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To catch Borneo at its sunniest, plan your visit from March to October. During this period, the weather is warm and less rainy, which is perfect for exploring Southeast Asia's summer spot. These months are also ideal for spotting orangutans in their natural habitat, and if you're into marine life, aim for June to September to see turtles at Lankayan Island.
Outside these months, Borneo still basks in a tropical climate with frequent rains that nourish its lush forests. Expect the heat and humidity to be high, with temperatures usually hovering between 27°C and 32°C, and the humidity often around 80%.
If the tropical heat gets to you, there are cooler escapes available. A hike up Mount Kinabalu offers breathtaking views and a refreshing breeze, while the beaches offer a chance to cool off with a swim or some top-notch snorkeling.
The Ultimate Month-by-Month Borneo Travel Planning Guide
Visiting Borneo in January
In January, expect lots of rain in Borneo. Sarawak usually gets hit hardest, while Sabah has less but still unpredictable weather. Rough seas and storms may complicate travel plans. Wildlife, including the normally visible animals, tend to stay hidden due to the wet conditions.
Events & Festivals
- Chinese New Year: Celebrated with song, dance, and joy, the date varies each year.
Best places to visit in January
Visiting Borneo in February
February in Sarawak means rain, but it's usually lighter and won't spoil your plans much. Sabah, especially in the north, is drier, so it's a good time to visit with fewer tourists and promotional deals. Kota Kinabalu and the northern beaches are nice and dry, but the south still gets heavy rain.
Events & Festivals
- Chinese New Year: Festivities continue if the lunar calendar aligns with the month.
Best places to visit in February
Visiting Borneo in March
March is quiet for tourists and generally dry, making it a sweet spot for visiting. Plus, you might catch some good deals. Keep an eye out for whale sharks, as it's their season now.
Events & Festivals
- Chinese New Year: If it falls late, the celebration is still on.
Best places to visit in March
Visiting Borneo in April
April's one of the best times to go to Borneo. The weather's mostly dry, perfect for hiking and seeing orangutans.
Best places to visit in April
Visiting Borneo in May
Expect great weather in May all over Borneo. Orangutans are everywhere, and it's still before peak season prices. Beaches are sunny and inviting.
Events & Festivals
- Gawai Dayak/Harvest Festival: On May 31 - June 1, the Dayak people celebrate with food and traditional attire.
- Malaysian Labour Day: On May 1, the country honors workers' contributions.
- Miri Jazz Festival: Jazz artists play in May, drawing fans globally.
Best places to visit in May
Visiting Borneo in June
June brings hot, dry weather with a little rain on the north coast. Turtle watching starts on Lankayan Island, and orangutans are easy to spot as they look for fruit.
Events & Festivals
- Gawai Dayak/Harvest Festival: Continues if it began late May.
- The King's Birthday: Celebrated on the first Saturday of June.
Best places to visit in June
Visiting Borneo in July
July is a prime month for Borneo with perfect weather, but it's also crowded and more expensive. Turtles and fruit-hungry orangutans are the main attractions.
Events & Festivals
- Borneo Cultural Festival: A ten-day event in Sibu with music and food.
- Rainforest Music Festival: Musicians worldwide meet in Kuching for performances and workshops.
Best places to visit in July
Visiting Borneo in August
August is much like July, but even busier, so book early. Baby turtles hatch, and there's plenty of fruit in the forests for wildlife spotting.
Events & Festivals
- Borneo Arts Festival: Held in either August or September, it showcases a week of artistic performances.
- Hari Merdeka: On August 31, Malaysia celebrates its independence.
Best places to visit in August
Visiting Borneo in September
As turtle season ends, prices normalize. The weather's still dry, making it good for beach time and wildlife watching.
Events & Festivals
- Borneo Arts Festival: Celebrations may continue from August.
- Borneo International Kite Festival: Kite enthusiasts gather at Old Bintulu Airport.
- Hari Raya Haji: A Muslim festival celebrating the pilgrimage to Mecca.
- Malaysia Day: On September 16, the formation of the Malaysian federation is celebrated.
Best places to visit in September
Visiting Borneo in October
Catch the last of the dry weather in October. It's a great time for wildlife, including orangutans, and diving at Sipadan is at its best.
Events & Festivals
- Deepavali/Diwali: The Hindu festival of lights happens in October.
Best places to visit in October
Visiting Borneo in November
Rain returns, bringing lush landscapes and a lot of wildlife. This is a good month for dedicated wildlife fans who don't mind the wet weather.
Best places to visit in November
Visiting Borneo in December
Heavy rains and storms make travel tough, and wildlife is harder to spot. It's generally advised to avoid Borneo in December.
