Best time to visit Borneo

Why visit in February
By mid-February, the heavy rains ease up in much of Sarawak and parts of Sabah, giving way to longer dry spells and more stable conditions – especially in the west. The rainforest canopy thins slightly after the wettest weeks, making it easier to spot orangutans, hornbills and other wildlife. Rivers start to settle too, making crossings safer and boat travel less disrupted.

Things to consider
Rain is still possible – especially early in the month – and highland trails can be humid and slippery.

Festivals, events & activities
Chap Goh Mei – the Lantern Festival – marks the end of Chinese New Year, with fireworks, parades and community feasts. February is a good time for river safaris, caving and visiting longhouses.

Why visit in March
By March, things really start to dry out. With rivers lower and trails clearer, it’s a great time to head deep into the jungle. Wildlife is easier to spot, especially along riverbanks, and the air’s crisp and clear for views and photos.

Things to consider
You might still get the odd downpour, and the lowlands can be hot and sticky.

Festivals, events & activities
March is all about nature – birdwatching, jungle hikes, and boat safaris are all in full swing.

Why visit in April
April brings one of the most noticeable shifts in the year – the start of consistently drier weather across much of Sabah and Sarawak. Forest trails are easier underfoot, river flows ease, and the sea clears for excellent snorkeling and diving. Visibility is high in the rainforest, and canopy walkways like those in Danum Valley offer wide-open views across the treetops.

Things to consider
It’s heating up now, with daytime highs often reaching 33–34°C – so early starts and shady breaks are a good idea.

Why visit in May
May is one of Borneo’s driest and most settled months – ideal for jungle walks, river cruises and time on the coast. Drier ground and low rivers make wildlife easier to spot: orangutans feed near riverbanks, proboscis monkeys gather in mangroves, and pygmy elephants sometimes appear along quiet inland trails.

Things to consider
Sabah can start to feel busy toward the end of the month as school vacations begin. Inland humidity stays high.

Festivals, events & activities
Kaamatan – Sabah’s rice harvest festival – takes place at the end of May, with traditional music, games, and open houses in towns and villages.

Why visit in June
June stays mostly dry across much of Borneo, making it a great time for rainforest walks and wildlife spotting. Orangutans, macaques and hornbills are active in the treetops, and crocodiles and proboscis monkeys can often be seen along riverbanks. In Sarawak, it’s also festival season – Gawai Dayak, a harvest celebration, sees local communities gathering for traditional food, music and dancing.

Things to consider
It’s hot across the island, with daytime temperatures often around 32–34°C, especially along the coast.

Festivals, events & activities
Gawai Dayak (1–2 June) is one of Sarawak’s biggest cultural celebrations – a harvest festival marked by open houses, traditional music, dance and generous community feasts. It’s a lively, welcoming time to be in the region. You might come across a dance performance, or even a street karaoke session!

Why visit in July
This is peak dry season in Borneo – which means firm trekking paths, excellent wildlife sightings, and crystal-clear water around the islands. It’s one of the best months for snorkeling in Sabah’s marine parks, with calm seas and great visibility.

Things to consider
It’s a popular time to visit, so book well ahead – especially for wildlife lodges.

Festivals, events & activities
The Borneo Cultural Festival (usually mid-July) runs for about a week, with music, dance, and food from across Sarawak’s many cultures. It’s free and open to all.

Why visit in August
August brings Borneo’s best conditions. Trails dry out, rivers calm, ideal for combining jungle, river and city. Wildlife is easier to spot: proboscis monkeys, hornbills and orangutans emerge by day, with gibbons at dawn and civets after dark. Clear mornings and smooth river journeys make this one of the most rewarding times to visit.

Things to consider
This is peak season so book ahead. Midday heat and humidity bite (around 32–34°C), so plan for early starts, shaded breaks and plenty of water.

Festivals, events & activities
31st August is Merdeka (Malaysia’s Independence Day): parades, fireworks and some road closures in cities and towns. It’s a good week to base yourself near celebrations to feel part of the festivities, or steer clear if you dislike crowds.

Why visit in September
September is a sweet spot in Borneo. The weather is still at its best, but the busiest travel period has passed, leaving trails quieter and lodges less crowded. Rivers stay low enough for easy boat safaris, and the rainforest glows with post-wet-season color – lush, vibrant, and great for photography. With softer light and fewer people around, it’s a lovely time to stretch your legs and slow the pace.

Things to consider
Humidity starts to creep up again, and the odd late-month shower isn’t unusual – but neither tends to get in the way of travel.

Festivals, events & activities
This is a good time for jungle photography, spotting wildlife in quieter reserves, and taking on longer guided walks without the crowds.

Why visit in October
October marks the start of the off-season, bringing a quieter, more peaceful feel to Borneo. Rain begins to return – but it’s far from a washout. Early in the month, Sabah’s inland areas often stay dry, and the rainforest is thick with color after months of sun. With fewer travelers around and good rates at many lodges, it’s a smart time to go if you’re prepared for some showers.

Things to consider
Rain picks up mid to late month, especially in Sarawak, so it’s wise to keep plans flexible factor in a few indoor options, and pack your waterproofs. National parks close next month – so it’s your last chance to get in before the rains arrive.

Festivals, events & activities
This is a great month for rainforest walks between showers, jungle photography, and slow-paced cultural visits – especially if you're happy to dodge the downpours.

Why visit in November
November sees the wet season return in full – and with it, Borneo at its most dramatic. Rivers rise, waterfalls thunder, and the rainforest hums with life. It’s not a month for rigid plans, but if you’re up for a bit of rain and don’t mind adjusting your days around the weather, it’s wonderfully quiet and incredibly scenic. The jungle feels wild and raw in the best way.

Things to consider
Rain is frequent, and some trails or boat trips may close temporarily due to conditions. Bring good wet-weather gear and keep your plans flexible – it’s not the time for a packed itinerary.

Festivals, events & activities
This is a good month to focus on Borneo’s caves, cultural sites, and moody rainforest scenery – especially from a dry, sheltered base

Why visit in December
It’s the wet season, but December still has its draws. The festive season brings a warm, glow – twinkling lights in towns, Christmas markets and family celebrations in villages across the island. It’s a good time for a peaceful lodge escape or a laid-back cultural break, especially if you’re open to a slower pace.

Things to consider
Downpours are frequent, and trail closures or transport delays are not uncommon. Flexibility is key, and waterproofs are a must.

Festivals, events & activities
Expect Christmas decorations, church services, and New Year events in cities and towns – particularly in Christian-majority Sarawak. In the forest, rain brings out frogs, insects and birdlife, while mammals tend to be more visible during dry spells between showers.