Best Time to Visit Borneo: A Seasonal Guide for Wildlife, Weather & Adventures

Borneo is a big, warm island where the weather feels hot and sticky almost daily. The air is always warm, usually between 22°C and 32°C.

The island is like one massive, green jungle. It’s covered in thick rainforests, where tall trees and plants grow everywhere. And guess what? It rains a lot here. There are times when it rains more (called the wet season) and times when it rains less (called the dry season). But honestly, the rain can come anytime.

The rain is super important because it keeps the forests fresh and green. Without it, the jungle wouldn’t be so alive and beautiful. Plus, when it’s not raining, the sun shines bright. And if you visit during the UK’s spring and summer months, you’ll catch many sunny days.

Quick Guide to Borneo’s Seasons

The Seasons in Borneo

Dry Season (March and October)

This is the best time to go to Borneo. Why? Because the sun is out more often, and there is less rain. The rivers are not so full, which makes it easier to explore. Animals also come out looking for water, so it’s a good time to see wildlife. You might spot monkeys, birds, or even elephants!

It’s also the perfect time to enjoy the beaches. Borneo has beautiful beaches in Asia, but few people know about them. So, if you love sunny days and calm water, this season is excellent. The weather is hot, but the sea breeze makes it feel nice.

Wet Season (November to April)

This is when it rains a lot in Borneo. Some people don’t like the rain, but it’s not all bad. The rain makes the forests green and fresh. Everything looks alive and beautiful. It’s a great time to take photos of the lush trees and colourful flowers. Plus, there are fewer tourists, so it’s quieter. Some animals, like frogs and insects, love the rain and are easier to see.

Even though it rains, it doesn’t rain all day. You might have sunny mornings and rainy afternoons. So, if you don’t mind a little rain, this season can be a lovely time to visit.

Weather in Borneo Throughout the Year

Here’s a small breakdown of the weather for each month.

January – February

Expect heavy showers. But don’t worry—the rain makes everything super green and pretty. The forests look fresh, and the rivers are full. Tourist spots are quieter, too. Some places, like lodges, might be closed, but you can still enjoy them.

March – April

The rain starts to slow down in March in Sabah and April in Sarawak. But remember, it’s a rainforest so a little rain can fall anytime. That’s normal. The good part is the lands are green, and there are fewer tourists. Plus, you can enjoy sunny days at the beach.

May – June

These months are usually the driest. That means less rain and more sun. But sometimes, a small shower can happen, especially in places like Kota Kinabalu and Gaya Island. Tropical storms might pop up, but they don’t last long. It’s a perfect time for jungle walks and trekking. The paths are dry, and you can see many animals and plants.

July – August

It gets hot during these months, reaching 30 to 31°C, which means it feels warm and sticky. Sometimes, thunderstorms can happen, especially in Sarawak, but most days are sunny. It’s also good for trekking and exploring the forests.

September – October

The dry season starts to an end. September is perfect for climbing Mount Kinabalu. The skies are clear, and the view is fantastic. October feels cooler, so it’s comfy for exploring. Plus, there are fewer tourists, so places feel quiet and peaceful.

November – December

The rains come back again. You might see thunderstorms in the afternoons, especially in Sarawak. The rain makes the forests look thick and green. It’s a lovely sight. This is also a good time to visit Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo for more sunny adventures.

When to Spot Wildlife in Borneo

Here, you can spot all the wildlife animals in Borneo.

Orangutans

The best time to see orangutans is from April to August. These big, orange monkeys love to hang out near water because they come looking for drinks and food when it’s hot. So, if you want to spot them, check near rivers and lakes. They are easier to find when it’s dry. They like to swing from tree to tree but come down for a splash. Bring a camera because you’ll want to capture these incredible moments!

Proboscis Monkeys & Pygmy Elephants

March to October is the perfect time for seeing proboscis monkeys and pygmy elephants. Proboscis monkeys are funny-looking, have big noses, and love playing in the trees. Pygmy elephants are smaller than regular elephants but still super strong and cute! These animals like cooler, comfy weather. So when it’s not too hot, they come out more. You might see them eating leaves or walking by the river.

Bird Watching

You can see birds in Borneo from May to October. Some birds, called endemic birds, live there all the time. Others, called migratory birds, visit from faraway places. They come to Borneo when it’s cold in their home countries. Look for bright feathers and listen to pretty songs. Grab some binoculars and see how many birds you can find!

Key Dates and Festivals

Now, let’s talk about all the fantastic festivals you can attend.

Chinese New Year (February)

This is a significant and happy festival. Families come together, eat tasty food, and clean their homes to bring good luck. People hang bright red lanterns in the streets. These lanterns glow and look so pretty at night. Kids love this time because they get red envelopes with money inside. These are called “ang pao.” Fireworks light up the sky. Everyone smiles and shares joy.

Borneo Cultural Festival (August)

This festival is full of fun. It lasts for a whole week! People come to Sarawak to enjoy music, food, and art. You can taste different types of local dishes, from spicy to sweet. There are dance shows where people wear colourful costumes. Music fills the air. You can also see beautiful crafts made by hand. The festival is a great way to learn about the local culture. Everyone is welcome to join.

Rainforest Music Festival (June)

This is a three-day music party near Kuching, near the green rainforest. You can hear drums, guitars, and even traditional instruments. People dance and sing along. There are workshops where you can learn about music and culture. The vibe is happy and friendly.

Top Places and Their Weather

Let’s discuss all the top places!

Kuching

Kuching is a warm place. It stays hot all year round, usually between 23°C and 32°C. If you love sunny days, visit from May to September. This is the dry season, perfect for walking around and exploring. You can visit parks and markets and eat yummy food under the clear sky.

But even when it rains, Kuching is lovely. You can sit under a roof and watch the raindrops.

Kinabatangan River

This river is famous for its wildlife, and the average temperature at this destination is 27°C to 32 °C. March to October is the best time to take a boat ride and look for animals. You might see small elephants called pygmy elephants. They are cute and unique. You could also spot long-nosed monkeys, known as proboscis monkeys.

Kota Kinabalu

The best time to go is from March to October. The sun is out, and the sea is calm. The temperature stays between 24°C and 32°C. You can swim, play in the sand, and enjoy the sunny weather. In the wet season, it rains a little, but not for long. After the rain, you might see a rainbow. The sky looks magical.

Selingan Island

This island is unique because of the turtles, whose average temperature is 28°C. From March to October, turtles come to the beach to lay eggs. You can watch them and see baby turtles hatch. It’s a beautiful sight. Even when it rains, the island feels peaceful.

Plan Your Borneo Adventure

The best adventures happen when you pick the right time to go. Borneo has a tropical climate, which means it’s warm all year round but has rainy seasons. So, pack your bags and bring your camera! Borneo is calling. Are you ready to answer?

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FAQs

What is the best way to see wildlife in Borneo?

The best way is to visit wildlife sanctuaries or go on guided jungle tours. These places help protect animals like orangutans and pygmy elephants.

What should I pack for my Borneo adventure?

Pack light, comfy clothes, hiking shoes, and a raincoat. Also, bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

What food should I try in Borneo?

Try local dishes like ‘laksa’ (spicy noodle soup) and ‘satay’ (grilled meat skewers). Don’t miss the tropical fruits like durian and rambutan!

Do people in Borneo speak English?

Yes, many people speak English, especially in tourist spots. But learning a few local words is always fun and appreciated!

Is Borneo expensive to visit?

It can be affordable if you plan well. There are budget stays and local food options. However, costs can be higher for special tours or luxury stays.