May · Malaysia
Best time to visit Kota Kinabalu in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Kota Kinabalu in May
Average temperature 28°C, 395 mm of rain, about 27 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 81% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
4.3/10
Ranked #12 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 28°C
- Rainfall
- 395 mm
- Humidity
- 81%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 27
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
May in Kota Kinabalu scores 4.3/10 for nature and wildlife travel - ranked #12 of 12. Expect around 28°C, 395 mm of rain, and roughly 27 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.
May in Kota Kinabalu — off-season conditions
Days in May average 28°C (82°F) and humidity near 81% — 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 395 mm, but with about 27 days with 6+ hours of sunshine it is not a total loss; an indoor fallback covers the risk.
That is 4.3/10 on the same scale — 12th 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.
Expect low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Kota Kinabalu in May?
- In May, Kota Kinabalu averages 28°C, 395 mm of rain, and about 27 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.3/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
- May earns a 4.3/10 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 May?
- Expect about 395 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 81% and there are about 27 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.