Best Time to Visit Borneo: A Month-by-Month Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit Borneo: A Month-by-Month Guide to the Wild Island of Rainforests and Reefs

Why Visit Borneo?

Borneo is where raw nature takes center stage. As the world’s third-largest island—shared by Malaysia, Indonesia, and Brunei—Borneo is a lush, mysterious paradise that calls to trekkers, wildlife lovers, and underwater adventurers. Think orangutans in misty jungles, diving with turtles in Sipadan, and tribal longhouses hidden in mountain valleys.

Whether you want to climb Mount Kinabalu, explore ancient caves in Sarawak, or spot proboscis monkeys from a riverboat, timing your trip is crucial. Here's your complete guide to the best time to visit Borneo, month by month.

Understanding Borneo’s Climate

Equatorial Rainforest Weather

Borneo’s climate is hot, humid, and rainy year-round, with short bursts of intense rain and plenty of sunshine in between. Instead of four seasons, Borneo experiences wet and drier periods, influenced by the Northeast and Southwest monsoons.

• Drier Season (March–October): Best for trekking, diving, and wildlife
• Wet Season (November–February): Rainiest months, but still travel-worthy with planning

Average Temperatures

• Consistently warm: 26–32°C (79–90°F) year-round
• Rainfall can be heavy but often short-lived; expect daily humidity

Best Time to Visit Borneo by Season

Drier Season (March to October)

Why Visit in the Drier Season

This is the ideal time to explore Borneo’s jungles and reefs. Wildlife is easier to spot, trekking paths are clearer, and underwater visibility is superb.

Highlights

• Climb Mount Kinabalu in Sabah (March–August is best)
• Visit Danum Valley or Kinabatangan River for orangutan spotting
• Dive world-famous Sipadan and Mabul islands
• Explore the caves of Mulu National Park (May–July optimal)
• Enjoy the Gawai Festival (June) in Sarawak, celebrating harvest and indigenous culture

What to Know

• July and August are the busiest—book permits early for Mount Kinabalu and Sipadan
• Best for adventure seekers, wildlife lovers, and photographers
• Expect some rain—it’s the rainforest after all—but less than the wet season

Wet Season (November to February)

Why Visit in the Wet Season

While wetter, this time can still be rewarding—especially for cultural travel, city exploration, and indoor cave tours. Lush landscapes and fewer tourists offer a more intimate experience.

Highlights

• Discover Kuching’s food scene and museums in the rain
• Explore Bau and Fairy Caves on dry days
• Celebrate Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb) in Kuching or Kota Kinabalu
• See Borneo’s waterfalls at their fullest

What to Know

• Heavy downpours in the afternoon, especially in January
• Diving is limited in Sipadan—waters may be choppy
• Some trekking routes may be closed due to mudslides or flooding

Month-by-Month Breakdown

January

Best for: Culture & city life
Highlights: Rainy season peak, vibrant Chinese New Year festivals

February

Best for: Short inland trips
Highlights: Kuching and Kota Kinabalu city breaks, cave visits

March

Best for: Start of adventure season
Highlights: Orangutan spotting, jungle lodges reopen

April

Best for: Wildlife tours
Highlights: Kinabatangan River, Tabin Wildlife Reserve

May

Best for: Nature photography
Highlights: Gushing waterfalls, clearer trails, Sarawak festivals

June

Best for: Cultural immersion
Highlights: Gawai Festival, longhouse visits, excellent diving

July

Best for: Hiking & diving
Highlights: Climbing Mount Kinabalu, peak Sipadan diving season

August

Best for: Adventure and reefs
Highlights: Wildlife tours, rainforest treks, summer holidays

September

Best for: Fewer crowds
Highlights: Quieter trekking trails, orangutans and pygmy elephants

October

Best for: Transition season
Highlights: Mixed weather, possible early rains, good deals

November

Best for: Slow travel
Highlights: Lush green landscapes, fewer visitors

December

Best for: Rainy retreats
Highlights: Rainforest lodges, off-season discounts

Top Activities by Season

Drier Season (Mar–Oct)

• Climb Mount Kinabalu (book permits early)
• Dive the waters of Sipadan, Mataking, and Kapalai
• Cruise the Kinabatangan River at sunrise
• Hike in Bako National Park to spot proboscis monkeys

Wet Season (Nov–Feb)

• Visit caves and museums in Miri and Kuching
• Explore cultural villages and try Sarawak laksa
• Join cooking classes, batik workshops, or jungle retreats
• Celebrate Christmas or Lunar New Year with locals

Insider Tips for Visiting Borneo

• Travel Malaysia’s Sabah for diving & wildlife, Sarawak for culture & caves
• Permits for Mount Kinabalu & Sipadan sell out months in advance—plan early
• Pack quick-dry clothing, mosquito repellent, and a rain poncho
• Local flights are cheap—use AirAsia or MASwings to jump between regions
• Respect indigenous culture—ask before photographing people or entering homes

When Is the Best Time to Visit Borneo?

If you’re after wildlife, jungle treks, and coral reef diving, go between March and October. Want culture, cuisine, and off-grid escapes? November to February still has a lot to offer—just bring your raincoat and curiosity.