March · Malaysia
Best time to visit Kota Kinabalu in March Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Kota Kinabalu in March
Average temperature 27°C, 202 mm of rain, about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 82% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
March score
4.9/10
Ranked #3 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 27°C
- Rainfall
- 202 mm
- Humidity
- 82%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 29
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
March in Kota Kinabalu scores 4.9/10 for nature and wildlife travel - one of the top 12-month picks (#3). Expect around 27°C, 202 mm of rain, and roughly 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Mount Kinabalu's granite massif rises behind Kota Kinabalu, with island-hopping and sunset-facing waterfront walks in town.
March in Kota Kinabalu — the hardest end of the year
Days in March average 27°C (80°F) and humidity near 82% — front-load outdoor plans before the heat builds and treat the middle of the day as indoor time.
This is the year's wettest stretch at 202 mm, but with about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine it is not a total loss; an indoor fallback covers the risk.
That is 4.9/10 on the same scale — 3rd of 12 months, versus 5.7/10 for the best month here.
Pack the lightest breathable clothing you own, a hat, and more water than feels necessary, a proper rain shell rather than an umbrella, footwear you can get muddy.
Budget for mid-season pricing, and crowds are moderate.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Kota Kinabalu in March?
- In March, Kota Kinabalu averages 27°C, 202 mm of rain, and about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.9/10.
- Is March a good time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
- March earns a 4.9/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Kota Kinabalu in March?
- Expect about 202 mm of rain in March. Average humidity is 82% and there are about 29 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Kota Kinabalu
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.