Best Time to Visit Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

When is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu, Sabah? 

The best time to visit Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah – one of the two states in East Malaysia, is during its dry season from January to April. The dry season offers plenty of sunny hours, making it ideal for outdoor activities, such as hiking, island hopping and water sports. Besides, the dry season provides more opportunities to enjoy Sabah’s stunning sunset view, especially the world-class sunset in Tanjung Aru Beach. 

That said, the “dry” season in Kota Kinabalu doesn’t mean completely no rain. Occasional showers still occur, though they are usually far less frequent than in the wet season. Therefore, it’s always a good idea to pack rain gear. 

See More: Kota Kinabalu Weather

Breathtaking Sunset View

Budget-Friendly Time to Visit Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

The dry season is the perfect time for various outdoor activities in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, but it does come with a few downsides. The accommodation can be booked up, particularly in the rainforest areas. And the crowds can be overwhelming. If you are into a quiet and budget-friendly travel experience, it’s recommended to visit Kamakura in its rainy season. 

The rainy season from May to October, brings more affordable accommodation and flight prices, except in July and August. What’s more, although it is called the rainy season, the rain typically doesn’t last all day; it usually comes in short bursts of shower. Therefore, it rarely impacts your trip plan to serious extent. The short showers are sometimes unpredictable. Even if it is predicted to be rainy, there are chances to spot the stunning sunset view. 

Relaxing Beach in Kota Kinabalu

Time Not Recommended to Visit Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

July and August are considered peak tourist season in Kota Kinabalu. Students from many Asian countries would fly here to spend their summer vacations, leading to increased crowds and inflated trip costs. If you are only available to visit the city during this period, make sure to book your hotel and flight at least two months in advance. 

Best Time to Visit Places around Kota Kinabalu in Sabah 

• Semporna

Semporna, one of Sabah’s prime seaside destinations, experiences its dry season from May to September. During this time, the seas are calmer, and the water visibility is at its best, making it ideal for exciting activities like island hopping, diving and snorkeling. 

Between June and September, a magical event takes place when sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Watching these little sea turtles return to the sea is an unforgettable memory and a highlight of the trip. 

Since Semporna is a popular beach destination, it is worth noting that hotel and flight prices tend to rise during the peak season. To avoid the crowds and save on costs, it’s a good idea to visit here at the beginning or the end of the dry season, when the atmosphere is more relaxed, but the weather is still good.

Crystal-clear waters

• Sandakan 

Rainforest Exploration

Sandakan is home to Sabah’s various wild animals, with everything from orangutans to unique proboscis monkeys, and different kinds of tropical birds, such as hornbill and pitta, especially around the Rainforest Discovery Centre. If you are eager to catch a glimpse of these incredible creatures, the best time to visit is between April and October, during its dry season. This is when wild animals are more active and easier to spot, as they are less likely to be hidden in the dense jungle. 

What makes this period even more exciting is that it coincides with the fruiting season. As the trees start to bear fruit, orangutans and other animals come out to seek food, giving you the chance to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, such as Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. During this period, it’s also the peak of the breeding season for fruit-eating birds.