May · Malaysia
Best time to visit Sandakan in May Weather, crowds & prices
Weather in Sandakan in May
Average temperature 28°C, 177 mm of rain, about 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine and 85% humidity — based on the five most recent complete years of ERA5 data (2021–2025).
May score
4.4/10
Ranked #3 of 12 months
- Avg temp
- 28°C
- Rainfall
- 177 mm
- Humidity
- 85%
- Days with 6h+ sun
- 25
- Crowd Density
- Moderate Crowds
- Average Expenses
- $$ · Moderate Cost ($$)
May in Sandakan scores 4.4/10 for nature and wildlife travel - one of the top 12-month picks (#3). Expect around 28°C, 177 mm of rain, and roughly 25 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.
May in Sandakan: expect compromises
Days in May average 28°C (83°F) and humidity near 85% — front-load outdoor plans before the heat builds and treat the middle of the day as indoor time.
177 mm of rain makes this a wet month here, though with about 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine there is still bright weather between the fronts.
That is 4.4/10 on the same scale — 3rd 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.
Expect mid-season pricing, and crowds are moderate.
Frequently asked
- What is the weather like in Sandakan in May?
- In May, Sandakan averages 28°C, 177 mm of rain, and about 25 days with 6+ hours of sunshine. Its climate-comfort score is 4.4/10.
- Is May a good time to visit Sandakan?
- May earns a 4.4/10 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 May?
- Expect about 177 mm of rain in May. Average humidity is 85% and there are about 25 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.