Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia? If you're planning to go to Kota Kinabalu, this is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Kota Kinabalu
- Important essentials for Kota Kinabalu
- Activities for Kota Kinabalu
- Kota Kinabalu in January: weather and what to pack
- Kota Kinabalu in February: weather and what to pack
- Kota Kinabalu in March: weather and what to pack
- Kota Kinabalu in April: weather and what to pack
- Kota Kinabalu in May: weather and what to pack
- Kota Kinabalu in June: weather and what to pack
- Kota Kinabalu in July: weather and what to pack
- Kota Kinabalu in August: weather and what to pack
- Kota Kinabalu in September: weather and what to pack
- Kota Kinabalu in October: weather and what to pack
- Kota Kinabalu in November: weather and what to pack
- Kota Kinabalu in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Based on the climate and weather in Kota Kinabalu, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Kota Kinabalu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection you can have.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas of this country may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a great choice.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one should work in most countries, but check with your hotel.
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Kota Kinabalu. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January here is pretty consistently hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
February
February in this region is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
March
If you vacation in Kota Kinabalu during March, you might find that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
April
If you are traveling to Kota Kinabalu in April, you will notice that it can be very hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
May
If you go to Kota Kinabalu in May, you will notice that it is constantly hot. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
June
June in Kota Kinabalu is constantly hot. Temperatures average in the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
July
If you visit Kota Kinabalu during July, you might see that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans harmful contaminants:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
August
August in Kota Kinabalu is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
September
If you visit Kota Kinabalu during September, you may notice that it is consistently hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
October
If you visit Kota Kinabalu during October, you are likely to find that it can be very hot. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against UV rays:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
November
Traveling to Kota Kinabalu in November, you will notice that it can be sweltering. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against the sun:
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
December
December in Kota Kinabalu can be sweltering. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
Mosques often require certain dress, so if you are planning to visit the stunning Sabah State Mosque, take the following:
Note that there may be restrictions on who may enter the building; it is best to check with the Kota Kinabalu tourism authority.
-
Socks
You will need to take your shoes off.
-
Dressy pants/trousers
Your pants should cover your knees:
-
Long sleeve shirts/blouses
-
Scarf for women
You may need to wear something to cover your head. This is a good option.
If you see the Sabah State Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Kota Kinabalu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
Activities for Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Kota Kinabalu.
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