Kenya Weather in May
Season: Long Rainy Season
In Short: In the mid- and late long rainy season, wet with relatively high humidity, not too hot
Kenya weather in May is rainy and wet. It’s during the rainy season. The average precipitation for the month is 135mm and the average rainy days can reach 10 days, making it one of the wettest month of the year. In many central highland areas and southeastern coastal lowlands, it rains nearly half the month in May. In 2024, the rain was once so heavy in May that many places had been flooded and quite a lot of schools and scenic areas had been temporarily shut down. If you're planning a trip to Kenya in 2025, it’s advised to have another time scheduled. If you still plan to visit Kenya in May, keep an eye on the weather forecast so as to avoid the dangerous areas and make sure you take rain gear. But it is not very hot, with the monthly average temperatures ranging from 19 - 28°C (66 - 82°F).
Kenya Savanna Landscapes in May
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The rainiest places in Kenya in May:
The driest places in Kenya in May: Garissa: 20mm, 2 days; Amboseli National Park: 64mm, 3 days
What to Wear and Pack to Visit Kenya in May
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2. Mosquito repellent and a mosquito net definitely can’t be forgotten when you visit Kenya in May. What’s more, sunglasses, sunhat and sunscreen cream can effectively protect you from sunburn on the sunny days.
3. Since it’s during the long rainy season, umbrellas and raincoats should be taken with you.
Advantages of Going to Kenya in May
Although Kenya is experiencing the long rainy season in May, it will still offer you a good trip if you make a well preparation. Here we can see several advantages of visiting Kenya in May:
1. There will be less tourists during this month, so it can’t be crowded and there may be less members in your safari group, which will enable you better travel experiences.
2. Compared with the peak season, accommodation, flight and other costs in May can be much cheaper.
3. Some hotels and bars may provide special food and drinks in order to attract more tourists in this low season.
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Safari in Masai Mara Reserve in May
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Top Attractions to Visit in Kenya in May
Tourism Rate:
Although May is not the best month for you to pay a visit to Kenya because of its heavy rainfall, if you’re still attracted to this place, indoor activities and some outdoor games in the sunny days, as well as places with good infrastructure listed below can be the best choices.
1. Nairobi
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, can be a suitable city to visit in May, for it’s much cooler than the hot coast. In addition, Nairobi has relatively good infrastructure, so even if it rains, you can easily find some places to visit, like the Nairobi National Museum. It is pleasant to immerse in the historical and cultural atmosphere in the museum on rainy days. Since it’s one of the most famous museums in Central and Eastern Africa and even throughout Africa, the trip will be well worth it. The prehistoric human fossils in the museum are worth seeing, among which the Turkana Boy is one of the most complete prehistoric human fossil skeletons.
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Nairobi National Museum
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Nairobi National Park is another place in Nairobi that you can’t miss. It’s the oldest national park in Kenya. Enjoying game drives to view wild animals, visiting a black rhino sanctuary and witnessing the lush green landscape all can bring you unforgettable experiences. A morning trip to this park probably keeps you away from the rain.
2. Samburu National Reserve
Although Kenya climate in May is rainy, it usually rains in the afternoon, so it will be better to plan a morning trip to Samburu National Reserve, where you can join a wildlife safari tour and go hiking. Booking a shared safari can be a cost-effective choice in May, because it probably will have only a few tourists in the tour. Make sure you take warm clothes so that you won’t get cold in the morning.
3. Masai Mara National Reserve
If you want to camp around a natural park and enjoy the wonders of nature up close, Masai Mara National Park is another scenic spot that provides you all these. Known as the heart of Africa, it is the world’s largest wildlife reserve and is home to thousands of wild animals. If you are planning exciting adventures, put driving a four-wheel jeep to race with lions, cheetahs and other wild animals into your list; oh, and take a hot air balloon to overlook this magnificent land. You can also visit the local Masai villagers and experience the primitive nomadic culture.
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Elephants in Masai Mara
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While in these natural reserves, there are a few things you need to be aware of: Do not explore alone. Do not feed the animals. Respect and consciously protect their home.
Weather in Major Cities / Destinations in Kenya in May
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City / Destination |
Temp. |
Rainfall (mm) |
Humidity |
Sunrise / Sunset |
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Nairobi |
13 - 23°C (55 - 73.4°F) |
177 |
75% |
06:28 / 18:31 |
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Mombasa |
23 - 29°C (73.4 - 84.2°F) |
240 |
88% |
06:20 / 18:15 |
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Kisumu |
23 - 28°C (73.4 - 82.4°F) |
167 |
73% |
06:34 / 18:41 |
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Masai Mara National Reserve |
16 - 22°C (60.8 - 71.6°F) |
124 |
76% |
06:35 / 18:38 |
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Nakuru |
11 - 25°C (51.8 - 77°F) |
130 |
76% |
06:29 / 18:35 |
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Malindi |
23 - 29°C (73.4 - 84.2°F) |
298 |
88% |
06:17 / 18:16 |
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Amboseli National Park |
15 - 24°C (59 - 75.2°F) |
64 |
76% |
06:27 / 18:27 |
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Lamu |
24 - 29°C (75.2 - 84.2°F) |
329 |
88% |
06:12 / 18:13 |
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Garissa |
23 - 34°C (71.6 - 95°F) |
20 |
66% |
06:15 / 18:21 |
Kenya Weather by Month
Recommended Kenya Tours:
Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration: 6 Days Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve - Lake Nakuru National Park - Amboseli National Park - Nairobi
Best Kenya Safari Tour: 7 Days Nairobi - Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi
Across the Kenya Wilderness: 10 Days Nairobi - Amboseli National Park - Mount Kenya - Samburu National Reserve - Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi