Semporna weather in short
Rain falls in every month. The rainfall figures below come from the Tawau weather station, which the Japan Meteorological Agency lists as WMO 96481 at 20 m (66 ft) above sea level. Tawau is on the mainland and serves here as an approximation for Semporna. Offshore reefs and islands such as Sipadan and Mabul can differ, so treat the figures as an approximation.
The seasons that matter for travel come from two things. The monsoon changes wind, waves and rain. A separate rule closes Sipadan in November, according to a dive operator. This is an independent guide, and it does not replace a current forecast. This page gives rainfall only, so check a current forecast for temperatures before you go.
Semporna rainfall month by month
Normal precipitation for Tawau (WMO 96481) and what else matters in each month.
| Month | Rainfall (Tawau normal) | What else matters |
|---|---|---|
| January | 152.0 mm (6.0 in) | Northeast monsoon months |
| February | 109.5 mm (4.3 in) | Driest month in the table, northeast monsoon |
| March | 131.0 mm (5.2 in) | Last month of the northeast monsoon |
| April | 171.9 mm (6.8 in) | Transition period, thunderstorms are possible |
| May | 167.6 mm (6.6 in) | Southwest monsoon begins late in the month |
| June | 176.3 mm (6.9 in) | Southwest monsoon |
| July | 190.1 mm (7.5 in) | Southwest monsoon, turtle nesting season at Pom Pom starts |
| August | 205.3 mm (8.1 in) | Wettest month after December |
| September | 136.9 mm (5.4 in) | End of the southwest monsoon |
| October | 169.4 mm (6.7 in) | Transition period, thunderstorms are possible |
| November | 171.9 mm (6.8 in) | Sipadan closed, according to one dive operator. Northeast monsoon begins |
| December | 212.2 mm (8.4 in) | Wettest month in the table. One Mabul resort lists high season from 15 December 2026 to 5 January 2027 |
The monthly figures add up to about 1,994 mm (78.5 in) a year. They come from the JMA climate page for Tawau and are a mainland guide, not a measurement of the reefs.
Our picks: a day on the water
Snorkeling and island hopping are listed for all months, and wind and swell decide the route more than the calendar does. A day trip with free cancellation leaves room to adjust.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Tours from Semporna through the seasons
Island hopping, snorkeling and dive trips from Semporna, with live prices and availability.
Monsoon and sea conditions
Why dates matter less than conditions on the day.
Northeast monsoon
The Malaysian Meteorological Department gives November to March. East Sabah can receive rain from it.
Southwest monsoon
The department gives late May to September. Even then Sabah is not reliably dry.
Transition months
Between the monsoons, thunderstorms are common. Plan some flexibility into boat days.
Different descriptions
Some operator pages describe the area without monsoon seasons. The weather service describes monsoons with effects on east Sabah. Plan for rain and rough water in any month, and follow your operator's advice on the day.
Weather, waves and the choice of dive sites change from day to day, according to a dive operator. Nothing here is a guarantee of calm seas or clear water in any month. For a safe plan, also read the safety page. Anglers can compare half-day and full-day trips in the Semporna fishing guide.
Best time to visit Semporna by goal
The best month depends on what you want to do.
| Goal | When to look | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Diving at Sipadan | Outside November | One operator lists Sipadan as closed for all of November and offers other sites instead. Its November program is not the same as Sipadan National Park |
| Diving at Mabul, Kapalai and Si Amil | All year | Conditions change with weather and waves, so sites can change on the day |
| Snorkeling and island hopping | All year | Wind and swell decide the route more than the calendar does. See island hopping |
| Turtles at Pom Pom | Nesting all year, main season July to November | According to a conservation project at Pom Pom. No sighting is guaranteed. See Pom Pom Island |
| Busy resort period | 15 December 2026 to 5 January 2027 | One Mabul resort adds a seasonal surcharge. See where to stay |
Claims of a fixed number of meters of visibility for every site and month are not reliable. Ask your operator what to expect on your dates.
Packing and reef rules by season
A dive operator says the water rarely drops below 27 °C and offers 3 mm suits. This is a local experience, not an official series, and it does not apply to every depth. At Sipadan, the same operator allows only sunscreen marked reef safe. That is an operator rule, not a law. Do not stand on coral, and do not touch animals. More rules are on the Sipadan page and the diving page.
If your dates fall in November, ask your operator about Mabul, Kapalai or Si Amil as alternatives. For the road and boat chain, see getting to Semporna.
Plan your trip
More pages for matching dates to plans.
Semporna weather: frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Semporna?
There is no single best month. Sipadan is closed in November, according to a dive operator. The northeast monsoon runs from November to March and the southwest monsoon from late May to September, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department. Pick your dates by what you want to do.
Which is the wettest month?
In the Tawau normals, December has the most rain at 212.2 mm, followed by August at 205.3 mm. February is the driest month in the table at 109.5 mm.
Does Semporna have a monsoon?
Yes, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department, east Sabah can receive rain from the northeast monsoon, and the southwest monsoon is not reliably dry either. Some operator pages describe it differently, so plan for rain in any month.
Can I dive Sipadan in November?
One dive operator lists Sipadan as closed for all of November and offers Si Amil, Mabul, Kapalai and a barrier reef instead. Ask your operator when Sipadan reopens, and check the current notice from Sabah Parks before you book.
How warm is the water?
A dive operator says the water is rarely below 27 °C and offers 3 mm suits. It is a local experience, not an official measurement, and it does not hold for all depths.
Is the weather the only risk to plan for?
No. Governments also publish travel advice for the islands, and the UK advises against all but essential travel to the islands and dive areas off east Sabah as of 19 March 2026. Read the safety page.