When to go · Sipadan
Sipadan in January
Avoid month. Listed as a month to avoid: Nov–Feb (monsoon, rough seas).
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Temperature
- 31°C (88°F)88°F (31°C) / 23°C (73°F)73°F (23°C)
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 12
- Crowds
- Medium
- Malaysia overall
- Prices
- Medium
- Malaysia overall
Verdict
Listed as a month to avoid: Nov–Feb (monsoon, rough seas).
Is another month better than January?
January is rated avoid. These months rate higher:
- MarchGoodOutside the best window (check). Across Malaysia: East-coast islands reopen; Ramadan/Hari Raya may fall here in 2026 (check).
- AprilGoodOutside the best window (check). Across Malaysia: Good for islands both sides; afternoon storms on the west coast.
- MayGoodOutside the best window (check). Across Malaysia: Perhentian and Redang at their best; Borneo drying out.
- JuneGoodOutside the best window (check). Across Malaysia: School holidays; Kinabalu and Borneo in season; haze possible.
Weather in January
- SipadanHighs around 31 °C (88 °F), lows around 23 °C (73 °F), rain on about 12 daysHighs around 88 °F (31 °C), lows around 73 °F (23 °C), rain on about 12 days
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Chinese New Year big impact
Jan–Feb (lunar — check) · Malaysia
Two public days, many Chinese businesses shut for a week; Penang and KL busy.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Malaysia overall
- Medium
- Prices · Malaysia overall
- Medium
Malaysia overall: West coast fine; east-coast islands closed; Thaipusam and Chinese New Year may fall here (check).
Compare two months
Weather, crowds and prices for any two months in Sipadan, side by side.
Verdict
Jan: Avoid
Mar: Good (better)
Daytime high
Jan: 31 °C (88 °F)88 °F (31 °C)
Mar: 33 °C (91 °F)91 °F (33 °C)
Night low
Jan: 23 °C (73 °F)73 °F (23 °C)
Mar: 25 °C (77 °F)77 °F (25 °C)
Rain days
Jan: 12
Mar: 9 (better)
Crowds
Jan: Medium
Mar: Medium
Prices
Jan: Medium
Mar: Medium
Festivals listed
Jan: 1
Mar: 1
January: Listed as a month to avoid: Nov–Feb (monsoon, rough seas).
March: Outside the best window (check). Across Malaysia: East-coast islands reopen; Ramadan/Hari Raya may fall here in 2026 (check).
Sipadan: figures are long-term averages from this guide, not a forecast.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen
- A rain jacket or umbrella and shoes that dry fast