Kota Kinabalu, also known as KK, is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah. Located on the northwest coast of Borneo, it is a major tourist destination and gateway to the rest of the state. KK is the main commercial, educational and administrative centre of Sabah and home to a population of more than 600,000 people.
Kota Kinabalu is located at the tip of the Crocker Range, a mountain range that stretches from the South China Sea to the northern tip of Sabah. The city is surrounded by lush tropical rainforest, and nearby attractions include the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, Mount Kinabalu and the Kinabatangan River.
Kota Kinabalu was founded in the late 19th century by the British North Borneo Chartered Company. The city was initially used as a trading post and port for the export of local resources such as timber and rubber. In the early 20th century, the city was declared the capital of British North Borneo and was given its current name.
Kota Kinabalu was occupied by the Japanese during World War II and was liberated by Australian forces in 1945. After the war, the city saw rapid development and was declared the capital of Sabah in 1963. Since then, it has become one of the most important cities in Malaysia and a major tourist destination.
Kota Kinabalu is known for its vibrant nightlife, diverse culture and delicious local cuisine. The city has numerous attractions for visitors, including the Sabah State Mosque, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque, the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market, and the Tun Mustapha Tower. Visitors can also explore the nearby islands, enjoy the stunning beaches and take part in various water sports.
Experience Kota Kinabalu - Sabah with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Kota Kinabalu - Sabah. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.
Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather year-round. The dry season is from April to October with temperatures ranging from 24-32°C and low humidity. The wet season is from November to March, with temperatures ranging from 24-33°C and high humidity. The monsoon season runs from October to February, bringing heavy rains and strong winds. In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 36°C. The cooler months are from December to February when temperatures can drop to as low as 20°C.
Our weather forecast for Kota Kinabalu - Sabah helps plan your stay according to the weather. For sunny days, pack light and breathable clothes, swimwear, and sunscreen. For winter weather, it's recommended to bring warm clothes, gloves, a hat, sturdy footwear, and a raincoat.
| Date | Icon | Temperature | Wind speed/gusts | Cloudiness/Visibility | Air humidity/pressure | Sunrise/Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 7th 2025 Dec. 7th 2025 | max: 27.5 °C min: 23 °C |
13.0 m/s 14.8 m/s |
76.7 % 17.4 m |
82.6 % 1,009 hPa |
06:13:23 18:00:39 |
|
| Dec. 8th 2025 Dec. 8th 2025 | max: 28.0 °C min: 25.9 °C |
9.0 m/s 9.7 m/s |
93.4 % 21.9 m |
78.2 % 1,008 hPa |
06:13:53 18:01:02 |
|
| Dec. 9th 2025 Dec. 9th 2025 | max: 27.3 °C min: 25.9 °C |
23.8 m/s 32.8 m/s |
100.0 % 20.3 m |
80.6 % 1,008 hPa |
06:14:22 18:01:26 |
|
| Dec. 10th 2025 Dec. 10th 2025 | max: 27.5 °C min: 25.6 °C |
25.9 m/s 34.6 m/s |
100.0 % 23.7 m |
78.4 % 1,009 hPa |
06:14:52 18:01:50 |
|
| Dec. 11th 2025 Dec. 11th 2025 | max: 27.8 °C min: 26.1 °C |
16.9 m/s 17.6 m/s |
99.6 % 23.9 m |
79.0 % 1,008 hPa |
06:15:22 18:02:16 |
|
| Dec. 12th 2025 Dec. 12th 2025 | max: 28.4 °C min: 26.2 °C |
10.8 m/s 13.3 m/s |
67.2 % 22.1 m |
77.6 % 1,007 hPa |
06:15:52 18:02:41 |
|
| Dec. 13th 2025 Dec. 13th 2025 | max: 28.8 °C min: 26.6 °C |
12.6 m/s 11.9 m/s |
76.9 % 24.0 m |
75.8 % 1,006 hPa |
06:16:22 18:03:07 |
|
| Dec. 14th 2025 Dec. 14th 2025 | max: 28.2 °C min: 26.5 °C |
11.9 m/s 13.3 m/s |
98.0 % 24.1 m |
75.4 % 1,007 hPa |
06:16:52 18:03:34 |
|
| Dec. 15th 2025 Dec. 15th 2025 | max: 28.5 °C min: 26.5 °C |
16.6 m/s 17.6 m/s |
68.4 % 24.1 m |
75.9 % 1,007 hPa |
06:17:22 18:04:01 |
|
| Dec. 16th 2025 Dec. 16th 2025 | max: 28.4 °C min: 26.5 °C |
11.9 m/s 12.2 m/s |
66.1 % 23.7 m |
77.2 % 1,007 hPa |
06:17:53 18:04:29 |
|
| Dec. 17th 2025 Dec. 17th 2025 | max: 27.8 °C min: 26.8 °C |
10.0 m/s 9.6 m/s |
98.5 % 23.1 m |
75.7 % 1,008 hPa |
06:18:23 18:04:57 |
|
| Dec. 18th 2025 Dec. 18th 2025 | max: 28.1 °C min: 26.3 °C |
8.6 m/s 8.3 m/s |
89.0 % 23.0 m |
76.0 % 1,008 hPa |
06:18:53 18:05:26 |
|
| Dec. 19th 2025 Dec. 19th 2025 | max: 28.0 °C min: 26.3 °C |
13.3 m/s 13.3 m/s |
96.9 % 19.0 m |
79.0 % 1,008 hPa |
06:19:23 18:05:55 |
|
| Dec. 20th 2025 Dec. 20th 2025 | max: 27.5 °C min: 26.1 °C |
10.1 m/s 10.1 m/s |
98.7 % 23.3 m |
78.5 % 1,009 hPa |
06:19:54 18:06:24 |
|
| Dec. 21st 2025 Dec. 21st 2025 | max: 27.9 °C min: 26.3 °C |
11.5 m/s 10.4 m/s |
89.1 % 22.2 m |
76.9 % 1,009 hPa |
06:20:24 18:06:54 |
Would you like to travel to Kota Kinabalu - Sabah on a cruise ship or would you just like to know when a certain ship will dock there? Here you will find an overview of the cruise ships that will be calling at the port of Kota Kinabalu - Sabah.
