Best Time to Dive Sabah
Across 18 Sabah dive sites with multi-year conditions history, February, March, April, May, June, August and November historically show the most favorable days — 100% of sampled days in the good band. The next-highest months are January (99%), October (99%) and December (99%). September historically shows the fewest favorable days (97% of sampled days). Average water temperature in the sample runs from about 29°C in February to 31°C in May. Typical seas range from 0.4 m to 0.8 m of significant wave height through the year. These figures are historical climatology computed from measured conditions — patterns, not a forecast or a guarantee.
Computed from our own conditions climatology — measured history, not brochure copy.
Which months are historically most favorable in Sabah?
| Month | Historically favorable days | Water temp | Typical seas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 99% | 29°C | 0.8 m |
| Feb | 100% | 29°C | 0.8 m |
| Mar | 100% | 29°C | 0.7 m |
| Apr | 100% | 30°C | 0.4 m |
| May | 100% | 31°C | 0.4 m |
| Jun | 100% | 30°C | 0.4 m |
| Jul | 98% | 30°C | 0.6 m |
| Aug | 100% | 30°C | 0.5 m |
| Sep | 97% | 30°C | 0.6 m |
| Oct | 99% | 30°C | 0.4 m |
| Nov | 100% | 30°C | 0.5 m |
| Dec | 99% | 30°C | 0.6 m |
% = share of sampled days scoring in the favorable band, median across 18 dive sites with at least two years of history. Ringed = historical peak.
How does this compare worldwide? The Most Reliable Diving Months on Earth ranks 61 countries by the same measure.
Marine life seasons
Sighting patterns across the wider Coral Triangle & Southeast Asia region — not site-specific promises.
- Green sea turtleSep–Oct
- Reef manta rayFeb–May
- Whale sharkSep–Feb
Bars are Jan–Dec — months when sightings historically concentrate (GBIF occurrence records). Wildlife is never guaranteed.
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