Last updated: August 21, 2025
Experience the vibrant March weather in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, where warm tropical temperatures create a welcoming atmosphere. With an average temperature of 27°C (81°F), highs can reach up to 30°C (86°F) while lows dip to around 24°C (76°F). This month, expect cloudy skies as 97 mm (3.8 in) of rain falls over roughly 20 days, contributing to the area's lush landscapes. The humidity level hovers around 87%, adding to the characteristic tropical feel. Whether you’re exploring local markets or relaxing on the beach, the March climate offers a unique blend of warmth and moisture, perfect for adventure and relaxation alike.
In March, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, experiences a delightful climate, with temperatures consistently showcasing the tropical warmth that characterizes the region. The minimum temperature hovers around a comfortable 24°C (76°F), while the average remains steady at 27°C (81°F), perfect for outdoor adventures. Days reach a maximum of 30°C (86°F), mirroring February's trend and suggesting a smooth transition into the warmer months ahead. With these inviting temperatures, March acts as a gentle prelude to the rising warmth of April, maintaining mild nights and sun-kissed days that beckon both locals and travelers to revel in the lush surroundings of this vibrant coastal city.
In March, Kota Kinabalu experiences a notable transition in its precipitation patterns, recording 97 mm (3.8 in) of rainfall over 20 days. This slight decrease from February's 108 mm (4.2 in) indicates a shift towards less intense rainfall as the region moves further into the dry season. The increase in rainy days, however, suggests intermittent showers are still common, offering a refreshing respite in the tropical climate. As the month progresses, moisture levels typically fluctuate, paving the way for the wetter months ahead, while the gradual dip in precipitation hints at the cyclical rhythm of the region's climate.
In March, humidity in Kota Kinabalu begins a gentle decline, reaching 87%, down from 89% in February. This decrease marks the onset of a slight seasonal shift, as the city transitions towards drier conditions in April, when humidity dips to 82%. Despite this reduction, the overall trend showcases a humid climate, with levels remaining consistently high throughout the early months of the year. As the city approaches mid-year, humidity fluctuates slightly, settling back to 86% by July, before climbing again in the later months. The consistent patterns of humidity levels reflect Kota Kinabalu’s tropical climate, where moisture is a staple throughout the year, creating a lush and vibrant environment.
In March, Kota Kinabalu experiences its highest UV Index of the year, reaching 16, and marking an extreme exposure category that demands vigilance for sun safety. With a consistent burn time of just 10 minutes, the intensity of the sun's rays remains a significant concern not only this month but also into April. Following a peak in February, the UV levels are at their highest in March, indicating a trend of increasing solar intensity as the region transitions into the hotter months. For those venturing outdoors, it’s essential to take precautionary measures to minimize risks from prolonged sun exposure. Stay informed about daily UV levels with our guide on Kota Kinabalu UV Index, and keep your skin protected!
UV Risk Categories
March in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, is a month that truly shines, boasting 302 hours of glorious sunshine. This makes it the sunniest month of the year, following a steadily increasing trend from January’s 214 hours to February’s 270 hours. As the days grow brighter, visitors are treated to a spectacular display of vibrant landscapes and outdoor adventures. In fact, the warmth lingers into April, which still offers a generous 293 hours of sunlight. This surge in sunshine exemplifies Kota Kinabalu's appeal as a year-round destination, where the beauty of nature is illuminated, inviting both locals and travelers to bask in its radiant charm.
In Kota Kinabalu, March brings a 20% chance of sunny weather, keeping consistent with February’s outlook while allowing for a slight drop in April. This transitional month lies amidst a shifting climate pattern, where sunny prospects peak and then taper off into late spring and early summer. With just 19% in April and decreasing percentages through the dryer months from May to September, March stands out as one of the brighter moments in the early part of the year. As the weather warms, those seeking sun during this time can find optimistic opportunities for outdoor adventures before the likelihood of clear skies wanes in the following months.
As March unfolds in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, residents and visitors alike delight in an increase in daylight duration, stretching to 12 hours. This marks a notable shift from the consistent 11 hours of daylight observed in the preceding months of January and February. The trend of longer days continues into April and beyond, maintaining a steady 12 hours through the majority of the year—evidence of the region's tropical climate. In contrast, the daylight hours begin to taper off again in October, dropping back to 11 hours as the year winds down. This gradual transition not only enhances outdoor activities but also invites a vibrant atmosphere, making March a particularly appealing time to enjoy the beauty of Kota Kinabalu.
In Kota Kinabalu, March ushers in a gentle breeze, with an average wind speed of 2.1 m/s (5 mph), slightly lower than the preceding months. Following a consistent rise from January to February, the wind calms slightly as the region transitions into the warmer months. This trend of modest winds continues into April and May, where speeds dip to 2.0 m/s (5 mph) and 1.9 m/s (4 mph), respectively. However, as the year progresses into the days of summer, the winds pick up again, notably in July, reaching an energetic 2.7 m/s (6 mph). Thus, March stands as a serene point in the annual cycle, providing a breath before a breezier, sunnier season ahead.
Weather in Kota Kinabalu varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares March’s weather to other months in Kota Kinabalu, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
In comparing the weather of March and January, we see some notable similarities and differences. Both months have a minimum temperature of around 24°C (75-76°F) and an average temperature of about 27°C (81°F), indicating a consistently warm climate. However, January tends to be slightly warmer at its maximum, reaching up to 31°C (87°F), compared to March's peak of 30°C (86°F). Precipitation is more pronounced in January, with 195 mm (7.7 in) falling over 18 days, while March sees less rain at 97 mm (3.8 in) over 20 days. Additionally, January has a higher humidity level at 90%, compared to March's 87%. For more detailed information, you can check Kota Kinabalu weather in January.
