Climate and monthly weather forecastTawau, Malaysia

The climate of Tawau

Nestled in Malaysia, Tawau enjoys a consistent tropical rainforest climate, also referred to as Af in the Köppen climate classification. This involves a high level of humidity, infrequent temperature fluctuations, and substantial year-round rainfall.

Across Tawau, temperatures see minimal variation throughout the year, ranging from 22.4°C (72.3°F) up to a high of 32.4°C (90.3°F). The rainfall varies month to month, with the lowest precipitation occurring in April, at 90mm (3.54"), and the highest in July, at 207mm (8.15"). The number of rainy days each month stays fairly consistent, fluctuating between ten and fourteen days.

Sea temperatures contribute significantly to Tawau's climate. There is not much variation, with temperatures ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) to 29.9°C (85.8°F) throughout the year. The daylight hours are equally consistent, averaging around 12.1 hours per day, while sunshine hours slightly vary, peaking at 7.5 hours in May.

One of the extraordinary weather patterns is a sharp increase in rainfall from 90mm (3.54") in April to 207mm (8.15") in July, more than doubling within a span of three months.

The best time to visit Tawau

Taking into account the climatological parameters, April emerges as the most opportune time to visit Tawau. With the lowest average rainfall of 90mm (3.54") across ten days, visitors can anticipate drier and clear skies. The temperatures are comfortably warm, ranging between 23.1°C (73.6°F) to 32.3°C (90.1°F), and the sea is inviting at 29.4°C (84.9°F). The daylight hours are appealing, with an average of 12.2 hours daily, and sunshine hours peak at 7.4, providing ample opportunity to soak up the tropical sun.

The worst time to visit Tawau

As per weather conditions, the month of July stands out as the least attractive time for travel. The rainfall peaks this month with 207mm (8.15") disbursed over 14 days, which can seriously dampen outdoor plans. Temperatures hover between 22.8°C (73°F) to 31.3°C (88.3°F). The sea temperature and daylight hours are still favorable, but the increased rainfall could likely disrupt beach and other outdoor activities.

Spring weather in Tawau

In Tawau, spring falls between March to May, marked by gradually climbing temperatures and fluctuating rainfall. March starts off with temperatures between 22.6°C (72.7°F) to 31.9°C (89.4°F), and May ends slightly warmer, from 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 32.4°C (90.3°F). Rainfall goes from 101mm (3.98") in March, drops to 90mm (3.54") in April, then surges to 126mm (4.96") in May. Visitors can enjoy between 12.1 to 12.3 daylight hours and around seven sunshine hours.

Summer weather in Tawau

June to August make up the summer months. Despite it being summer, rainfall is at its highest, peaking in July with 207mm (8.15"). June and August have rainfall averages of 162mm (6.38") and 202mm (7.95") respectively. Temperatures range from a low of 23.3°C (73.9°F) in June to a high of 31.5°C (88.7°F) in August. Sunbathers can take advantage of approximately twelve hours of daylight each day.

Autumn weather in Tawau

In the autumn season, September to November, temperatures range from a low of 22.7°C (72.9°F) up to a high of 32°C (89.6°F). Rainfall decreases slowly over the period, with September recording 179mm (7.05"), and November marking 150mm (5.91"). Daylight hours diminish slightly to an average of 12 per day, and visitors can expect approximately six hours of sunshine per day.

Winter weather in Tawau

December to February constitute the winter season in Tawau. The temperature ranges from a cooler 22.4°C (72.3°F) in December and January, to a high of 31.6°C (88.9°F) in January. Rainfall continues to lessen, with February having the second lowest rainfall of the year at 102mm (4.02"). The daylight hours lessen slightly to an average of 11.9 per day, but sunshine hours remain consistent at approximately 6 per day.

Weather in January

As the new year begins in Tawau, Malaysia, hot and humid weather conditions set in, comparable to the preceding month of December. High temperatures of up to 31.6°C (88.9°F) and low temperatures of 22.4°C (72.3°F) ensure a continued tropical climate. Weather in January »

Weather in February

February experiences a marginal drop in temperatures from those in January but keeps up with the tropical climate that characterises Tawau, Malaysia. With the lessened rainfall, the region begins to dry off, making the landscape more navigable. Weather in February »

Weather in March

Coming off from February, March experiences slightly higher temperatures and a further reduction in rainfall, experiencing only 101mm (3.98") throughout the monh. This leads to a warm and relatively dry atmosphere around Tawau, Malaysia. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Moving forward into April, Tawau, Malaysia, observes a sustained increment in temperatures, maintaining the tropical feel. The sea temperature peaks, making water activities like swimming and surfing irresistible. Incidence of rainfall dribbles down further, marking a lesser number of wet days in the month. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May, in Tawau, Malaysia, steps into peak year temperatures, considering the prior month's warmer trend. Rainfall, however, begins to rise gradually, indicating the start of a wetter phase in the weather cycle. Although rainfall is present, sunny days substantially prevail due to heightened sunshine hours. Weather in May »

Weather in June

With June arrives a minor drop in temperatures from those in May, still enough to uphold the warm conditions of Tawau, Malaysia. Rainfall significantly increases, making it a wet month considering the progression seen since May. These rainy conditions contribute to a knock down in daily sunshine hours when compared with May. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July brings along marginally lower temperatures than June, with an increased rainfall amount of 207mm (8.15"). This makes Tawau, Malaysia, a typically wet region during this month. Notwithstanding the heavier rainfall, sunshine hours are more or less constant, indicating relatively clear skies between rain showers. Weather in July »

Weather in August

In August, slight increases in both high and low temperatures are experienced as compared to July. The city continues to experience heavy rainfall, with a slightly lower volume than the preceding month. Despite the wet conditions, sunshine hours remain stable, offering a fair amount of brightness during the daytime. Weather in August »

Weather in September

As September rolls into Tawau, Malaysia, a trend similar to that in August persists with slightly higher temperatures. A minor decrease in precipitation signifies a slightly drier month than August, albeit still dramatically wet. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October observes temperatures marginally higher than those in September, preserving the warmth Tawau, Malaysia is known for. While the rainfall reduces slightly from September, it still marks a notably wet month. Lower sunshine hours than seen in September depict a lesser duration of clear skies during the day. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November in Tawau, Malaysia experiences no drastic change in temperatures when compared to October and keeps up the overall warm weather. A downward shift in rainfall records a relatively drier atmosphere than the previous month. Weather in November »

Weather in December

Rounding the year off in December, Tawau, Malaysia witnesses a minor drop in temperatures from November but maintains the tropical warmth. Rainfall further deescalates, notching down the city's wetness, declaring an end to the heavier monsoon season. Weather in December »