Best time to visit Sarawak

November to January are the wettest and least settled months, this is not the best time to visit Sarawak unless you’re happy to be wet, and particularly if you’re planning to hike. Stef Studley, from our supplier Regent Holidays, shares her advice on when to visit Sarawak: "There are issues with accessing certain areas during the wet season (November, December, January and February), certainly to the Bako National Park, which isn’t recommended then because it’s tricky to get into on the boats."

However, if you are on a budget, then the wetter months may well be the best time to visit Sarawak. As well as the likelihood of cheaper flights, accommodation and tours, its incredible National Parks will be much quieter, plus the unpredictable weather means you may just get lucky with a dry spell!

Rainfall significantly decreases in Sarawak during March.

Apart from during the wet monsoon season, there isn’t really any other clear-cut seasons in Sarawak; it’s tropical and hovers at around 27-30°C, which is lovely and warm and only adds to the jungle flavour! April, May, June, July, August and September are drier in Sarawak, but the entire region is sheltered from the worst of SE Asia’s weather anyway.

During October, Sarawak sees an increase in rainfall, particularly in the coastal areas of Kuching, Damai Beach and Bako National Park, but head south to Batang Ai and Gunung Mulu National Park and you’ll find much drier climes.

Rainy and with an ever-present possibility of thunderstorms, November is an exciting time in Sarawak if you don’t mind a bit of rain – most thunderstorms occur in the late afternoon or evenings, giving you a spectacular show as they do! This time of year is temperamental, but crowds deplete massively and national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, jungle lodges and caves are even more appealing without the hordes.

Keep an eye out for local holidays and festivals. Malaysian Borneo’s harvest festival and Sarawak’s Rainforest Music Festival are both held in July, and while this is a wonderful time to experience the region, be aware that you may need to book early to secure a room.

It's Rhythm not rain that fills the rainforest in August, when the world renowned Rainforest World Music Festival takes over the Sarawak Cultural Village for three days when global artists unite under one big cultural canopy.