperature, precipitation and hours of sunshine over the year.

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Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.