Climate and Average Weather in Kenya
Kenya experiences a variety of climates, such as a tropical rainforest climate in the southwest and a tropical monsoon climate in central and southeastern Kenya. In addition, the northwest and northeast regions have a warm steppe and desert climate. The southern part underneath Nairobi experiences various microclimates.
Most places in Kenya have a rainy season and a dry season. The timing of the rainy season varies by location, and sometimes there are two wet and dry seasons, such as in Nairobi and the Tsavo National Park. These areas experience a small rainy period around November/December and a more intense rainy season from March to early June. If you plan to go on safari, it is best to avoid these months.
The coastal town of Mombasa has only one rainy season, which starts in April and ends in June. The dry season is not truly dry, but rather a long period of considerably less precipitation.
Throughout the country, the hottest months are from December to March. The months of July to September are perfect for a sun holiday, with pleasant warmth and maximum temperatures around 25 to 29 degrees Celsius (77 to 84 degrees Fahrenheit). The sun shines bright often and there is occasional rainfall.
The hottest period from December to March is also a good travel time for a beach holiday on the coast of Kenya. It may be slightly warmer and definitely more humid. The coastal areas also have high humidity in April and May, but it is often tempered by monsoon winds.
If you plan to book a safari, the drier summer months are ideal. The weather is pleasantly warm, with slightly cooler nights, especially on the high plains. It is generally drier during this time, which increases the likelihood of seeing wild animals. The landscape becomes drier, and the animals migrate to places where they can still find water.
The large migration can also make a safari in Kenya extra spectacular. Between July and October, the herds including wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to the Masai Mara Game Reserve in Kenya, where they can find more grass and water. In October and/or November, the animals migrate back south to the Serengeti.
Interested in more detailed Weather and Climate information for Kenya?
Please select the city below you wish to travel to, or the one closest to your destination. Each selected city will show you the following graphs:
1. Yearly average minimum and maximum temperatures
2. Monthly averages of precipitation throughout the year (rainfall, snow etc)
3. Monthly average hours of sunshine throughout the year
Additionally, some pages provide historical weather data such as humidity, wind speed, and water temperature.