Kenya Weather
- Climatic Zones: Tropical Savanna Climate, Tropical Desert Climate, Tropical Plateau Climate
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Kenya Weather in General: Due to the influence of high altitude, although Kenya is close to the equator, the overall Kenya weather is relatively mild, especially in the central plateau. And each region has its own climatic features. The climate of the lower coastal area in southeast Kenya is hot and humid, and the lowland in northeast is hot. There is no strict division of the four seasons but distinct rainy and dry seasons in most parts of Kenya, with March to June and October to December being two rainy seasons, and the rest being the dry season. However, in the high mountains of Kenya, there are still distinct four seasons.
Amboseli National Park, Kenya
- Average Temperature: 18-29°C (55.4-84.2°F)
- Warmest Months: February & March: 19-31°C (64.4-87.8°F)
- Coolest Month: July: 17-27°C (62.6-80.6°F)
- Rainest Month: April: 145mm
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Driest Month: February: 33mm
Best Time to Visit Kenya
The best months to visit Kenya are December to March and June to September.
The weather in Kenya in these months is relatively mild, with sufficient sunshine, moderate temperatures and humidity, making them good months to travel around. In order to view spectacular bird flocks and wildlife near water sources in the grasslands, it’s a great choice to keep up close in these months. Moreover, in the peak tourist season, conditions and services such as accommodation and tourist facilities in these months are better. But in order to ensure a smooth trip, please book the hotel rooms and traffic tickets in advance.
The weather in Kenya in these months is relatively mild, with sufficient sunshine, moderate temperatures and humidity, making them good months to travel around. In order to view spectacular bird flocks and wildlife near water sources in the grasslands, it’s a great choice to keep up close in these months. Moreover, in the peak tourist season, conditions and services such as accommodation and tourist facilities in these months are better. But in order to ensure a smooth trip, please book the hotel rooms and traffic tickets in advance.
Have a Safari in Kenya
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Best Time to See the Great Migration
July to September are the best months for seeing the Great Migration of animals, which definitely brings you the shock of mind.
The Great Migration is when zebras, wildebeest and gazelles head north from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya for greener pastures. It usually begins in mid-July, and lasts till the mid-September. It is one of the most spectacular and exciting displays of wildlife in the world. You can book a 2025 Kenya tour to see the Great Migration.
The Great Migration is when zebras, wildebeest and gazelles head north from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania into the Maasai Mara Reserve in Kenya for greener pastures. It usually begins in mid-July, and lasts till the mid-September. It is one of the most spectacular and exciting displays of wildlife in the world. You can book a 2025 Kenya tour to see the Great Migration.
Herds of Animals in Migration
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Monthly Weather of Kenya - Temperature & Rainfall
Kenya Seasons - Temperature & Clothing Guide
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Dry Season
Jan. - Feb. & Jul. - Sep.
Temperature: 17-31°C (62.6-87.8°F)
Rainfall: 33-51mm
Clothes to Wear:
T-shirt, thin overcoat, light pants, walking shoes, sunglasses, masks
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Long Rainy Season
Mar. - Jun.
Temperature: 18-31℃ (64.4-87.8°F)
Rainfall: 58-145mm
Clothes to Wear:
Quick-dry and waterproof clothes, loose pants, sturdy walking shoes, raingear
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Short Rainy Season
Oct. - Dec.
Temperature: 18-29℃ (64.4-84.2°F)
Rainfall: 55-98mm
Clothes to Wear:
T-shirts, windbreaker, long pants, walking shoes, raingear
Travel in Dry Season
July to September are the very months for the sightseeing of spectacular great migration.The weather is relatively mild and pleasant, and clear and sunny days allow you to do outdoor activities like bird watching, hiking and game drives on safari.
Mosquitoes are not many.
Being in the best time to visit Kenya, it will get crowded and the cost will be much higher.
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Travel in Rainy Seasons
Wet climate brings lush vegetation and unparalleled landscape.During short rainy season, it usually rains just in the afternoon, so a morning tour can be planned.
Flocks of migratory birds and newborn baby animals can be spotted.
Prices for accommodation and flight tickets can be lower.
Some camps and lodges in the national parks are temporarily closed during this period.
Regional Weather in Kenya
Nairobi and the Central Highlands
Streets of Nairobi
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Weather review: The central highlands enjoys a cozy climate most of the year, such as the capital city Nairobi, whose average annual temperatures range from 11-23°C (51.8-73.4°F). Both short and long rainy seasons in Nairobi begin a little earlier than elsewhere. The summit of Mount Kenya is covered with snow all year round, and the temperature can go down as low as -10°C (14°F) at its highest elevation. Early mornings on the mountain are usually clear and dry.
Travel recommendations: If you plan a trip to Nairobi, you can go to Nairobi National Park to get up close to the wildlife and the Nairobi National Museum to learn the culture of the country. Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak, is another spot worthy of going during the dry season. Warm clothes and comfortable shoes are necessities during the hiking.
Mombasa and the Southeastern Coast
Major destinations: Mombasa, Diani Beach, Lamu Old TownWeather review: The coastal areas are hot and humid. For instance, Mombasa, the second largest city, has the temperature stabling between 20 - 30℃ (68 - 86°F) throughout the year.
Travel recommendations: Being the No.1 beach resort town along the coast of Kenya, Diani Beach can’t be missed. You can enjoy diving, snorkeling and kitesurfing there. And if you want to find a place filled with a fascinating history, Mombasa will be your best choice. City tours and beach visits are interesting activities you can plan. What’s more, Lamu Old Town, the oldest and best-preserved Swahili settlement in East Africa, will show you something different.
Flamingos in Lake Nakuru
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Northern Kenya
Major destinations: Lake Turkana National Park, Sibiloi National ParkWeather review: The climate of northern Kenya is arid, with low rainfall and yearly average temperatures ranging from 22-36°C (71.6-96.8°F).
Travel recommendations: If you’re interested in northern Kenya, visit Lake Turkana and Sibiloi National Park between June and August, as it’s cooler and more pleasant then.
The Masai Mara National Reserve and Western Kenya
Major destinations: The Masai Mara National Reserve, Lake Victoria, Mount Elgon National Park
Safari in Masai Mara Reserve
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Weather review: The region is usually hot and humid with rainfall throughout the year, most in January and least in July. And it usually rains in the afternoon and morning. The temperatures tend to range from 14-36°C (57.2-96.8°F). The famous Masai Mara National Reserve, home to the highest concentration of large wild mammals on Earth, lies here. The average annual temperature in Maasai Mara National Reserve is about 25°C. There are distinct dry and wet seasons, and its annual precipitation is 700-1,000 mm.
Travel recommendations: The Masai Mara National Reserve is no doubt the highlight in this area. Moreover, Lake Victoria and Mount Elgon National Park are also highly recommended.
3-Day Weather Forecast of Major Destinations
Nairobi
Mombasa
Kisumu
Nakuru
Garissa
Eldoret
Further Reading:
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
Kenya Safari & Beach Lesiure: 12 Days Nairobi - Amboseli - Tsavo West - Taita Hills - Tasvo East - Diani Beach