Sipadan, Malaysia: vitamin D, best months and travel guide
One of the world's top dive sites, with a strict permit system. Best for: experienced divers.
The best months for vitamin D in Sipadan are September, when a full dose takes about 6 minutes at midday. Rainy or stormy from October to August.
Sipadan month by month
| Month | Rating | Sun window | Peak UV | Full dose, age 30 | Afternoon high | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Bad weather | 7.3 h | 7.7 | 7 min | 29°C | 18/30 |
| February | Bad weather | 8.0 h | 8.6 | 6 min | 28°C | 24/30 |
| March | Bad weather | 8.6 h | 9.3 | 6 min | 29°C | 18/30 |
| April | Bad weather | 8.5 h | 9.0 | 6 min | 29°C | 19/30 |
| May | Bad weather | 8.2 h | 8.5 | 6 min | 30°C | 23/30 |
| June | Bad weather | 6.3 h | 6.8 | 8 min | 29°C | 27/30 |
| July | Bad weather | 7.1 h | 7.4 | 7 min | 29°C | 25/30 |
| August | Bad weather | 7.5 h | 7.7 | 7 min | 29°C | 22/30 |
| September | Excellent | 7.6 h | 8.3 | 6 min | 29°C | 17/30 |
| October | Bad weather | 8.2 h | 8.4 | 6 min | 29°C | 20/30 |
| November | Bad weather | 7.9 h | 8.4 | 6 min | 29°C | 25/30 |
| December | Bad weather | 6.6 h | 7.2 | 7 min | 29°C | 29/30 |
Sun window is the number of hours a day with UV Index 2.5 or higher. Full dose is the minutes at midday for about 1,000 IU of vitamin D with a quarter of the body bare, for skin type III. Rainy days are days with at least 1 mm out of 30.
What to expect in Sipadan
One of the world's top dive sites, with a strict permit system. Hot and humid all year with afternoon storms. The east coast islands (Perhentian, Redang, Tioman) close in the monsoon from November to February, while the west coast (Langkawi, Penang) is wetter around September and October.
In Sipadan afternoon highs average from 28°C in February to 30°C in May. The wettest month is December (about 29 rainy days out of 30) and the driest is September (17). Midday UV peaks at 9.3 in March, which is very strong, so protect your skin.
One of the best dive spots in the world (Wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 4.0)
More about Malaysia · Malaysia in September · Best places in September
Questions about Sipadan
When is the best time to visit Sipadan for vitamin D?
The best months for vitamin D in Sipadan are September, when a full dose takes about 6 minutes at midday.
What is the weather like in Sipadan?
Afternoon highs average from 28°C in February to 30°C in May. The wettest month is December, with about 29 rainy days out of 30.
Which months should I avoid in Sipadan?
For a beach stay, avoid the months when it is rainy or stormy from October to August.