Kenya Weather in September

  Season: Dry Season
  In Short: Sunny and mild, big daily temperature difference

Wildlife in Masai Mara

Generally, Kenya weather in September is mild, with the average temperature fluctuating between 17 - 28℃ (62.6 - 82.4°F). Popular spots such as Masai Mara National Reserve and Mombasa’s seaside have daytime temperatures of around 28℃ (82.4°F). There is very little rainfall in September, with the total monthly precipitation falling to 39 mm and only five rainy days on average, having very little influence on travelling.

All in all, the climate in September in Kenya is favorable, and the Great Migration is still on, so it’s during the peak travel season and popular attractions are crowded. It’s the last month during a year that you can have a chance to see the “Mara River Crossing” of the Great Migration. It is a necessity to book accommodation, tickets and find a reliable professional local guide in advance. For a hassle-free trip in 2025, check our 2025 & 2026 Kenya tour!

 The coolest cities in Kenya in September: 
Nakuru: 9 - 26°C (48.2 - 78.8°F); Nairobi: 10 - 24°C (50 - 75.2°F)
 The hottest cities in Kenya in September: 

Garissa: 22 - 34°C (71.6 - 93.2°F); Kisumu: 23 - 29°C (73.4 - 84.2°F)

What to Wear and Pack to Visit Kenya in September

 For Safaris: Comfortable, casual and handsome clothes are highly recommended to take nice photos during your safari. A soft shirt helps you withstand the big temperature difference between morning and night. Comfortable long pants or yoga pants (for girls) are also good on Safari. Windbreakers are also essential. As for shoes, hiking boots or comfortable walking shoes are the best choices.

During the safari, you need to sit in the car for a long time, so a neck pillow is a great help to ease discomfort. A good sun hat and sunglasses are needed to protect you from the strong sunlight and ultraviolet rays. Bring as many masks as possible to protect you from the dust. Hand sanitizer, wet wipes, cold medicine and anti-mosquito spray are all necessities.

Ideal Places to Go and Top Events to Attend in September

Tourism Rate: 

Visit the Local Masai Village

1. Great Migration

The Great Migration on the Mara River lasts till the mid-or-late September. As the rains move south and the zebras, wildebeests and gazelles have nearly finished grazing the Masai Mara in the previous two months, the animals slowly begin to re-cross the Mara River south into the Serengeti. During this month in Masai Mara, you can still see a vast array of wildebeest and bison running across the grasslands, and you may even see a thrilling hunting scene or the “Mara River Crossing” if you’re lucky.

2. Humpback Whale Migration

In addition to the spectacular wildebeest migrations on the grasslands, there are also magnificent migrations at sea- the humpback whale migration. Every year from July on, humpback whales, originally native to the southern hemisphere, begin to make their way from Antarctica to the North, and the warm waters of Mombasa’s Watamu National Marine Park is their important resting place. July to September all are the most likely time to see their passing-by, with the best viewing time being between 6 a.m. and 11 a.m. There are several classic whale watching sites in Mombasa, including Kisumu Island and Sabaka Island. You can also join the whale watching cruises in the town of Watamu to see humpback whales up close. 

Beach & the Locals in Kenya

3. Nyali Beach

You can’t miss a trip to the beach in September. Nyali Beach, around 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) to Mombasa, is a typical East African Indian Ocean styled beach and is the oldest beach resort in Kenya. The white sand on the beach is as soft as flour and the clear waters make it an ideal place for swimming and snorkeling. You can also relax on the beach drinking coconut water while watching locals performing acrobatics.

4. Naivasha

September in Naivasha is pleasant, making it a great time to visit. Lake Naivasha is one of Kenya’s most beautiful freshwater lakes, home to hippos and more than 400 species of birds. You can go boating, see birds up close, admire ospreys fishing, and even watch hippos up close. In the middle of the lake there is a curved moon-like island called Crescent Island; after landing, you can stand next to the giraffe and take pictures. After Lake Naivasha, you can make a trip to Hell’s Gate National Park not far away. It is the only wildlife reserve in Kenya where you can go hiking or cycling, and the September in dry season provides excellent natural conditions.

Hippos & Rivers in Kenya

Weather in Major Destinations in Kenya in September  

Destination	Temp.	Rainfall mm / days	Humi- dity	Sunrise / Sunset
Nairobi	10 - 24°C (50 - 75.2°F)	28 / 4	65%	06:22 / 18:29
Mombasa	21 - 29°C (69.8 - 84.2°F)	72 / 9	79%	06:11 / 18:17
Kisumu	23 - 29°C (73.4 - 84.2°F)	90 / 8	69%	06:31 / 18:37
Nakuru	9 - 26°C (48.2 - 78.8°F)	89 / 11	70%	06:26 / 18:32
Malindi	22 - 28°C (71.6 - 82.4°F)	47 / 7	76%	06:11 / 18:17
Masai Mara National Reserve	18 - 28°C (64.4 - 82.4°F)	76 / 3	69%	06:30 / 18:37
Lamu	24 - 28°C (75.2 - 82.4°F)	39 / 7	79%	06:07 / 18:13
Garissa	22 - 34°C (71.6 - 93.2°F)	7 / 1	52%	06:11 / 18:18
Voi	18 - 29°C (64.4 - 84.2°F)	15 / 3	79%	06:16 / 18:22

Kenya Weather by Month

Recommended Kenya Tours:

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

Ultimate Kenya Adventure: 14 Days Nairobi - Meru - Samburu - Ol Pejeta - Aberdare - Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara - Lake Naivasha - Hell's Gate - Amboseli - Nairobi