Best Months for Mabul/Sipadan?

[SnappyTheDiver]

When are the best months to avoid winds and waves? I have heard that in some months the winds and waves can make the trip from Mabul to Sipadan quite rough. My wife is not a very good sailor.

 

[Scuba Susie]

I have stayed on Mabul in May before and the water was like glass. No problems when we were there and you will LOVE the diving!
We are going back this October! Can't wait
Susie

 

[Eskasi]

It can get rough during the winter months. Having said that, there will be fairly calm days then too....expect more rain (periodic heavy showers) and less sun. However, the diving is just as good regardless......I have been there in August and between Christmas and New Year's....diving was awesome on both trips. I am heading there again in October!

 

[huisen]

Very good to know! Thanks. I will be making my first trip to Mabul and Sipadan in late August.

 

[SnappyTheDiver]

I was thinking about February or March. I guess that would be the winter months? Would April generally be good?

 

[OnTheSpot]

Although the Sipadan & Mabul dive sites are open all year round, December, January & February might be the months in which the elements would be against you most. Technically in the thick of the 'rainy' season, visibility sometimes can be a bit poor.

April onwards conditions are more favourable, so if you had a choice of Jan / Feb / Mar / Apr, then the latter would be my recommendation.

That said, even in the perceived rainy season Sabah's weather is such that blue skies and calm oceans often appear where rain and wind were forecast, so you're bound to have a good time in the waters and at the resorts of Sipidan/Mabul whenever you go.

 

[skipperharis]

as long as their is no typhoon or depression in south pacific or south china sea coming towards the philippines almost all year round the weather is good, but I still recommend the month of april till june.

 

[Nishan]

just got back from Sipadan a few days ago. was there for a week and had sunny days and calm seas to start with but constant rain, wind, and rough seas the last three days. viz was between 15-20m at some deeper sites to a hazy 5m in the shallows on some days. most articles i read mentioned April to September as dry season so presume the weather was due to a freak storm somewhere. that said the diving was still great. lots of reef sharks and turtles, and saw the schools of barracuda, trevally and bumphead parrotfish Sipadan is famous for so overall no complaints.
was there last year in August and weather was patchy then as well. but overall better conditions with 30m viz on some days.
btw, if you are on a tight budget (like me) then the Seaventures platform is great value for money. rooms are very small and basic but the staff are helpful, food is great, and the diving under the rig is easy and very good. its a great place for a night dive! but wont recommend Seaventures if you are going with a non diving partner or want a lot of creature comforts!

 

[jdsmith]

I'll be there in two weeks. Great to know that the big fish and turtles are so numerous. Really looking forward to this one.