Weather in Kota Kinabalu

Are you planning a trip or just interested in the weather in the city of Kota Kinabalu? In this section, you will find up-to-date information on weather conditions, detailed forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your day.

Kota Kinabalu, located in Malaysia, features a typical equatorial climate. This means the weather here is hot and humid year-round, without distinct seasons in the traditional sense. Average annual temperatures fluctuate slightly, remaining in a comfortable range from 25.7°C to 27.0°C. Daytime highs usually reach 27-29°C, while nighttime lows rarely drop below 23-24°C, ensuring warm evenings and nights.

A characteristic of Kota Kinabalu's climate is high humidity and a significant number of rainy days throughout the year. Although monthly precipitation totals might not seem very high (from 6 to 11 mm), it rains frequently – from 20 to 29 days a month. This suggests that rainfall typically comes in the form of short showers, after which the sun may shine again. The highest number of rainy days occurs from October to January, but the probability of rain remains high in other months as well.

Thus, when planning a trip to Kota Kinabalu, tourists should be prepared for warm, humid weather with frequent but usually short-lived rains, regardless of the season. Light, breathable clothing and a raincoat or umbrella will be your faithful companions in this tropical paradise.

In Kota Kinabalu, the annual range of average monthly temperatures is very narrow, fluctuating from 25.7°C in January, February, and December to 27.0°C in May. This ensures consistently warm or hot weather throughout the year. Daytime temperature highs during the year vary from 27.6°C (in January and December) to 29.1°C (in May), and nighttime lows range from 23.5°C (in February) to 24.9°C (in May), guaranteeing warm nights.

The hottest month in Kota Kinabalu is typically May, when the average temperature reaches 27.0°C, and daytime peaks can rise to 29.1°C. April is also among the warmest months with an average temperature of 26.6°C and highs up to 28.7°C. The "winter" period, falling in December, January, and February, is the "coolest" of the year, but even then, the average temperature holds at 25.7°C. The minimum nighttime temperature in these months, for example in February, is around 23.5°C, providing very mild and warm conditions.

Diurnal temperature fluctuations in Kota Kinabalu are small. The difference between average daytime highs and nighttime lows is usually about 4-5°C. This means that a hot day is followed by a warm night, without sharp changes. Overall, the city's temperature regime is characterized by consistently high temperatures and humidity, typical of an equatorial climate where traditional concepts of "summer" and "winter" are replaced by rainy seasons rather than significant temperature changes.

In the city of Kota Kinabalu, located in Malaysia, precipitation is a frequent occurrence throughout the year. The climate is characterized by a large number of rainy days in almost every month, making humid weather typical for this region. Given the tropical location and high average annual temperatures, snow does not fall here.

The most intense rainfall and the highest number of rainy days are observed from October to December. During these months, average monthly precipitation reaches 11 mm, with about 28 rainy days in October and November, and up to 29 in December. January and June are also relatively wet, with 10 mm of precipitation each, and the number of rainy days being 26 and 25 respectively.

The period with the least precipitation falls on February, March, and April, when about 6 mm falls on average per month. July is also relatively drier, with a figure of 7 mm. Despite the lower total amount of precipitation, rains in these months still occur quite frequently: February and July see about 20 rainy days, while March and April see up to 24. This indicates that frequent, but perhaps not very heavy or prolonged rains are characteristic of Kota Kinabalu.

When planning a trip to Kota Kinabalu, it is important to consider its tropical climate with high humidity and consistently warm weather year-round. The average temperature ranges from 25.7°C to 27.0°C, so the basis of your wardrobe should be light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics such as cotton or linen. T-shirts, shorts, skirts, and light trousers will be the ideal choice. Don't forget comfortable walking shoes, such as sandals or light sneakers, as you will likely want to explore the city and its surroundings. High SPF sunscreen, headwear (a hat or cap), and sunglasses are also mandatory for protection against the active tropical sun, even on cloudy days.

Precipitation in Kota Kinabalu is a frequent occurrence throughout the year, with 20 to 29 rainy days per month. The months from October to January can be particularly wet. Therefore, a compact umbrella or a lightweight waterproof raincoat will become your indispensable companions. Quick-drying clothing will be very practical. Although temperatures remain high, a light jacket, cardigan, or stole may be useful in air-conditioned spaces (shopping centres, restaurants) or during evening breezes if you are sensitive to slight temperature changes. It is also worth taking insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes, especially during wet periods and when visiting nature parks or beaches.