Climate Overview
The climate in Sabah is hot. The average annual temperature is 28°C and approximately 2110mm of precipitation falls per year. Sabah receives a notable amount of rainfall throughout the year, including during its driest month. Sabah sits near the equator, so seasonal temperature differences are minimal throughout the year.
Temperature
Sabah has relatively stable temperatures year-round, staying within a 3°C range. The warmest month is January, when average highs reach 29°C and the mean temperature sits around 28°C. August is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 26°C and an average of 27°C. Daily temperature variation is modest, with an average difference of 2°C between highs and lows.
Precipitation
Sabah is a very wet location, receiving approximately 2110mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 176mm per month. The wettest month is March, averaging 208mm of rainfall. April and December also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is October, with just 115mm. That's 93mm less than March, the wettest month. Rainfall is relatively evenly distributed throughout the year, so there is no pronounced dry or wet season to plan around.
Wind
Sabah is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 20km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is July, averaging 24km/h, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in November, with average winds dropping to 16km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 8km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months. Wind tends to be stronger during winter months, driven by seasonal pressure systems. The seasonal averages break down to 23km/h in winter, 20km/h in spring, 19km/h in summer, 18km/h in autumn.
Seasons
89 days until Winter
It is currently autumn in Sabah, which began on March 20, 2026. Sabah sits near the equator, so the traditional four-season cycle is less pronounced — temperatures remain relatively stable year-round. The warmest period peaks in January at around 29°C, while the coldest stretch bottoms out in August near 26°C. Winter is next, beginning on June 21, 2026 — 89 days from now.
Spring
Temperatures range from 26 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 449mm across the season with a monthly average of 150mm. Winds are moderate at around 20km/h. An umbrella or waterproof jacket is advisable as spring showers are frequent.
Summer
Temperatures range from 27 to 29°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 551mm across the season with a monthly average of 184mm. Winds are moderate at around 19km/h. Light, breathable clothing is ideal — perfect conditions for outdoor activities.
Autumn
Temperatures range from 27 to 29°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 599mm across the season with a monthly average of 200mm. Winds are moderate at around 18km/h. A waterproof jacket and sturdy footwear are recommended as rain becomes more frequent.
Winter
Temperatures range from 26 to 28°C. Rainfall is heavy, totalling around 511mm across the season with a monthly average of 170mm. Winds are moderate at around 23km/h. A light jacket or sweater is usually sufficient, though cooler evenings may call for an extra layer.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Sabah 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.
