The climate of Lahad Datu
Situated in
Malaysia,
Lahad Datu experiences a Tropical rainforest climate, also referred to as Af on the Köppen climate classification. Occupying a tropical zone, the town is no stranger to high humidity, generous rainfall, and consistently moderate temperatures throughout the year.
The temperature sees small variations across the year, with the highest average monthly temperature being 31.4°C (88.5°F) in
May while the lowest dips to 29.1°C (84.4°F) in
January. In a similar vein, the nighttime temperatures also maintain a steady range from 22.2°C (72°F) in
March to 23°C (73.4°F) in
November. An enduring tropical high humidity characterizes Lahad Datu, maintaining between 83% to 87% relative humidity over the months.
Rainfall in the area follows a well-defined pattern, with the highest precipitation observed from May to
August when the monthly averages range between 129mm (5.08") to 134mm (5.28"). On the other hand,
February records the least amount of rainfall, with a relatively lesser 73mm (2.87"). The sea temperatures exhibit little fluctuation, maintaining a tight range from 27.8°C (82°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F).
The best time to visit Lahad Datu
While
Lahad Datu makes for a great grade year-round due to its tropical climate, tourists often find the period from
February to
April most conductive. During these months, the area experiences marginally lower rainfall - between 73mm (2.87") to 109mm (4.29"). Additionally, the temperatures are quite pleasant, ranging from a daytime high of 29.8°C (85.6°F) to 31°C (87.8°F) and night lows between 22.3°C (72.1°F) to 22.5°C (72.5°F). Visitors can also enjoy longer sunshine hours during this period, with an average of 7.8h to 9h daily.
The worst time to visit Lahad Datu
The period between
May and
August can prove challenging for travellers due to the significant amount of rainfall, averaging between 129mm (5.08") to 134mm (5.28"). The relative humidity hovers around 84% to 85%, which coupled with rainfall can result in higher discomfort levels. Daytime temperatures frequently touch 31°C (87.8°F) to 31.4°C (88.5°F), making outdoor activities less pleasant. Still, the UV index remains at 7 throughout the year, indicating a need for suitable sun protection on all days, regardless of the season.
Spring weather in Lahad Datu
Spring stretches from
March to
May in
Lahad Datu. This period sees a gradual increase in temperatures, with average highs ranging from 30.6°C (87.1°F) to 31.4°C (88.5°F) and average lows between 22.2°C (72°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F). Correspondingly, the rainfall also increases, from 97mm (3.82") in March escalating to the year's high of 130mm (5.12") in May. The increasing rainfall does not dampen the sunshine, with 7.8h to 9.9h of sunlight observed per day.
Summer weather in Lahad Datu
June to
August constitutes the Summer months in
Lahad Datu. Weather during this time is marked by consistent highs, ranging between 30.8°C (87.4°F) to 30.5°C (86.9°F). In contrast, the nighttime temperatures remain stable at 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 22.5°C (72.5°F). This period sees the highest rainfall for the year, especially in June and August, with precipitation levels recorded at 134mm (5.28") to 129mm (5.08") respectively.
Autumn weather in Lahad Datu
The Autumn months are
September to
November. Temperatures remain steady, with daytime highs from 30.7°C (87.3°F) to 30.6°C (87.1°F) and night lows hovering between 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). Rainfall decreases from 103mm (4.06") in September to 101mm (3.98") in November. Sunshine hours are at the higher end of the spectrum, with sunlight amounting to 9.7h in September and then dropping to 8.1h by November.
Winter weather in Lahad Datu
The Winter months are from
December to
February.
Lahad Datu temperatures annually are fairly constant, with average high temperatures in these months from 30°C (86°F) to 29.8°C (85.6°F) and lows between 22.8°C (73°F) to 22.5°C (72.5°F). Rainfall is lightest during these months, making it an ideal time to visit. Monthly rainfall averages decrease to 110mm (4.33") in December and reaching the lowest at 73mm (2.87") in February. Daily sunshine hours reduce to 6.5h in December and then improve to 7.5h by February.
Weather in January
Observe the start of the year in
Lahad Datu,
Malaysia, with a relatively high average temperature peaking at 29.1°C (84.4°F). Compared to
December, it becomes apparent that both sea and air temperatures have seen a slight increase.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Transition into
February and one can notice a minor increase in temperature with highs averaging at 29.8°C (85.6°F). Compared to the previous month, February experiences a slight drop in rainfall and less number of rainy days.
Weather in February »Weather in March
With an average temperature high of 30.6°C (87.1°F),
March sees a significant increase in temperature compared to
February and becomes the third warmest month in
Lahad Datu. Comparatively, the number of rainy days is almost the same as February, keeping the humid climate intact.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
In
April, the temperature continues to rise, reaching an average high of 31°C (87.8°F) differing from the previous month's pattern. Despite the rise in temperature, the rainfall volume increases from 97mm (3.82") to 109mm (4.29"), witnessing the most substantial leap compared to
March.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May brings the highest temperature of the year, averaging at 31.4°C (88.5°F), distinguishing it from
April's weather pattern. Despite the rise in heat, the rainfall volume also sees an increase from 109mm (4.29") to 130mm (5.12"), maintaining the humid environment.
Weather in May » Weather in June
Compared to
May,
June sees a slight decrease in temperature, with averages lowering to 30.8°C (87.4°F). However, what remains consistent is the high level of rainfall: with an increase from 130mm (5.12") to 134mm (5.28"), June becomes the wettest month of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July shows a minor decline in average high temperatures, slumping to 30.3°C (86.5°F) compared to the hotter month of
June. Rainfall decreases from the highest volume, 134mm (5.28"), to 120mm (4.72"), offering a slight relief from the continued wet season pattern.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August, the weather in
Lahad Datu sees an increase in average temperatures from 30.3°C (86.5°F) up to 30.5°C (86.9°F), diverging from the trend in
July. The rainfall volume is almost the same as the previous month, witnessing a minor increase to 129mm (5.08").
Weather in August »Weather in September
September ushers in an increase in average high temperature from 30.5°C (86.9°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F). Comparatively, rainfall decreases from
August's 129mm (5.08") to 103mm (4.06"), offering a little respite from the constant rainfall.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
A transition into
October retains the slight increase in average high temperature, reaching at 30.8°C (87.4°F). Interestingly, rainfall spikes again from 103mm (4.06") to 129mm (5.08"), thus enhancing the humidity. However, as usual in
Lahad Datu, the high humidity does not lead to a decrease in sunlight hours.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Considerably, the temperature in
November lowers to 30.6°C (87.1°F) from the
October average of 30.8°C (87.4°F). Despite this, the amount of rainfall lessens slightly to 101mm (3.98") compared to the preceding month. Sunny days persist with the sun shining for an average of 8.1 hours per day, slightly lower than the past month.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December, the weather in
Lahad Datu,
Malaysia, sees another decrease in average temperatures down to 30°C (86°F), continuing the trend from
November. Despite the lower temperature, rainfall remains considerable at 110mm (4.33") up from 101mm (3.98") in November.
Weather in December » [Resources]