Last updated: August 21, 2025
Experience the December weather in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, where tropical conditions reign supreme. With average temperatures hovering around 27°C (81°F), reaching a comfortable maximum of 30°C (86°F) during the day, it’s a paradise for warmth seekers. Expect the nights to be pleasantly mild, with temperatures dipping to a minimum of 24°C (76°F). However, bring your umbrella—December sees frequent rainfall, accumulating a substantial 272 mm (10.7 in) over 28 days, paired with high humidity levels of 89%. This month offers a lush, vibrant atmosphere perfect for experiencing the beauty of nature, despite the rain.
In December, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, experiences a delightful tropical climate as temperatures begin to cool slightly, with minimums around 24°C (76°F) and averages hovering at 27°C (81°F). The maximum temperature reaches up to 30°C (86°F), marking a subtle decline from the hotter months of May to September when maximums soared to 32°C (90°F). This transition into December creates a pleasant environment ideal for outdoor adventures and exploration, maintaining a consistently warm atmosphere throughout the month. As the year draws to a close, the weather remains inviting, making it an excellent time to enjoy the city's vibrant culture and stunning natural beauty.
In December, Kota Kinabalu experiences a substantial precipitation amount of 272 mm (10.7 in), making it one of the wettest months of the year. The trend of increasing rainfall is evident, with December not far behind the peaks of October and November, which recorded 308 mm and 264 mm, respectively. This month sees rainfall on an average of 28 days, indicating a high frequency of wet days as the region transitions into the heart of its monsoon season. Such persistent rainfall plays a crucial role in sustaining the lush landscapes that characterize the area while also contributing to higher humidity levels. Residents and visitors alike should be prepared for nearly continual drizzle, as this time of year highlights Kota Kinabalu's tropical climate in full swing.
In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, December experiences a humidity level of 89%, which is slightly elevated compared to the preceding months. As the year draws to a close, the region sees relatively consistent humidity ranging from a peak of 90% in January and September to a low of 82% in April. This trend indicates that the early months of the year and the transition into the wet season maintain a high level of moisture in the air. With December's humidity keeping close to the annual average, residents and visitors alike can expect a persistently tropical atmosphere, characteristic of this vibrant coastal city. The variations throughout the months reflect the region's lush environment, where humidity plays a crucial role in sustaining its diverse ecosystems.
In December, Kota Kinabalu maintains its reputation for intense sun exposure with a UV Index of 12, categorized as extreme, indicating a consistent need for caution against sunburn, with a burn time of just 10 minutes. This month mirrors November's UV levels, suggesting that the region's annual trend of high UV exposure persists even as the year winds down. Notably, while the UV Index slightly dips from the peaks observed in earlier months, the emphasis on sun safety remains paramount throughout the year due to the extreme nature of the exposure. For more detailed information on the UV Index throughout the year, check out Kota Kinabalu UV Index.
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In December, Kota Kinabalu basks in a delightful 268 hours of sunshine, offering a warm embrace as the year draws to a close. This month showcases a charming consistency in abundance of light, slightly lower than the peak of 302 hours in March but still maintaining a significant glow compared to the drizzly days often found in other regions. As the sun sets on December, the city enjoys a radiant transition from the lush greenery of the prior months, with sunny days predominating the climate through the rainy season. Overall, Kota Kinabalu’s December sunshine is a beautiful reminder of the vibrant outdoor experiences waiting for visitors during this enchanting tropical month.
As December rolls into Kota Kinabalu, the likelihood of sunny weather dwindles, with only a 6% chance of sunshine. This marks a notable decline compared to earlier months; for instance, January through March boasts a more promising 10% to 20% chance of sun. The pattern continues in the months leading up to December, where chances hover around the 11% to 20% range. As the year wraps up, the weather tends to be more overcast, suggesting that visitors may want to prepare for less sunny days rather than basking in bright tropical rays.
In Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, December brings a return to a cozy 11 hours of daylight, maintaining the same duration as January and February. This slightly reduced sunlight follows a pattern witnessed throughout the year, where daylight peaks at 12 hours from March to September. The transition into the later months of the year sees a decline back to 11 hours, suggesting a rhythmic cycle that pairs closely with the region's tropical climate. As the days grow shorter, the enchanting sunsets invite residents and visitors alike to savor the tranquility of evening skies, making December a special time to appreciate the unique beauty of this coastal city.
As December approaches in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, the average wind speed registers at 2.3 m/s (5 mph), marking a slight uptick compared to the preceding months. This gentle breeze is emblematic of the region's transition, where the winds typically fluctuate between 1.8 m/s (4 mph) in November and 2.7 m/s (6 mph) experienced during the peak months of July and January. Over the year, the wind patterns reveal a tendency towards lighter air currents in the warmer months from May through October, contrasting with the more invigorating gusts that accompany the cooler periods. Therefore, December's winds, while mild, encapsulate the essence of a climate evolving from the calmer conditions of late fall towards a more dynamic atmosphere in the new year.
Weather in Kota Kinabalu varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares December’s weather to other months in Kota Kinabalu, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
December and January showcase relatively similar weather patterns, though January experiences slightly warmer temperatures. In December, the average temperature hovers around 27°C (81°F) with a maximum of 30°C (86°F), while January sees a peak of 31°C (87°F) at the same average temperature. Precipitation levels also differ, with December receiving 272 mm (10.7 in) over 28 days compared to January's 195 mm (7.7 in) across 18 days. Humidity levels remain high in both months, but January is marginally higher at 90% compared to December's 89%. For a more detailed look at January weather in Kota Kinabalu, check out Kota Kinabalu weather in January.
