The climate of Sibu
Located in the heart of the tropical geography of
Malaysia,
Sibu experiences a predominant 'Af' or Tropical rainforest climate according to the Köppen climate classification. Notable for its consistently high temperatures and regular occurrences of rain throughout the year, the climate remains relatively stable with minor variations in weather parameters scattered across the year.
The temperature largely hovers between highs of 31.2°C to 33°C and lows within the range of 22.5°C to 23.1°C. This consistent temperature profile provides an almost constant tropical climate environment, with no severe cold periods to mark distinct seasons. Concurrent with this constant heat, rainfall remains a dominant feature, with average monthly precipitation spanning from a low of 168mm to a high of 368mm.
The frequency of rainy days throughout the year slightly fluctuates, with a minimum of 12 days in the middle of the year and reaching a crest of 20 days as the year ends. Providing the area with ample daylight, the sun appears for about 12 to 12.3 hours daily, with sunshine hours varying from 4.2 hours to 6.4 hours. This combination of abundant rain, high temperatures and adequate sunshine underscores the tropical rainforest climate of Sibu.
The best time to visit Sibu
Sparing visitors from the constant rainfall that embodies
Sibu's climate is the period from
June to
July. Despite being the driest months of the year, this period still witnesses an average of 193mm to 168mm of rainfall spread over about 12 rainy days. Coupled with consistently high temperatures of around 32.7°C and extended sunshine hours reaching up to 6.4 hours per day, this time offers a relatively less humid climate for exploration and outdoor activity.
The worst time to visit Sibu
In contrast to the driest period, the months from
December to
January stand as the wettest throughout the year - showcasing a marked increase in rainfall, from 360mm to 368mm, spanning over 19 to 20 days. These increased rain episodes, coupled with slightly lower temperatures, could hamper outdoor activities and travel plans, making it less favorable for visitors.
Spring weather in Sibu
In the tropical climate of
Sibu, the concept of traditional spring does not apply. However, moving along the months,
March to
May demonstrate average temperature highs ranging from 32°C to 33°C and lows between 22.8°C to 23.1°C. On average, a rainfall of 228mm to 301mm occurs across 15 to 17 rainy days, while daylight lasts for 12.1 to 12.2 hours with about 4.9 to 6.2 hours of sunshine.
Summer weather in Sibu
June to
August, normally considered as summer months in other regions, see a slight drop in rainfall in this part of
Malaysia. The volume of rain falls between 168mm to 218mm, happening over 12 to 14 days. Enveloped in the tropical atmosphere, temperatures remain constant, moving from highs of 32.7°C to around 32.6°C and lows varying narrowly from 22.5°C to 22.6°C. Hours of sunshine show an increase, touching up to 6.4 hours on longer days of 12.3 hours in June.
Autumn weather in Sibu
September through
November, the months generally regarded as autumn in temperate regions, see a rise in rainfall again, with figures ranging from 276mm to 295mm over 16 to 19 days. Despite the rising rain episodes, temperatures largely remain constant with highs of 32.2°C to 31.9°C and lows around 22.7°C. Daily sunshine hours still remain substantial, from 5.4 hours on 12.1 hours long days.
Winter weather in Sibu
There is no concept of a traditional winter season in
Sibu's tropical climate. However,
December marks the beginning of the wettest period in the year with an average rainfall of 360mm over 20 days. The average high temperature drops slightly to 30.3°C and the low reaching 22.8°C. This period is characterized by shorter sunshine durations of around 4.8 hours in 12-hour long days, further underscoring the propensity for indoor activities during this time.
Weather in January
January remains in the wettest quarter of the year in
Sibu, characterized by significant rainfall encompassing 19 days on average. Comparatively, the subsequent month of
February experiences a reduction of rainfall while cooler temperatures follow in
March.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Transitioning from
January, the weather in
February sees a relative respite from raining days dropping to 15. Expect temperatures to become slightly warmer than the preceding month, though the difference isn’t too large. February is the month with the lowest amount of rainfall - 258mm.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The month of
March subtly initiates the transition toward the dry period in
Sibu. The onset of warmer weather in comparison to
February starts to become evident. An average temperature rise from 31.2°C in February to 32°C in March characterizes this trend.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The monthly highs continue to rise in
April, a trend started by
March. Equatorial equinox observed during this period culminates in the most extended daylight hours, an increase from 12.1 hours earlier. Despite a rise in temperature to 32.8°C, there is only a tiny increase in rainfall from the preceding month.
Weather in April »Weather in May
With high temperatures remaining steady,
May in
Sibu,
Malaysia, marks the beginning of mildly cooler nights. The contrast with
April is small, yet it marks the start of a consistent decrease in rainfall. The levels of UV radiation continue to be remarkably high during this sunnier period, indicating a need for sun protection.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June falls within the hot and dry period, which is synonymous with
Sibu's equatorial climate. It is marked by a slight decrease in rainfall from
May and a slight tinge of cooler temperatures at night. Temperatures remain high, even hovering around 32.8°C during the day.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Subtle changes in
Sibu weather continue in
July. July's highlight is the decrease in average daily high temperatures, dipping under 32.7°C. The mild change in daylight hours and temperatures between
June and July goes unseen to the untrained eye.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Notably,
August's weather features slightly cooler nights compared to the preceding month of
July. The increase in rainfall and intensity of UV radiation is not noteworthy, but it will affect outdoor activities. A slight increase in temperatures from 32.7°C to 32.6°C is observed from July to August.
Weather in August »Weather in September
A shift towards increased rainfall happens in
September, setting grounds for the stormy quarter of the year. Gradual warming indicates an annual pattern of rising temperatures, which normally extends into the subsequent month of
October.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October brings along a wee bit of warmth compared to
September. This begins a trend noticeable in the succeeding months of
November and
December. From 32.2°C in September, the temperatures rise to a high of 32.1°C in October. Despite the slight increases in temperature, October is cherished for its pleasant weather, ideal for exploring the city's offerings.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November follows the warming trend noted in the past few months, leading to the warmest period of the year. Rainfall tends to increase, given the approach of the wettest month of the year -
December. The temperatures range close to 31.9°C during the day, indicating a mild cooling effect from
October.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December usually ends up as the month with the most rain in
Sibu, lending a moist tinge to the closing of the year. A rising trend in precipitation is evident, which has been building up since
October. A significant increase in rainfall to 360mm is observed from
November to December.
Weather in December » [Resources]