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Contents
- The climate of Sandakan
- The best time to visit Sandakan
- The worst time to visit Sandakan
- Spring weather in Sandakan
- Summer weather in Sandakan
- Autumn weather in Sandakan
- Winter weather in Sandakan
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average UV index
The climate of Sandakan
Sandakan, a city on the northeast coast of Malaysia, is classified as a tropical rainforest climate under the Köppen Climate Classification system. The predominant features of an Af climate include high temperatures and substantial rainfall throughout the year. The monthly average temperatures in Sandakan vary slightly with a range of 29.2°C (84.6°F) to 32.5°C (90.5°F) on the high end and 22.1°C (71.8°F) to 23.7°C (74.7°F) on the low end.
The consistently high UV index, which stays primarily at 12 throughout the year dropping to 11 only in December, points to a sunny climate. The sunshine hours complement this, varying from a maximum of 8.2 hours in April to a minimum of 5 hours in January and December. Daylight hours stay more or less constant, falling within the range of 11.8 to 12.5 hours.
Rainfall is a significant feature of the Sandakan climate. The rainfall amount fluctuates with peaks reaching 462mm (18.19") in December and the lowest level at 107mm (4.21") in April. The number of rainy days mirrors this distribution, going from a high of 19 days in December to a low of 7 in April. The pattern indicates a mostly wet climate, particularly towards the end and start of the year, fitting the tropical rainforest profile.
The consistently high UV index, which stays primarily at 12 throughout the year dropping to 11 only in December, points to a sunny climate. The sunshine hours complement this, varying from a maximum of 8.2 hours in April to a minimum of 5 hours in January and December. Daylight hours stay more or less constant, falling within the range of 11.8 to 12.5 hours.
Rainfall is a significant feature of the Sandakan climate. The rainfall amount fluctuates with peaks reaching 462mm (18.19") in December and the lowest level at 107mm (4.21") in April. The number of rainy days mirrors this distribution, going from a high of 19 days in December to a low of 7 in April. The pattern indicates a mostly wet climate, particularly towards the end and start of the year, fitting the tropical rainforest profile.
The best time to visit Sandakan
The optimal time to visit Sandakan is from April to July. During these months, the weather is at its most favorable with the least rainfall and the most sunshine hours. Although average temperatures remain relatively stable, the sea temperature shows a mild increase, ranging from 28.8°C (83.8°F) to a peak of 29.8°C (85.6°F). Reduced cloud cover during these months allows more sun to reach the beaches and sea surfaces, resulting in warmer seawater. With only 7 to 12 rainy days a month and rainfall as low as 107mm (4.21") in April, these months represent the driest period in the city.
The worst time to visit Sandakan
Planning a trip to Sandakan between November and February is least advisable due to adverse weather conditions. These months record the highest rainfall levels, surging from 344mm (13.54") in November to 462mm (18.19") in December. The corresponding increase in the number of rainy days, from 18 in November to 19 in December, leads to wet, soggy conditions. Despite neither extreme cold being reported nor a precipitous drop in temperature, the humidity caused by continuous showers can create an uncomfortable climate.
Spring weather in Sandakan
In Sandakan, the months of March, April, and May bring some of the most pleasant weather conditions. Absolutely consistent high temperatures, staying around the 31°C (87.8°F) mark; lows between 23.5°C (74.3°F) and 23.7°C (74.7°F); and decreasing rainfall create a warm, dry climate. Rainfall drops from 158mm (6.22") in March to a yearly low of 107mm (4.21") in April, before slightly increasing to 138mm (5.43") in May. The average length of the day remains consistent, slowly increasing from 12.1 hours to 12.4 hours.
Summer weather in Sandakan
Predictably, summer in Sandakan, spanning June, July, and August, is characterized by steadily high temperatures and moderate rainfall. High temperatures remain consistently above 32°C (89.6°F) with the lowest temperature recorded at the rather mild 22.1°C (71.8°F) in July. The presence of rainfall is stable in terms of both quantity and frequency, ranging from 195mm (7.68") to 213mm (8.39") and remaining at 12-13 days.
