Kinabalu’s weather follows regional patterns, and develops many local peculiarities as well. The sunniest or driest part of the year is February to May, the wettest October to January. Please bear in mind that dry or wet spells can occur at anytime. A brilliant early morning followed by clouding and afternoon showers is a common pattern. Park Headquarters (at 1,558 metres) receives about 305 cms of rain per year.

The daily high temperature here is about 20°C, the Low 13°C. At Kambarangoh, 608 metres higher, the rainfall rises to 457 cms. At Panar Laban Huts (3,344 metres) the daily temperature ranges between 2°C and 10°C. At the summit zone, ice will form occasionally. The Poring Hot Springs, at 486 metres, experience lowland climate, but its elevation is enough to keep it pleasantly cool at night. It receives about 254 cms of rain per year.