Kenya Weather & Climate: Monthly Averages

Kenya experiences a diverse range of climates, from a tropical rainforest climate in the southwest to a tropical monsoon climate in central and southeastern Kenya. Furthermore, the northwest and northeast regions exhibit a warm steppe and desert climate. The southern region, south of Nairobi, features various microclimates.

Rainy and Dry Seasons

The weather in most Kenyan districts is either rainy or dry. These vary depending on geographical location, though both Nairobi and Tsavo National Park experience two wet and dry spells. There is a short rainy period that occurs around November and December, while the rainy period between March and early June is more prominent. If you have plans for safaris, it is best to avoid these months.

The coastal city of Mombasa experiences only one wet season between April and June. The dry season does not mean the absence of rain but rather a significant reduction in rainfall.

Temperature and Seasonal Highlights

Nationally, the hottest months span from December through to March. The ideal time for a sun-drenched holiday with pleasant warmth ranges from July to September, with temperatures between 25°C (77°F) and 29°C (84°F), accompanied by plenty of sunshine with sporadic showers.

The period between December and March is also ideal for a coastal holiday in Kenya. It is hotter, but more importantly, the humidity is much higher, especially on the coast. Coastal areas experience much higher humidity in April and May, but this is usually tempered by monsoon breezes.

Best Time for a Safari

For those going on safari, the summer months are preferable since the weather is pleasantly hot with cooler nights, especially in the high plains. It also tends to rain very little during this time. This makes wildlife spotting easier as the dry landscapes force animals to move to areas that still have plenty of water.

The Great Migration

Indeed, the great migration is among the most spectacular natural wonders that add to the magic of a Kenyan safari. The great migration involves hundreds of thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles that migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Kenya's Masai Mara Game Reserve between July and October in search of green pastures and water. They head south to the Serengeti around October or November.