Autumn weather in Sandakan
Despite technically being autumn, September, October, and November see constant warm temperatures in Sandakan. High temperatures range from 31.5°C (88.7°F) to 30.7°C (87.3°F) while the low temperatures vary from 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 23.3°C (73.9°F). A salient feature of this period is the gradual increase in rainfall, which exercises from 237mm (9.33") in September to a hefty 344mm (13.54") by November. More notably, November marks a sharp increase in precipitation with rainy days jumping from 15 to 18.
Winter weather in Sandakan
Winter months in Sandakan show a significant increase in rainfall. In December, rainfall peaks at 462mm (18.19"), the highest in the year, and the number of rainy days also peak at 19. Temperatures show marginal variance, with highs of 29.8°C (85.6°F) and lows around 23.4°C (74.1°F). Regardless of increased precipitation, the sea temperatures remain moderately warm at 28.7°C (83.7°F), offering some respite from the wet and slightly chillier winter days.
Weather in January
January's weather in Sandakan, Malaysia, is defined by its consistently warm temperatures alongside its propensity for heavy rainfall. The average high temperature peaks at 29.2°C (84.6°F) reinforced by a substantial amount of rainfall reaching 437mm (17.2"). Weather in January »
Weather in February
In Sandakan, the February weather pattern shows a slight slackening of rainfall from the prior month, leading to a more serene atmosphere. Compared to the prior month's precipitation, February experiences a reduction in average rainfall to 268mm (10.55"). Weather in February »
Weather in March
March witnesses a significant drop in rainfall, indicating the transition from wet to dry season in Sandakan. With an average rainfall plummeting to 158mm (6.22"), it is one of the drier months of the year. The radiant sunshine and fewer rain clouds imbue the city landscape with an invigorating sense of vigor. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April sees the weather in Sandakan maintaining a consistent warm temperature, while the rainfall starts to reduce further. The month experiences 107mm (4.21") of precipitation, the lowest figure for the year. As a result, it offers a pleasant tropical climate, ideal to explore the outdoors. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May brings an increase in precipitation compared to April in Sandakan, indicating a shift in the season. The average rainfall sees a growth to 138mm (5.43"), bringing about a more humid climate. It paints a picture of an enticing tropical paradise, basking under the bright sun. Weather in May »
Weather in June
The weather in June at Sandakan, Malaysia, experiences a notable increase in rainfall compared to May. Rainfall average increases to 200mm (7.87"), offering a glimpse of the transition to the monsoon season. Despite this, the weather embodies a distinctly tropical character, with clear sunny mornings intermittently interrupted by quick afternoons showers. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in Sandakan presents a marked consistency in the weather conditions, similar to those of June. Average precipitation hovers around the year's midpoint at 195mm (7.68"), portraying a fairly stable and predictable climate. From the vibrant city to the lush woods and attractive waters, all corners of Sandakan continue to bloom under the tropical sun. Weather in July »
Weather in August
In August, Sandakan’s weather includes a modest increase in rainfall compared to the preceding month. The rainfall slightly increases to 213mm (8.39"), intimating the advent of the late monsoon season. Despite occasional showers, the persistent sunny spells ensure an enjoyable visit for both local residents and tourists. Weather in August »
Weather in September
During September, Sandakan sees a subtle rise in the amount of rainfall compared to August. Average precipitation reaches up to 237mm (9.33"), signalling the monsoon's continuity. The balmy climate is complemented by the aesthetic charm brought about by the showers. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October's climatic representation in Sandakan underscores the heavy monsoon period with increased precipitation rates. Rainfall tally for the month escalates to 253mm (9.96"), confirming the full effect of the monsoon season. Despite greater rainfall, the vibrant city life hums with usual vigor. Weather in October »
Weather in November
The last month of the autumn, November, is hot month in Sandakan, Malaysia, with an average temperature varying between 23.3°C (73.9°F) and 30.7°C (87.3°F). Sandakan starts November with an average high-temperature of a still hot 30.7°C (87.3°F), hinting at a minimal fluctuation from October. Weather in November »
Weather in December
Adorned with the holiday spirit, December in Sandakan also features the year’s highest rainfall. The monsoon peaks with average rainfall soaring to 462mm (18.19"), marking a high in the wet season. The heavy showers though do not deter the celebration mood that fills the air throughout Sandakan. Weather in December »
[Resources]Frequently asked questions
What part of the year is the coldest in Sandakan?
