Borneo: Weather & when to go

Weather overview

Although there are peak months in terms of tourism (May – Sept), it is advisable not to put too much emphasis on weather prospects when planning a trip to Borneo!

Borneo benefits from year-round temperatures averaging between 27°C & 32°C, with a relative humidity of around 80% for much of the year.

Rainfall can exceed 4,000mm per year in pockets of Borneo, although in most destinations an average of 220mm per month is the norm.

The weather on land is affected by the weather patterns of the South China, Sulu and Sulawesi Seas and the seasonal winds or “monsoons” which can bring either warm, dry weather or heavy rains depending on their nature and origin.

Weather conditions are localised and complicated throughout Borneo, with one region receiving its highest rainfall of the year whilst another is dry as a bone.

Borneo Danum Valley

Kinabatangan River

As with all tropical islands, climates are unpredictable and rainfall can occur at any time of year, with weather conditions often changing very quickly and showers turning to sunshine or vice versa in a matter of minutes.

Generally speaking a peak in rainfall occurs between November and March, although even in these months rainfall can be sporadic, and it is difficult (in fact impossible) to pre-determine which will be the wet weeks and which will be the dry.

Furthermore there are many benefits of lower visitor numbers to be enjoyed in the traditionally wetter months, and the National Parks, wildlife sanctuaries, jungle lodges, caves and dive sites may be far more appealing with fewer fellow visitors to share your experiences with.

Sarawak

Kuching, Damai Beach, Miri, Mulu National Park, Batang Ai

Hornbill in Borneo

The distinction between the wet and dry seasons is more marked in Sarawak than in Sabah with the highest rainfall in January and the lowest in June and July. Temperatures remain fairly constant throughout the year and average between 23°C and 32°C depending on both location and time of year.

The beaches near Kuching on the coast of Sarawak have a distinct drier season between April – September, and are virtually guaranteed rain during December and January.

Inland areas of Sarawak generally experience quite high levels of rain throughout the year, with a slight dip between June and August. It should be noted that the both Kuching and inland areas of Sarawak receive the highest levels of rainfall in Malaysia, and any visitors to the Iban people and Batang Ai are likely to see some rain. To keep rainfall in perspective, Sarawak experiences roughly 250 rainy days every year and it is therefore better to be prepared for rain than try and avoid it.

Sabah

Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu NP, Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley, Sepilok, Gaya Island, Lankayan & Selingan Islands, Mabul & Sipadan Islands

Elephant in Sabah

Broadly speaking Sabah has two seasons: the wetter season runs from September to January the drier season from February to August. However it cannot be stressed enough that the distinction between seasons is not very marked, and the weather patterns and rainfall levels are unpredictable. Sabah generally receives less rainfall than Sarawak and has uniform temperatures throughout the year with an annual variation of less than 2°C.

Rainfall in southern Sabah is lower than in the north, and falls quite evenly throughout the year, with just a slight dip in millimetres between February and April.
Due to it’s altitude Kinabalu National Park is always much cooler than the surrounding lowland regions.

Key Festivals & Religious Ceremonies

Chinese New Year

January or February

Malaysian Labour Day

1st May.

Wesak Day

10th May

The King’s Birthday

4th June

Merdaka Day

31st August

Hari Raya Puasa

June

Malaysia Day

16th September

Hari Raya Haji

September

Deepavali

October or November

When is the best time to visit Borneo?

The wetter months in Borneo tend to be between November and February. Temperatures remain fairly constant year round with averages of 27-32°C and relative humidity of around 80%. Borneo’s high season is May to September, when days are dry and warm, although accommodation can be in short supply during this time.

July's weather

A little more Borneo

Ways to explore Borneo

See our suggested Borneo itineraries

Borneo highlights

See all our Borneo experiences

Borneo on our blog

From record-breaking caves where you could hide a jumbo jet, to the best places to spot Borneo's wildlife and meet its famous tribespeople, our Borneo blog shares real life experiences of this sought-after island...

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