Kota Kinabalu Weather in December

December: warm and very wet

December feels sticky, cloudy and rainy in Kota Kinabalu. Rain falls on 27 days, and there's little sunshine, so keep your plans flexible. The rain can interrupt boat trips from Jesselton Point to the Tunku Abdul Rahman islands. Ask about sea conditions before setting off, and keep a city day in reserve.

You can still explore the waterfront, browse the Filipino Market and try hinava, a local dish of raw fish cured with lime. For families, the Sabah State Museum offers a welcome indoor break when showers set in.

Christmas by the waterfront

Christmas brings a festive mood to the city, with decorations and celebrations around hotels and shopping centres. Christmas Day is a public holiday in Malaysia. New Year's Eve also draws people to waterfront spots, though heavy rain can affect outdoor plans.

The weather is much like November, which is also very rainy, and wetter than January. The holiday period can bring more visitors and higher room prices than quieter months. Outside Christmas and New Year, December isn't usually the best pick for a sunny beach break.

Plan around the showers

A wet forecast doesn't mean every day is a washout, but long outdoor plans can be frustrating. Keep island visits, walks along Tanjung Aru Beach and trips to the Signal Hill Observatory flexible. The view from Signal Hill is less rewarding when low cloud covers the city.

Budget travellers may find the quieter stretches of the month easier on the wallet than the holiday period. If you're visiting for Christmas, compare stays near Gaya Street with those along the waterfront. From either area, you can duck into cafés when the rain starts.