Kota Kinabalu in January
Winter in Kota Kinabalu: expect hot weather with highs of 29°C.
Photo: Florian Wehde / Unsplash
January Weather in Kota Kinabalu
🌡️
Average High
29°C
❄️
Average Low
24°C
🌧️
Rain Days
28.6
🌤️
Season
Winter
What to Expect
January in Kota Kinabalu brings hot weather with daytime highs around 29°C and nighttime lows of 24°C. You can expect approximately 28.6 days of rain during the month. This is shoulder season with moderate crowds. A good balance of decent weather and reasonable prices.
Packing tip: Pack light, breathable clothing, sunscreen, and a hat. A light layer for air-conditioned spaces. An umbrella or rain jacket is essential.
January Costs in Kota Kinabalu
Budget
MYR 150
per day
Mid-Range
MYR 300
per day
Luxury
MYR 700
per day
Things to Do in Kota Kinabalu in January
Our Top 5 Favourite Tours in Kota Kinabalu
Hand-picked guided experiences you can book in advance on GetYourGuide.
Kota Kinabalu Walking Tour: Highlights & Hidden Gems
Discover Kota Kinabalu on foot with a local guide who knows every backstreet and story. You will cover the must-see landmarks and stumble upon places most visitors never find.
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Kota Kinabalu Food Tour: Street Food & Local Favourites
Eat your way through Kota Kinabalu with a local foodie as your guide. From bustling markets to tucked-away restaurants, taste the dishes the city is truly known for.
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Best of Kota Kinabalu: Skip-the-Line Top Attractions
Skip the queues and get straight into Kota Kinabalu's top attractions with pre-booked access. An expert guide brings each site to life with stories and context you would not get on your own.
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Day Trip from Kota Kinabalu: Scenic Excursion
Escape Kota Kinabalu for the day and explore the stunning surroundings. Transport, guide, and itinerary are all sorted so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
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Kota Kinabalu Cultural Experience: History & Traditions
Go beyond sightseeing and connect with Kota Kinabalu's living culture. From hands-on workshops to historic neighbourhood walks, this is the side of the city most travellers miss.
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Hotels in Kota Kinabalu for January
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FAQ: Kota Kinabalu in January
What is the weather like in Kota Kinabalu in January?
Kota Kinabalu in January has average highs of 29°C and lows of 24°C, with around 28.6 rainy days. The weather is generally hot.
Is January a good time to visit Kota Kinabalu?
January is a shoulder season in Kota Kinabalu, which means decent weather with fewer crowds and often lower prices than peak months.
How crowded is Kota Kinabalu in January?
January sees moderate tourist numbers in Kota Kinabalu. Popular spots will be busy but manageable.
How much does it cost to visit Kota Kinabalu in January?
Budget travellers can get by on around MYR 150/day. Mid-range travellers should budget MYR 300/day. Shoulder season often offers good value compared to peak months.
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