Climate Insights for Tawau

The climate in Tawau is hot. The average annual temperature is 25°C and approximately 306mm of precipitation falls per year. December is the wettest month, receiving around 33mm of rainfall. Tawau sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.

Tawau sees moderate temperature variation throughout the year, ranging from 15°C to 31°C. The warmest month is February, when average highs reach 31°C and the mean temperature sits around 27°C. July is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 15°C and an average of 19°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 5°C between highs and lows. The sharpest temperature change occurs between June and July, with a 8°C shift in average temperatures.

Tawau is a quite dry location, receiving approximately 306mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 26mm per month. The wettest month is January, averaging 33mm of rainfall. February and March also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is August, with just 0mm. That's 33mm less than January, the wettest month. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.

Tawau is relatively calm, with an average annual wind speed of 6km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is September, averaging 14km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in April, with average winds dropping to 1km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. Wind speeds vary significantly across the year, with a 13km/h difference between the calmest and windiest months. This level of variation is worth factoring into travel plans.

It is currently summer in Tawau, which began on June 21, 2026. Tawau sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in February at around 31°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in July near 15°C. Autumn is next, beginning on September 23, 2026 — 16 days from now.

The best time to visit Tawau is during January, March, April, May and July, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 24°C with modest rainfall averaging 33mm per month. By contrast, February can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 31°C. A light rain jacket is recommended, though showers are generally brief and shouldn't disrupt your plans.

The table below shows monthly climate averages for Tawau based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.