January · Malaysia
Best time to visit Sandakan in January Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Sandakan in January
Average temperature 27°C, 385 mm of rain, about 15 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 87% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
January score
3.6/10
Ranked #10 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 27°C
- Rainfall
- 385 mm
- Humidity
- 87%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 15
- Crowd Density
- Quiet / Uncrowded
- Average Expenses
- $ · Budget Friendly ($)
January in Sandakan scores 3.6/10 for nature and wildlife travel - ranked #10 of 12. Expect around 27°C, 385 mm of rain, and roughly 15 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.
January in Sandakan: expect compromises
January averages 27°C (80°F) and humidity near 87%, so the practical pattern is early mornings, a long midday break, and evenings back outside.
385 mm of rain puts this in monsoon territory — about 15 days with 6+ hours of sunshine across the whole month, and multi-day washouts are normal.
It scores 3.6/10 here, 10th of 12 months, against 5.1/10 in the destination's best month.
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.
Plan for low-season pricing, with crowds are light for this destination.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Sandakan in January?
- In January, Sandakan averages 27°C, 385 mm of rain, and about 15 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 3.6/10.
- Is January a good time to visit Sandakan?
- January earns a 3.6/10 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 January?
- Expect about 385 mm of rain in January. Average humidity is 87% and there are about 15 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.