December · Malaysia
Best time to visit Sandakan in December Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Sandakan in December
Average temperature 27°C, 350 mm of rain, about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 87% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
December score
3.5/10
Ranked #12 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 27°C
- Rainfall
- 350 mm
- Humidity
- 87%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 16
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
December in Sandakan scores 3.5/10 for nature and wildlife travel - ranked #12 of 12. Expect around 27°C, 350 mm of rain, and roughly 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine this month.
Sandakan fronts Borneo's east coast for Sepilok orangutans, Kinabatangan river safaris, and turtle islands. Best window: the drier months outside peak monsoon.
December in Sandakan — off-season conditions
Days in December average 27°C (81°F) and humidity near 87% — front-load outdoor plans before the heat builds and treat the middle of the day as indoor time.
Expect monsoon-level rainfall at 350 mm: only about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine across the month, and stretches of heavy rain are normal.
That is 3.5/10 on the same scale — 12th of 12 months, versus 5.1/10 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 low-season pricing, and crowds are light for this destination.
If your dates are flexible, March is materially better in Sandakan — 1.6 points higher on the same scale.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Sandakan in December?
- In December, Sandakan averages 27°C, 350 mm of rain, and about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 3.5/10.
- Is December a good time to visit Sandakan?
- December earns a 3.5/10 climate-comfort score. Use the year-round chart to weigh the weather against your budget and crowd preferences.
- How much does it rain in Sandakan in December?
- Expect about 350 mm of rain in December. Average humidity is 87% and there are about 16 days with 6+ hours of sunshine.
Curated in Sandakan
Tickets & experiences
Things to do in Sandakan
Sandakan, Malaysia. Live activities and tours from GetYourGuide, matched to this destination.