Kota Kinabalu or Langkawi in March?
On climate data, Kota Kinabalu comes out ahead overall in March. See the per-criterion details below.
Kota KinabaluPhoto: Stefan Fussan · CC BY-SA 3.0
LangkawiPhoto: Engin Akyurt · CC0Key figures in March
| Criterion | Kota Kinabalu | Langkawi |
|---|---|---|
| Average daily high | 28 °C | 32 °C |
| Average daily low | 22 °C | 25 °C |
| Sea | 28 °C | 30 °C ★ |
| Rainy days | 14 rainy days (est.) | 14 rainy days (est.) |
| Sun | 7 h/day | 7 h/day |
| Humidity | 85 % | 76 % |
Winner by travel type
Trade-offs
- Langkawi is about 4 °C warmer by day.
- The sea at Langkawi is about 2 °C warmer.
Kota Kinabalu or Langkawi in March: the short answer
In March, Kota Kinabalu comes out ahead on the overall climate score (Kota Kinabalu 71/100 vs Langkawi 54/100). That is a snapshot of one month, though — which one truly fits depends on what you want from the trip, so the breakdown below goes criterion by criterion.
This comparison focuses on March as a representative month for the pair; for any other month, use each destination's month-by-month pages. Across the whole year Kota Kinabalu averages a climate score of 61/100, Langkawi 55/100. Both profiles below are historical monthly averages, not a forecast.
Weather in March, side by side
The average daily high is about 28 °C in Kota Kinabalu and 32 °C in Langkawi — warmer in Langkawi. Average daily lows are around 22 °C versus 25 °C.
On rain, Kota Kinabalu sees about 14 rainy days in March and Langkawi about 14. Sunshine is comparable (7 vs 7 hours a day).
Sea temperature and swimming
In March the water is about 28 °C at Kota Kinabalu and 30 °C at Langkawi — warmer for swimming at Langkawi. Over the year, Kota Kinabalu is comfortable for swimming (from ~21 °C) in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December, Langkawi in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December. Peak sea warmth is June for Kota Kinabalu and May for Langkawi.
Rain and sun across the year
Over a full year Kota Kinabalu records roughly 249 rainy days and Langkawi about 254 — the drier of the two overall is Kota Kinabalu. At their sunniest, Kota Kinabalu reaches about 7 hours of sun a day (April) and Langkawi about 7 (March). If dependable dry, sunny weather is your top priority, weigh these annual totals alongside the single month above.
Best time to visit each
Climatically, Kota Kinabalu is at its best in January, February, March and April, while Langkawi peaks in January and February. If your dates are fixed, pick the destination whose strong season overlaps them; if you are flexible, plan around these windows.
Which suits which kind of trip
Based on the March scores for each travel style:
Beach & swimming: Kota Kinabalu scores higher in March (Kota Kinabalu 82 vs Langkawi 64).
City breaks: Kota Kinabalu scores higher in March (Kota Kinabalu 69 vs Langkawi 52).
Active & hiking: Kota Kinabalu scores higher in March (Kota Kinabalu 49 vs Langkawi 40).
Family: Kota Kinabalu scores higher in March (Kota Kinabalu 74 vs Langkawi 54).
Verdict: which should you pick?
In March, Kota Kinabalu leads across every scored category here — the overall score and each travel type — so on the climate data it is the clearer pick this month. Over the year, Kota Kinabalu carries the higher overall climate score. Your own priority (sun, sea, low rain or sightseeing comfort) still matters, and the month-by-month pages for each destination give you the full picture before you book.