23° to 31°
Coolest Month
The coolest month of the year, with moderate rain typical of the driest stretch.
☔ Umbrella handy🥵 Heat protection
23° to 32°
Driest Month
The driest month of the year, part of Tawau's most reliable stretch.
☀️ Sunscreen✨ Best sightseeing weather
23° to 32°
Dry & Sunny
Still dry and increasingly sunny, one of the better months of the year.
☀️ Sunscreen✨ Best sightseeing weather
24° to 32°
Best of the Year
One of the hottest and driest months, rounding out Tawau's most reliable stretch.
☀️ Sunscreen🥵 Heat protection
24° to 32°
Rain Returns
Rain becomes more frequent again, still warm and humid.
☔ Umbrella handy🥵 Heat protection
23° to 32°
Steady Rain
Rain remains a regular fixture, warm and humid throughout.
☔ Umbrella essential🥵 Heat protection
23° to 31°
Rain Persists
Similar to June, with rain a regular presence.
☔ Umbrella essential🥵 Heat protection
23° to 31°
Rain Persists
Among the wetter months of the year, though still moderate by Borneo standards.
☔ Umbrella essential🥵 Heat protection
23° to 32°
Rain Eases
Rain eases back somewhat, warm and humid throughout.
☔ Umbrella handy🥵 Heat protection
23° to 32°
Rain Builds
Rain picks back up as the year moves toward its wetter stretch.
☔ Umbrella essential🥵 Heat protection
23° to 32°
Rain Persists
Similar to October, among the wetter months of the year here.
☔ Umbrella essential🥵 Heat protection
23° to 31°
Wettest Month
The rainiest month of the year, though still markedly lighter than much of the rest of Malaysia.
☔ Umbrella essential🥵 Heat protection
★★★ peak season, ★★☆ decent shoulder months, ★☆☆ true off-peak, based on rain frequency, heat, and haze.
Frequently asked questions
When is monsoon season in Tawau?›
Tawau doesn't see a sharp monsoon peak the way much of Malaysia does; this stretch of coast is sheltered from the northeast monsoon that soaks the northern side of Borneo. December is historically the wettest month, averaging around 213mm of rain across 15 days.
What is the best time of year to visit Tawau?›
January through April is historically Tawau's least rainy stretch, though the source notes there isn't a big difference between months here, and rainfall can vary from year to year.
What is the least favorable time to visit Tawau?›
October through December historically brings the most rain of the year, though even this doesn't reach the intensity seen elsewhere in Malaysia.
Which month has the most rain in Tawau?›
December is historically the wettest month, averaging around 213mm of rain across 15 days.
Which month is the driest in Tawau?›
February is historically the driest month, averaging around 107mm of rain.
How hot does Tawau get?›
April and May are historically tied as the hottest months of the year.
What should I pack for Tawau during the rainy season?›
Rain gear is worth having year-round in Tawau, though this is Malaysia's least rainy region, so downpours tend to be shorter and less intense than elsewhere in the country.
Is Tawau really Malaysia's driest region?›
Yes. Tawau sits on a stretch of coast sheltered from the northeast monsoon that brings heavy rain to the northern side of Borneo from November to February, making it the least rainy area in the country.
Is Tawau a good base for diving?›
Yes. Tawau's airport is the main gateway to Sipadan Island and the wider Semporna archipelago, among the most celebrated diving destinations in the world.
What is Tawau Hills Park known for?›
This rainforest park just outside the city protects an area that includes some of the tallest tropical trees recorded anywhere, along with natural hot springs.