In December, the weather is notably wetter compared to February, with an average temperature ranging between 24°C (76°F) and 30°C (86°F) and a significant precipitation total of 272 mm (10.7 in) over 28 days. The high humidity levels, at 89%, coupled with frequent rain can create a damp atmosphere. In contrast, February maintains a similar temperature profile, ranging from 24°C (75°F) to 30°C (86°F), but experiences much lower precipitation of 108 mm (4.2 in) across just 16 days, resulting in a drier environment. This slight seasonal shift offers an opportunity for more outdoor activities in February, despite the persistent humidity. For more detailed weather insights, visit Kota Kinabalu weather in February.
In comparing the weather between December and March, both months exhibit remarkably similar temperature ranges, maintaining a minimum of 24°C (76°F), an average of 27°C (81°F), and a maximum of 30°C (86°F). However, December stands out with significantly higher precipitation levels, receiving 272 mm (10.7 in) over 28 days, compared to March's 97 mm (3.8 in) over 20 days. Additionally, December's humidity is slightly higher at 89% versus March's 87%, making December feel more humid and wetter overall. For more detailed insights into the weather patterns of the region specifically during March, check out Kota Kinabalu weather in March.
In December, the weather tends to be slightly cooler with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), while April experiences warmer conditions with temperatures averaging between 25°C (76°F) and 31°C (88°F). Additionally, December is significantly wetter, receiving 272 mm (10.7 in) of precipitation over 28 days, compared to April's 109 mm (4.3 in) across 21 days. Humidity levels are also higher in December at 89%, whereas April sees a more comfortable humidity level of 82%. For a detailed look at April's climate, you can visit Kota Kinabalu weather in April.
December and May both experience warm temperatures, but December tends to be slightly cooler on average. In December, temperatures range from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), while May sees temperatures from 25°C (78°F) to 31°C (89°F). Precipitation levels are higher in December, with 272 mm (10.7 in) spread over 28 days, compared to May’s 181 mm (7.1 in) over 25 days. Humidity is fairly consistent, at 89% in December and 85% in May, making both months feel quite humid. For a detailed look at weather conditions in May, you can visit Kota Kinabalu weather in May.
In comparing the weather of December and June, both months feature warm temperatures, with December experiencing a slightly lower average temperature of 27°C (81°F) compared to June's 28°C (83°F). December sees maximum temperatures reaching 30°C (86°F), while June can reach up to 32°C (90°F). Precipitation is more frequent in December, with 272 mm (10.7 in) over 28 days, compared to June, which receives 229 mm (9.0 in) across 20 days. Additionally, humidity levels are quite high in both months, with December at 89% and June at 87%. For a more detailed look at June's weather, you can visit Kota Kinabalu weather in June.
In comparing the weather of December and July, we find that both months feature warm temperatures, but December tends to be slightly milder, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F). In contrast, July has a higher temperature range, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and a maximum reaching up to 32°C (89°F). Precipitation levels also differ significantly; December experiences heavier rainfall with 272 mm (10.7 in) spread over 28 days, while July sees considerably less rainfall at 167 mm (6.6 in) over just 20 days. Humidity remains high in both months, with December at 89% and July slightly lower at 86%. For more detailed insights, you can check Kota Kinabalu weather in July.
In December, the weather tends to be slightly cooler with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), whereas August experiences slightly warmer conditions, averaging between 25°C (77°F) and 32°C (90°F). December sees more rainfall, totaling 272 mm (10.7 in) over 28 days, compared to August's 221 mm (8.7 in) over 18 days. Interestingly, both months maintain high humidity levels, with December slightly higher at 89% and August at 88%. For more details on August weather in Kota Kinabalu, check out this link: Kota Kinabalu weather in August.
When comparing the weather in December and September, December exhibits slightly cooler temperatures, with an average of 27°C (81°F) compared to September's average of 28°C (82°F). However, September tends to have higher maximum temperatures, reaching up to 32°C (90°F), while December peaks at 30°C (86°F). Both months experience significant rainfall, but December sees more precipitation at 272 mm (10.7 in) across 28 days, compared to September's 215 mm (8.5 in) over 21 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, remaining high at 89% in December and 90% in September. For more detailed insights, refer to Kota Kinabalu weather in September.
In December, the weather remains relatively warm, with average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), similar to October's temperatures, which range from a minimum of 25°C (77°F) to a maximum of 31°C (88°F). However, December experiences slightly higher humidity at 89%, compared to October’s 86%. Precipitation in December is significant, with 272 mm (10.7 in) recorded over 28 days, while October sees slightly more rain at 308 mm (12.1 in) over 27 days. For more detailed information on the October climate specifics, you can refer to Kota Kinabalu weather in October.
In comparing the weather between November and December, we notice that both months share similar average temperatures, with December experiencing a slight dip in minimum temperature at 24°C (76°F) compared to November's 25°C (77°F). Additionally, the maximum temperatures remain consistent, hovering around 30°C (86°F) in December and reaching 30°C (87°F) in November. However, December sees a marginally higher total precipitation of 272 mm (10.7 in) over 28 days, compared to November's 264 mm (10.4 in) across 27 days. Humidity levels also increase slightly in December at 89%, compared to 87% in November. For a more detailed look at the weather in November, you can check Kota Kinabalu weather in November.
In December, Kota Kinabalu transforms into a lush and vibrant paradise, distinguished by its notably humid atmosphere and frequent rainfall, with precipitation gracing the city on nearly every day of the month. While temperatures remain consistently warm, hovering around the average maximum of 30°C, the heavy rains and high humidity set this month apart from the drier periods earlier in the year. Visitors can expect an immersive experience in nature, as the rains invigorate the landscape, making it an ideal time for those who appreciate the beauty of tropical climates. For a deeper dive into the nuances of this beautiful city's weather, check out Kota Kinabalu Climate.