Best time to visit Sarawak

2 min summary When to go Map & highlights Wildlife National parks Culture Multi activity Rajang River Basin Top 10 Families Tips Responsible tourism

Best time to visit Sarawak

The only thing warmer than Sarawak's year round climate is the unforced friendliness of its impossibly welcoming locals

A truly tropical state, the temperature in Sarawak hovers between 27-32°C year-round, with frequent rains replenishing its verdant jungles. Those here to hike the rainforest trails, or watch for wildlife should be aware that they will be doing so in hot weather with very little breeze. Apr-Sept are drier months of the year, and generally considered the best time to visit Sarawak, but showers can occur at any time. Thankfully, the whole of Sarawak is sheltered from the worst of SE Asia’s weather.

Call us for the best time to go to Sarawak

Sarawak Weather Chart

MIN °C

MAX °C

RAIN (mm)

JAN

690

FEB

530

MAR

350

APR

290

MAY

230

JUN

200

JUL

190

AUG

210

SEP

280

OCT

320

NOV

350

DEC

490

Our Sarawak Holidays

Sarawak, month by month

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.

Need some help? Give us a call

Travel Team

If you'd like to chat about Sarawak or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Calling us from outside the UK?

rosy@responsibletravel.com

What happens when in Sarawak

Harriet Whitmarsh, from our supplier The Great Traveller, shares her opinion on the best time to visit Sarawak: “The temperature in Sarawak is consistent and sits between 27 and 31 year-round, but November to February is the monsoon season, so rain is heavier, though the whole of Sarawak is subject to rainforest conditions, so it can rain at any given time. Outside of November and February, rain is a lot less frequent and it’s a lot lighter, but there is a high chance that it will rain at some point during your stay and when it does it will be a proper tropical rainforest shower, but almost instantly the clouds seem to part, the sun comes out, and it’s over as quick as it began. Apart from the monsoon, there isn’t really another distinctive season and the whole length of Sarawak plus most of Borneo is predictable like that.”

Festivals & events in Sarawak

Rainforest World Music Festival.
This jungle boogie takes place every year during the first half of July. Gorge yourself on local Dayak delicacies, wander round welcoming longhouses, and dance til dawn to sets played by all sorts of world music artists including, of course, headline act ‘Tarika’, who are seriously big Malaysia way. At the end of the three-day shindig no one has slept and everyone is filthy: it could almost be Glasto.

Responsible Travel would like to thank the Sarawak tourist board for their sponsorship of this guide

More about Sarawak

Sarawak travel guide

Learn all about Malaysia’s largest state with our Sarawak travel guide.

Where to go in Sarawak

Make the most of your time with our map of highlights and suggested itineraries.

Things to do in Sarawak

There's lots to do in Sarawak from trekking in national parks to tribal homestays.

Community tourism in Sarawak

The culture and heritage of the Lun Bawang people is at the core of Sarawak community tourism.

Sarawak National Parks

There are some 30 Sarawak national parks, all extraordinary, all very different.

Sarawak adventure holidays

Sarawak adventure holidays take you into some of Asia's most spectacular natural landscapes.

Rainforest World Music Festival

The Rainforest World Music Festival is one of Sarawak's greatest cultural events.

Orangutan conservation in Sarawak

Community led conservation projects in Sarawak offer life affirming experiences for visitors.

Bird watching in Sarawak

With over 20 Important Bird Areas and plenty of national parks too, Sarawak is birdwatching bliss.

Travel to Batang Ai National Park, Sarawak

Batang Ai National Park is a superb place to see endangered orangutan in the wild.

Culture in Sarawak

Exploring the culture in Sarawak is one of the key reasons to visit the Land of the Hornbills.

Things to see & do in Kuching, Sarawak

Discover the picturesque riverside gateway to Sarawak and Malaysian Borneo - Kuching.

Benefits of a short tour to Sarawak

The joys of a short tour to Sarawak are as clear as the waters of its many dive sites.

Brooke Dynasty heritage – the White Rajahs

The fascinating heritage of the Brooke dynasty can be seen across Sarawak.

Wildlife in Sarawak

Sarawak wildlife ranges from endangered orangutans to proboscis monkeys and sea turtles.

Sarawak multi activity holidays

Sarawak multi activity holidays let you experience stunning natural landscapes and tribal culture.

Rajang river basin

Sibu is the gateway to the Rajang river basin, which offers a distinct tribal culture.

Top 10 Sarawak holidays

Narrowing our Sarawak trips down to just 10 was a tricky business, but we managed...just.

Travelling in Sarawak with kids

Travelling in Sarawak with kids involves activities they'll enjoy and learn from at the same time.

Sarawak travel advice

If you’re searching for Sarawak travel advice , check out these tips from our friends.

Responsible tourism in Sarawak

Wildlife issues are integral to responsible tourism in Sarawak - read on to learn more.

More relevant guides

Written by Polly Humphris

ABTA member P7085 so you are fully protected

Photo credits: [Page banner: charles taylor] [Temp chart - Sarawak River: Gido] [RT recommends: Intrepid Navigator] [Festivals and events: Rainforest World Music Festival]

Best time to visit Sarawak