Kota Kinabalu Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. This average is based on long-term data collected between 1990 and 2020. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.
Kota Kinabalu has a notably wet climate with abundant precipitation, recording 2495 mm of rainfall per year.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)
While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. October brings wetter days averaging 281 mm of precipitation, spread over 23 rainy days.
In contrast, March experiences a drier climate, with about 147 mm of rainfall spread across 11 rainy days.
October, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 30°C. The city receives 192 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month March you can expect a temperature of 30°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Kota Kinabalu Temperature page.
Annual Precipitation in Malaysia
The map below shows the annual precipitation across Malaysia. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.
heavy rainfall
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moderate
low
almost none
Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide
Kota Kinabalu’s average annual precipitation is 2495 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Boston, USA, experiences 1238 mm of annual precipitation, including significant snowfall during the winter.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm, with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
Adelaide, Australia, enjoys 511 mm of annual precipitation, with dry summers and wet winters.
Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.
How is Precipitation Measured?
Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.
Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.
Sea vs. Land Precipitation
The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:
- Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
- Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.
For more detailed information about Kota Kinabalu’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Kota Kinabalu Climate page.
Current rainfall in Kota Kinabalu
