The climate of Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, a renowned city in
Malaysia, falls under the Af category in the Köppen climate classification, known as a Tropical Rainforest climate. Positioned near the equator, it experiences high temperatures, immense humidity, and abundant rainfall throughout the year.
Illustrated as a region of consistent climatological parameters, the diversity in weather elements remains minimal. In regards to temperatures, a slight variation is witnessed between the highest and lowest recorded values. A marginally ascending trend is detected from
January's 30.4°C (86.7°F) to
April's peak of 32.2°C (90°F). Following shortly after, a minor descending pattern is discernible to
December's 30.9°C (87.6°F). Equally, the nocturnal temperatures fluctuate from 22.9°C (73.2°F) to an apex of 24.3°C (75.7°F) in
May and then glide back to 23.3°C (73.9°F) by year-end.
Discussing the concept of precipitation, the trend ascends from January's 105mm (4.13") to a peak of 346mm (13.62") in
October, signifying a progressive increase in rainfall. Correspondingly, rainy days scale up from six days in
March to a maximum of seventeen days in
November. Regarding the sea's thermal condition, it mirrors the terrestrial temperature pattern, escalating from January's 27.6°C (81.7°F) to the 30.2°C (86.4°F) zenith during
June and
July, before settling at 29°C (84.2°F) by December.
The daylight and sunshine conditions remain more or less stable, oscillating around an average of 12 hours of daylight and 6 to 8 hours of sunshine throughout the year. Remarkably, the UV index in the city stubbornly remains at the level 12, the highest and most dangerous on the scale, throughout the year.
The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu
Discerning the ideal window to visit
Kota Kinabalu depends on your preference for sun or rain. However, considering the amalgamation of moderate temperatures, tolerable rainfall, and favorable sea conditions, many favour
March as the optimal time. This month boasts an average maximum temperature of 31.5°C (88.7°F) and a minimum of 23.4°C (74.1°F), combined with a more manageable rainfall only 51mm (2.01") spread over six days. Additionally, the sea's balmy 27.3°C (81.1°F) invites visitors for a refreshing dip.
The worst time to visit Kota Kinabalu
Whilst the city remains welcoming throughout the year, keen sun-enthusiasts might find
October less appealing. The month observes peak rainfall of 346mm (13.62") spread over 16 days and relatively lower sunshine hours, only 6 per day, compared to other months. Combined with maximum temperatures around 31.2°C (88.2°F), this period might deter those seeking sun-filled adventures.
Spring weather in Kota Kinabalu
Spring in
Kota Kinabalu, spanning from
March to
May, is marked by a steady climb in temperatures, both on land and sea. Temperatures surge to highs of between 31.5°C (88.7°F) to 32.2°C (90°F), with an increase in night lows from 23.4°C (74.1°F) to 24.3°C (75.7°F). The sea's warmth ascends from 27.3°C (81.1°F) to 29.7°C (85.5°F). Rainfall and rainy days intensify from 51mm (2.01") over six days in March to 216mm (8.5") spread out over twelve days in May, indicating the approaching wetter season.
Summer weather in Kota Kinabalu
Summer, extending from
June to
August, is recognized by high temperatures, heavy rainfall, and a heated sea. Land temperatures range from 31.8°C (89.2°F) to 31.6°C (88.9°F) and nighttime lows hover around a warm 24°C (75.2°F). The sea stays hot at an average of 30°C (86°F). Rainfall escalates to its peak in August, reaching 270mm (10.63"), dispersed over 13 days. Despite the high precipitation, sunshine hours continue to average a pleasant 6.5 hours a day.
Autumn weather in Kota Kinabalu
During the autumnal months from
September to
November, temperatures on land hold steady from 31.4°C (88.5°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) during the day and around 23.6°C (74.5°F) at night. Concurrently, sea temperatures fluctuate marginally from 29.3°C (84.7°F) to 29.4°C (84.9°F). The rainfall, however, spikes to its highest at 346mm (13.62") in
October and eases off to 302mm (11.89") in November. The number of rainy days also peaks in November at a maximum of seventeen days.
Winter weather in Kota Kinabalu
Winter spans
December to
February, witnessing a slight dip in land temperatures, from 30.9°C (87.6°F) to 30.4°C (86.7°F), and plunging further at night between 23.3°C (73.9°F) and 22.9°C (73.2°F) respectively. The sea temperature, however, descends moderately to 29°C (84.2°F). Rainfall marks a visible reduction from 242mm (9.53") in December to 105mm (4.13") in February, indicating a transition from the wet to the drier season. The number of daylight hours slightly decreases, settling around 11.8 to 11.9 hours.
Weather in January
Surrounded by tropical beauty,
Kota Kinabalu,
Malaysia, starts its year with a typically hot climate. Compared to other months,
January still experiences a relatively lower volume of rainfall. With a solid 105mm (4.13") of precipitation on average, the city experiences wet conditions for approximately eight days.
Weather in January »Weather in February
February brings a slight increase in average high temperature, yet the weather remains comparably less harsh than the searing months to follow. Less rainfall occurs in February, reducing the wetness compared to the prior month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
March carries the distinction of being the driest month in
Kota Kinabalu,
Malaysia, with an average precipitation total of 51mm (2.01"). Although the temperature continues its upward trend, the variance from the adjacent months stays relatively negligible.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Transiting from
March,
April ushers in a period of significantly higher volume rainfall for
Kota Kinabalu. With an average of 114mm (4.49") rain, April is typically not as rainfall-rich as most other months. The daily temperatures keep increasing, attaining some of the highest values during the year.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
Kota Kinabalu,
May weather characteristics showcase an upward trend in almost all recorded parameters. This month receives a dramatic increase in rainfall from
April to May, registering a total of 216mm (8.5") on average. Daily sea temperatures are at some of their highest readings, welcoming locals and visitors for a comfortable but warm swim.
Weather in May »Weather in June
The onset of
June in
Kota Kinabalu bears witness to the year's peak rainfall, registering a significant 279mm (10.98") on average. Despite witnessing the heaviest rainfall, temperatures remain close to
May readings with minor variations.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Kota Kinabalu exhibits characteristics of a typical tropical monsoon season albeit with a slight respite from
June's rainfall. This month receives the second-highest rainfall during the year, logging an average of 263mm (10.35").
Weather in July » Weather in August
August sees a consistent weather pattern with a minimal decrease in daily temperatures from
July. This month receives marginally higher rainfall, recording an average of 270mm (10.63"). A slight cooling in the sea's temperature occurs, giving swimmers a slightly less warm aquatic environment.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September’s weather in
Kota Kinabalu leads to an increase in rainfall, registering an average record of 285mm (11.22"). While temperatures largely remain steady, the transition from
August results in minor variants. Maximum UV index readings persist, emphasizing the importance of sun protection and hydration.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ranks as the month with the highest precipitation with a dramatic increase in rainfall to 346mm (13.62"). Despite such high rainfall, temperature averages follow a slightly decreasing trend compared to
September. October continues to display the year’s dominant weather pattern with maximum UV index readings across the month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
The transition from
October to
November in
Kota Kinabalu denotes a decline in several weather parameters. November sees a drop in rainfall, recording a reduced average precipitation of 302mm (11.89"). Even though the average temperatures decrease slightly from October's readings, they still hover near the annual high.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December marks the year's end with weather conditions reverting to a comparative state of calm. The rainfall further reduces to a more manageable average of 242mm (9.53"), proposing a relatively drier climate than previous months.
Weather in December »