March and February exhibit quite similar weather patterns, with both months featuring minimum temperatures around 24°C (75-76°F), and average highs reaching 30°C (86°F). However, March experiences slightly less rainfall, recording 97 mm (3.8 in) over 20 days compared to February's 108 mm (4.2 in) across 16 days. Additionally, March's humidity is marginally lower at 87% compared to February's 89%. For a more detailed look at February's climate, you can check out Kota Kinabalu weather in February.
In March, the weather features average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), accompanied by considerable humidity at 87%. The month sees significant rainfall, with 97 mm (3.8 in) of precipitation spread across 20 days. In contrast, April brings slightly warmer conditions, with temperatures peaking at 31°C (88°F) and an average of 28°C (82°F). While the minimum temperature only rises to 25°C (76°F), the month experiences a bit more rainfall, totaling 109 mm (4.3 in) over 21 days, though humidity decreases to 82%. For a detailed overview of April's weather, visit Kota Kinabalu weather in April.
In March, temperatures in Kota Kinabalu range from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). The month experiences significant rainfall, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 20 days, contributing to a high humidity level of 87%. By contrast, May sees slightly warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (78°F), an average of 28°C (83°F), and a peak of 31°C (89°F). However, it is considerably wetter, with precipitation reaching 181 mm (7.1 in) over 25 days, and humidity remaining relatively high at 85%. For more details on the weather specifics, you can visit Kota Kinabalu weather in May.
In March, the weather in Kota Kinabalu features average temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an overall average of 27°C (81°F). This month sees considerable precipitation, with 97 mm (3.8 in) falling over 20 days, creating a humid atmosphere with a humidity level of 87%.
In contrast, June experiences slightly warmer conditions with average temperatures from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F) and an average of 28°C (83°F). However, this month is significantly wetter, with precipitation reaching 229 mm (9.0 in) over the same 20 days, while humidity remains constant at 87%. For more detailed information, you can refer to Kota Kinabalu weather in June.
When comparing the weather in March and July, both months experience warm temperatures, but July tends to be slightly hotter with average temperatures reaching 28°C (82°F) compared to March's average of 27°C (81°F). The maximum temperature in July can climb to 32°C (89°F), while March peaks at 30°C (86°F). Precipitation levels are notably higher in July, with 167 mm (6.6 in) falling over 20 days, compared to 97 mm (3.8 in) in March, also over the same number of days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with July at 86% and March slightly higher at 87%. For more detailed information on July weather in Kota Kinabalu, you can visit Kota Kinabalu weather in July.
In March, the weather features slightly cooler temperatures with a minimum of 24°C (76°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F), peaking at a maximum of 30°C (86°F). The month sees significant precipitation, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in) over approximately 20 days, coupled with high humidity at 87%. In contrast, August brings marginally warmer temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and an average of 28°C (82°F), reaching a maximum of 32°C (90°F). However, it also experiences higher rainfall, accumulating 221 mm (8.7 in) across 18 days, while maintaining a similar humidity level of 88%. For more detailed information, you can refer to Kota Kinabalu weather in August.
March and September experience similar warm temperatures, with average highs of 30°C (86°F) in March and 32°C (90°F) in September. However, September tends to be rainier, receiving 215 mm (8.5 in) of precipitation over 21 days compared to March's 97 mm (3.8 in) over 20 days. Additionally, humidity levels are slightly higher in September at 90%, compared to March's 87%. Both months are characterized by significant warmth, but travelers should be prepared for increased rainfall in September. For more details, check out Kota Kinabalu weather in September.
In March, the weather typically features temperatures ranging from a minimum of 24°C (76°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), with an average of 27°C (81°F). This month experiences relatively high humidity at 87% and sees significant rainfall of about 97 mm (3.8 in) over 20 days. In contrast, October maintains similar average temperatures with a range from 25°C (77°F) to 31°C (88°F). However, it is marked by considerably higher precipitation, totaling 308 mm (12.1 in) across 27 days, while humidity remains slightly lower at 86%. For a detailed look at the weather specifics, you can refer to Kota Kinabalu weather in October.
When comparing the weather in March and November, both months exhibit similar average temperatures, ranging around 27°C (81°F) with daily highs reaching 30°C (86-87°F). However, November is notably wetter, receiving 264 mm (10.4 in) of rainfall over 27 days, compared to March's 97 mm (3.8 in) across 20 days. The humidity remains consistent at 87% for both months, creating a humid environment year-round. For a detailed look at the weather conditions in November, you can check out Kota Kinabalu weather in November.
In March, Kota Kinabalu experiences warm temperatures with a minimum of 24°C (76°F) and an average high of 30°C (86°F). The month sees moderate rainfall, totaling 97 mm (3.8 in), with precipitation occurring on about 20 days, contributing to a humidity level of 87%.
In contrast, December shares the same temperature range, with a minimum of 24°C (76°F) and an average of 27°C (81°F), but the weather is significantly wetter, receiving 272 mm (10.7 in) of rain over 28 days. The humidity is slightly higher at 89%. This difference in precipitation makes December a notably wetter month compared to March, adding to the tropical experience of the city. For more details about weather patterns during this month, you can check out Kota Kinabalu weather in December.
As March rolls into Kota Kinabalu, temperatures remain pleasantly warm, averaging around 27°C (81°F), making it a delightful time for outdoor adventures. Although the city experiences increased rainfall with about 20 rainy days, this doesn't dampen the vibrant atmosphere; rather, it enhances the lush landscapes that Sabah is renowned for. The humidity hovers at a notable 87%, creating a tropical ambiance typical of this coastal paradise. Compared to other months, March offers a unique blend of warm temperatures and refreshing showers, setting the stage for flourishing nature and rich cultural experiences. To dive deeper into the region's weather patterns, check out Kota Kinabalu Climate.