Sabah's Tropical Climate

Sabah, Borneo is equatorial / tropical - this means the climate is generally hot and sunny all year round. The average temperature in the lowlands (Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau) is 32C and there is rarely any difference in the temperature on a day to day basis. This makes it an ideal location for holidays, 365 days a year!

It is stated in the guide books that there are two seasons in Sabah, Borneo - the 'Dry Season' from April to October, the 'Wet Season' from November - March. In reality, as a visitor, it is hard to tell the difference between the two.

During the 'Wet Season' it doesn't fall non-stop like in the typical monsoon areas further north. It will probably rain most days but it is unusual for the rain to last more than an hour (normally later in the day). It is also still hot when it rains here - so the rain shouldn't spoil your holiday plans too much.

If you are planning to travel to the higher ground in the interior of Sabah then it will get much colder so you will need some suitable clothing (although if you don't bring any it is possible to purchase warmer clothing in Kota Kinabalu). The average temperature in the highlands (Ranau, Kundasang, Tambunan) is 21C. Bear in mind though, that Mount Kinabalu has its own climate - temperatures can drop to below freezing level above 3500 meters.

For more details on local climate here in Sabah and daily readings please check out www.weather.com