Weather in Miri

About Miri

Miri functions as Sarawak's oil city gateway—a jumping-off point for exploring Gunung Mulu's caves and Bario's highland communities. This port town blends petroleum industry infrastructure with tourism logistics, creating a functional rather than romantic destination atmosphere.

Country

Malaysia

Best months to visit

Year-round

Currency

MYR

Language

Malay, English

Things to do in Miri

Gunung Mulu cave system expeditions Bario highland trekking to traditional villages Oil museum industrial heritage tours Fishing village boat trips Local market explorations National park wildlife spotting

Weather by month

Click any month for detailed weather information and travel tips.

January

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

February

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

March

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

April

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

May

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

June

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

July

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

August

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

September

30C

Hot and humid, with frequent heavy rain.

October

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

November

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

December

29C

Warm and pleasant, with frequent heavy rain.

Miri is Sarawak's lively second city, a former oil town on Borneo's northern coast that now serves as the main gateway to the extraordinary cave systems of Mulu National Park and the rugged Kelabit Highlands beyond. Closer to town, the beaches and seafood restaurants along the coast make for an easy first or last stop on a Borneo trip. It's a practical base with a genuinely friendly, multicultural feel.

Best areas to stay in Miri

Miri City Centre

The commercial heart of the city, with markets, malls, and a wide range of restaurants reflecting Sarawak's mixed Malay, Chinese, and indigenous communities.

Tanjung Lobang and Coconut Garden

Coastal areas popular for evening walks, sunset views, and casual seafood dining.

Mulu National Park (via Miri)

A short flight away, home to vast cave systems including Deer Cave and the Pinnacles, plus jungle canopy walks.

Niah National Park

South of Miri, known for its archaeological cave paintings and prehistoric human remains, reachable by road and a short jungle walk.

Getting to Miri

✈

Flights

Fly into Miri Airport (MYY) via Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu — Miri has good domestic connections across Sarawak and Sabah.

⏱

From London

~17-19 hours total journey time from London via Kuala Lumpur

🚕

Getting around

Taxis and ride-hailing apps cover the city; onward travel to Mulu and Niah is by short domestic flight or road respectively.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Miri?

Year-round, though the driest months (roughly March to October) are best for trips into Mulu National Park, where flights and cave visits can be affected by heavy rain.

How do I get to Miri?

Miri has its own airport (MYY) with flights from Kuala Lumpur, Kota Kinabalu, and Kuching, making it a straightforward gateway to northern Sarawak.

Is Miri a good base for visiting Mulu National Park?

Yes — short flights connect Miri to Mulu (around 30 minutes), and most visitors fly in for a few days of caving and jungle trekking before returning to Miri.

What is there to do in Miri itself?

Coconut Garden and Tanjung Lobang beaches for sunset views, the Petroleum Museum reflecting the city's oil history, and a lively night market and seafood scene.

Can I visit the Kelabit Highlands from Miri?

Yes — small planes connect Miri to remote highland settlements like Bario, offering access to longhouse communities and highland trekking, though flights can be infrequent.

Traveler reviews

★★★★☆

Used Miri as a base before and after flying to Mulu, and it was a comfortable, easy-going city with great seafood by the coast.

Ed N. · August 2024

★★★★★

The flight into Mulu from Miri was spectacular over the rainforest. Miri itself isn't a major attraction but it's a relaxed place to recover before or after the caves.

Sarah J. · April 2023

★★★★☆

Niah Caves day trip from Miri was fascinating, especially the cave paintings. The city has a good night market too if you're spending an evening there.

Bobby K. · July 2024