Sabah climate and temperatures

The climate of Sabah is a tropical rainforest climate (Köppen: Af), with high temperatures and heavy rainfall year-round, without a true dry season. Monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 28°C in January to a maximum of 29°C in March. The average annual temperature is around 29°C.
During the colder months, nighttime temperatures average around 17°C, while in the warmer months they average about 19°C.
Climate table of Sabah
The climate table below gives you a clear overview of the climate in Sabah by month, from average temperatures and rainfall to UV levels. This makes it easy to see when the weather best suits your travel plans.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temp. max (°C) | 14 | 16 | 17 | 19 | 23 | 27 | 30 | 30 | 27 | 23 | 18 | 16 |
| Temp. min (°C) | 6 | 7 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 19 | 15 | 10 | 7 |
| Rainfall | ||||||||||||
| Rainfall (mm) | 46 | 34 | 46 | 64 | 43 | 23 | 22 | 75 | 77 | 84 | 61 | 25 |
| UV index | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6 | 5 | 4 | 4 |
Best time to visit Sabah
The best time to visit Sabah is January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November en December. During this period, temperatures are usually pleasant to warm and there is relatively little rainfall. Between January and December, average high temperatures range roughly from 28°C to 28°C, while rainfall remains limited. The warmest month is March, with an average daytime temperature of around 29°C. The driest month is July, with about 226 mm of rainfall, while November is usually the wettest month of the year, with approximately 331 mm. Snow plays virtually no role in the climate here.
Average temperature per month
This chart shows the average daytime (maximum) and nighttime (minimum) temperatures per month in Sabah. The figures are based on climate data from recent years and are presented in degrees Celsius, so you can clearly see the temperature range for each month.
Average rainfall per month
This chart shows the average monthly rainfall in Sabah. The figures are based on long-term climate data and are displayed in millimeters, so you can immediately see which months are drier or wetter.
Average UV index per month
This chart shows the average monthly sun intensity in Sabah. The UV index ranges from 0 (no UV radiation) to 11+ (extreme). A higher UV index means you can burn more quickly, making proper sun protection increasingly important.
Average annual temperature
This chart shows the average annual temperature in Sabah based on data from the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how the climate is evolving and whether there are clear warming trends.
Average annual rainfall
This chart shows the average annual rainfall in Sabah over the past ten years. It allows you to see at a glance how much rain falls each year and whether there are clear fluctuations between the years.
Weather experiences in Sabah
The weather in Sabah is rated an average of 4.3 out of 5 stars by 8 visitors. Have you been to Sabah? Share your experience with the weather to help other visitors plan their trip.
Average weather per month
Click on a month below and discover what the weather in Sabah is typically like. For each period, you can instantly see the average temperature, rainfall, wind, and UV index. Thanks to years of historical weather data, you’ll know exactly what to expect during your trip.