January, on average, is the coldest month, registering a high temperature of 29.2°C (84.6°F) and a low of 23.3°C (73.9°F).
How much does it rain in Sandakan?
Throughout the year, in Sandakan, Malaysia, there are 158 rainfall days, and 3010mm (118.5") of precipitation is accumulated.
When is the sea coldest in Sandakan?
January and February, with an average sea temperature of 27.6°C (81.7°F), are months with the coldest seawater.
What is the month with the least sunshine in Sandakan?
The month with the least sunshine in Sandakan, Malaysia, is January, with an average of 5h of sunshine.
When is the highest UV index in Sandakan?
January through November, with an average maximum UV index of 12, are months with the highest UV index.
What is the driest month in Sandakan?
The month with the least rainfall is April, when the rain falls for 7 days and typically collects 107mm (4.21") of precipitation.
What month has the most sunshine in Sandakan?
April has the most sunshine of the year in Sandakan, Malaysia, with an average of 8.2h of sunshine.
What month is the hottest in Sandakan?
In Sandakan, May records the average highest temperatures, peaking at 32.5°C (90.5°F) and reaching a low of 23.7°C (74.7°F).
What is the month with the warmest sea water in Sandakan?
June is the month with the warmest seawater, with an average sea temperature of 29.8°C (85.6°F).
When are the longest days in Sandakan?
June has the longest days of the year in Sandakan, Malaysia, with an average of 12h and 30min of daylight.
What is the wettest month in Sandakan?
The month with the most rainfall is December, when the rain falls for 19 days and typically aggregates up to 462mm (18.19") of precipitation.
What is the month with the shortest days in Sandakan?
December has the shortest days of the year in Sandakan, Malaysia, with an average of 11h and 48min of daylight.
Is there Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Sandakan?
Sandakan, Malaysia, does not utilize Daylight Saving Time (DST). +08 timezone is used throughout the entire year.
When is the lowest UV index in Sandakan?
The month with the lowest UV index is December, with an average maximum UV index of 11.
Average temperature
Sandakan, Malaysia
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is May (32.5°C).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.2°C).
The months with the highest average low temperature are April and May (23.7°C).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is July (22.1°C).
Average rainfall
Sandakan, Malaysia
- Average rainfall in January:
436.8mm - Average rainfall in February:
267.6mm - Average rainfall in March:
157.8mm - Average rainfall in April:
107.3mm - Average rainfall in May:
137.6mm - Average rainfall in June:
200.3mm
- Average rainfall in July:
194.7mm - Average rainfall in August:
212.6mm - Average rainfall in September:
236.9mm - Average rainfall in October:
252.5mm - Average rainfall in November:
344.2mm - Average rainfall in December:
461.8mm
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is December (461.8mm).
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is April (107.3mm).
Average rainfall days
Sandakan, Malaysia
- Average rainfall days in January:
18 days - Average rainfall days in February:
12 days - Average rainfall days in March:
10 days - Average rainfall days in April:
7 days - Average rainfall days in May:
9 days - Average rainfall days in June:
12 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
12 days - Average rainfall days in August:
13 days - Average rainfall days in September:
13 days - Average rainfall days in October:
15 days - Average rainfall days in November:
18 days - Average rainfall days in December:
19 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is December (19 days).
The month with the least rainy days is April (7 days).
Average sea temperature
Sandakan, Malaysia
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is June (29.8°C).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are January and February (27.6°C).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Sandakan, Malaysia
- Average daylight in January:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in February:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in April:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in June:
12h and 3min
- Average daylight in July:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in August:
12h and 2min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 1min - Average daylight in October:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
11h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
11h and 5min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 12h and 30min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 11h and 48min).
- Average sunshine in January:
5h and 0min - Average sunshine in February:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in March:
7h and 0min - Average sunshine in April:
8h and 1min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 0min - Average sunshine in June:
6h and 5min
- Average sunshine in July:
7h and 1min - Average sunshine in August:
7h and 1min - Average sunshine in September:
6h and 3min - Average sunshine in October:
6h and 1min - Average sunshine in November:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in December:
5h and 1min
The month with the most sunshine is April (Average sunshine: 8h and 12min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 5h and 0min).
Average UV index
Sandakan, Malaysia
The months with the highest UV index are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (UV index 12).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 11).
Sandakan, Malaysia
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