| Date | Ship | Passaengers (min - max) | Arrival | Departure | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dec. 12th 2025 Friday, 12th of Dec. 2025 | Norwegian Sun | 1936 - 2323 | 10:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Jan. 10th 2026 Saturday, 10th of Jan. 2026 | Norwegian Sun | 1936 - 2323 | 10:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Jan. 12th 2026 Monday, 12th of Jan. 2026 | MS Sirena | 698 - 803 | 11:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Mar. 2nd 2026 Monday, 2nd of Mar. 2026 | Norwegian Sun | 1936 - 2323 | 10:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Mar. 7th 2026 Saturday, 7th of Mar. 2026 | Crystal Symphony | 606 | 07:00 am | 04:00 pm | |
| Apr. 4th 2026 Saturday, 4th of Apr. 2026 | MS Amadea | 508 - 624 | 05:00 pm | 12:00 am | |
| Apr. 5th 2026 Sunday, 5th of Apr. 2026 | MS Amadea | 508 - 624 | 12:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Nov. 19th 2026 Thursday, 19th of Nov. 2026 | MS Nautica | 698 - 803 | 08:00 am | 06:00 pm | |
| Jan. 1st 2027 Friday, 1st of Jan. 2027 | MS Nautica | 698 - 803 | 11:00 am | 08:00 pm | |
| Jan. 14th 2027 Thursday, 14th of Jan. 2027 | Silver Muse | 576 - 691 | 07:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Feb. 1st 2027 Monday, 1st of Feb. 2027 | Norwegian Jade | 2402 - 2882 | 11:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Feb. 7th 2027 Sunday, 7th of Feb. 2027 | MS Nautica | 698 - 803 | 11:00 am | 09:00 pm | |
| Feb. 11th 2027 Thursday, 11th of Feb. 2027 | Silver Muse | 576 - 691 | 07:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Feb. 17th 2027 Wednesday, 17th of Feb. 2027 | Norwegian Jade | 2402 - 2882 | 07:00 am | 03:00 pm | |
| Feb. 25th 2027 Thursday, 25th of Feb. 2027 | Seven Seas Explorer | 754 - 829 | 01:00 pm | 09:00 pm | |
| Mar. 11th 2027 Thursday, 11th of Mar. 2027 | Silver Muse | 576 - 691 | 07:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Apr. 9th 2027 Friday, 9th of Apr. 2027 | MS Riviera | 1258 - 1447 | 07:00 am | 03:00 pm | |
| Apr. 18th 2027 Sunday, 18th of Apr. 2027 | Crystal Serenity | 740 | 08:00 am | 06:00 pm | |
| Nov. 18th 2027 Thursday, 18th of Nov. 2027 | Silver Muse | 576 - 691 | 07:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Nov. 24th 2027 Wednesday, 24th of Nov. 2027 | MS Riviera | 1258 - 1447 | 11:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Dec. 14th 2027 Tuesday, 14th of Dec. 2027 | Seven Seas Explorer | 754 - 829 | 09:00 am | 06:00 pm | |
| Dec. 15th 2027 Wednesday, 15th of Dec. 2027 | MS Riviera | 1258 - 1447 | 07:00 am | 02:00 pm | |
| Dec. 16th 2027 Thursday, 16th of Dec. 2027 | Silver Muse | 576 - 691 | 07:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Jan. 7th 2028 Friday, 7th of Jan. 2028 | Norwegian Jade | 2402 - 2882 | 11:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Jan. 8th 2028 Saturday, 8th of Jan. 2028 | MS Riviera | 1258 - 1447 | 07:00 am | 02:00 pm | |
| Feb. 1st 2028 Tuesday, 1st of Feb. 2028 | Norwegian Jade | 2402 - 2882 | 11:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Feb. 6th 2028 Sunday, 6th of Feb. 2028 | MS Noordam | 1972 - 2366 | 08:00 am | 06:00 pm | |
| Feb. 8th 2028 Tuesday, 8th of Feb. 2028 | Silver Muse | 576 - 691 | 07:00 am | 07:00 pm | |
| Feb. 18th 2028 Friday, 18th of Feb. 2028 | MS Europa | 408 | 08:00 am | 06:00 pm |
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.| Port | Distance |
|---|---|
| Estuary in Brunei | 156,46 km |
| Sandakan in Malaysia | 221,89 km |
| Balabac in the Philippines | 266,58 km |
