Borneo
Best Time to Visit

Borneo

Your month-by-month wildlife calendar

When to Visit Borneo

Borneo's equatorial climate means rain is possible year-round, but March to October offers the driest conditions and best wildlife viewing. Orangutan sightings are consistent throughout the year at rehabilitation centres, but wild encounters peak when fruit is scarce in the dry season.

Peak Season March - October
Avoid November - January (monsoon)

Month-by-Month Calendar

Click on any month to see detailed wildlife and weather information

January

Fair
🌤 Wet monsoon, 26-32°C
🦁 Heavy rain, some trails closed, but orangutans visit feeding platforms more frequently
👥 Low 💰 Low

February

Fair
🌤 Wet monsoon easing, 26-33°C
🦁 Rain continues, river levels high, proboscis monkeys in riverine forest
👥 Low 💰 Low

March

Great
🌤 Drying out, 27-33°C
🦁 Dry season begins, excellent jungle trekking, orangutans active in canopy
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

April

Peak
🌤 Dry & warm, 27-33°C
🦁 Best trekking conditions, orangutans easily spotted, pygmy elephants along rivers
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

May

Peak
🌤 Dry & warm, 27-33°C
🦁 Peak season for Kinabatangan River cruises, hornbills nesting, turtle season begins
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

June

Great
🌤 Dry & warm, 27-33°C
🦁 Good wildlife throughout, sea turtle nesting on east coast, Danum Valley excellent
👥 High 💰 High

July

Great
🌤 Dry & warm, 27-32°C
🦁 Peak tourism, all wildlife easily accessible, diving conditions excellent at Sipadan
👥 Peak 💰 Peak

August

Great
🌤 Dry & warm, 27-32°C
🦁 Peak tourism continues, sea turtles hatching, orangutans active
👥 Peak 💰 Peak

September

Peak
🌤 Dry, occasional showers, 27-33°C
🦁 Fewer tourists, excellent wildlife, forest fruiting attracts orangutans
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

October

Great
🌤 Transition, some rain, 27-33°C
🦁 Rains approaching but still good, migratory birds arriving
👥 Medium 💰 Medium

November

Fair
🌤 Monsoon begins, 27-32°C
🦁 Heavy afternoon rains, trails muddy, but Sepilok feeding station busy
👥 Low 💰 Low

December

Fair
🌤 Wet monsoon, 26-32°C
🦁 Peak rainfall, some lodges close, orangutans descend for supplementary food
👥 Low 💰 Low

🎯 Our Recommendation

April to May or September to October provide the best combination of dry weather, fewer tourists, and excellent wildlife sightings. The Kinabatangan River is at ideal levels for wildlife cruises, and orangutans are active in the forest canopy.

Best Time to Visit Borneo FAQ

The best time to visit Borneo is March to October during the drier months. April to August coincides with fruiting season, when orangutans are most active and visible in accessible trees.

Temperatures are consistently warm at 27 to 33 degrees Celsius year-round. Rain can occur any month in this tropical climate, but the driest period is March to October.

November to February (wet season) brings lower prices, though rain is frequent. Travelling during shoulder or low seasons can save you 20 to 40% on accommodation and tours while still providing excellent wildlife viewing.

Peak season at Borneo is July and August are the busiest months with highest demand. Book accommodation and tours well in advance for peak dates, as popular lodges and camps sell out months ahead.