Best time to go to Kenya for a perfect weather and where to go?

Where and when to go based on the weather?

Best time to travel to Kenya by cities

Best time to go to Nairobi

Best time to go to Lake Naivasha National Park

Best time to go to Maasai Mara National Reserve

Best time to go to Mombasa

Best time to go to Mount Kenya National Park

Best time to go to Tsavo West National Park

Best time to go to Amboseli National Park

Best time to go to Garissa

Best time to go to Kisii

Best time to go to Kisumu

Best time to go to Kitale

Best time to go to Lamu

Best time to go to Lodwar

Best time to go to Malindi

Best time to go to Mandera

Best time to go to Marsabit National Park

Climate and Weather in Kenya

Kenya is located right in the heart of East Africa and crossed by the equator. It is south of Ethiopia and South Sudan, west of Somalia, east of Uganda, and north of Tanzania.

The climate in Kenya is generally equatorial with disparities depending on the regions and landscapes, from mountains to the coast of the Indian Ocean. The weather will therefore be very different depending on whether you are in Lodwar, Nairobi, or Mombasa, for example. Here are the nuances you may encounter:

• A tropical humid and dry climate, either with dry summers like in Mombasa, or with dry winters like in Tsavo National Park.
• An oceanic climate characterized by mild summers. This is the climate found in the capital, Nairobi.
• An equatorial climate with abundant rainfall and constant temperatures throughout the year as in Maasai Mara.
• There are also touches of arid, semi-arid, and even Mediterranean climates here and there.

The weather in Kenya is therefore highly dependent on altitude, latitude relative to the equator, as well as the alternating monsoon winds coming from the Indian Ocean. The country has two types of seasons:

• 2 dry seasons: from mid-December to the end of March and from June to the end of October.
• 2 rainy seasons: the “long rainy season” from April to mid or late June, and the “short” one in November, which can extend until mid-December.

Climate in Central Kenya

Central Kenya is a mountainous region. It is home to Mount Kenya, whose summit reaches 5,199 m. The equatorial climate is tempered by the altitude. Temperatures in the Highlands are mild throughout the year during the day, but can be cool, even cold at night.

Nairobi, the capital, is located at an altitude of 1,600 m. During the dry seasons, days are hot and sunny with low humidity. Nights are much cooler, especially in July and August, but temperatures rarely drop below 10°C (50°F) .

During the rainy seasons, precipitation remains generally moderate. Typically, they occur as short but intense thunderstorms. It is entirely possible to explore the region during these periods.

Climate on the East Coast of Kenya

On the coast, the climate is tropical, therefore hot and humid. However, monsoon winds moderate the atmosphere.

• Rainy seasons occur in April-May and then in October-November. Temperatures and precipitation are high. Moreover, the "kusi" wind blows strongly from the southeast, bringing significant rains and rough seas. These are not the best times to enjoy beach activities.
• Dry seasons, from December to March and from June to September, still remain humid with moderate precipitation. Temperatures are high, especially in January and February, but the "kaskazi" wind, gently coming from the northeast, pleasantly sweeps the beaches. During these periods, the water is crystal clear, perfect for admiring the stunning Kenyan underwater world.

Climate in Northern Kenya and South Rift Valley

• In the northeast, Kenya's climate is very dry. Rainy seasons are very short and only occur in April-May and November. Temperatures are very high and can reach extreme values, while precipitation is low. During the dry seasons, temperatures remain high and precipitation is almost nonexistent.
• In the north and South Rift Valley, various climates can be found, from arid to tropical to oceanic, but overall it is more humid and temperate than in the northeast.

Climate in Nyanza Province (Lake Victoria)

This region in the far west of Kenya experiences an equatorial climate. Consequently, humidity levels are very high and there is hardly any dry season. However, rainfall is slightly less between December and March.

Temperatures and rainfall in Kenya

On these 3 graphs, we present the evolution of temperatures of Kenya and month-by-month rainfall for the cities of Nairobi, Lake Naivasha National Park, Maasai Mara National Reserve, Mombasa and Mount Kenya National Park, as well as the month-by-month sea temperature for coastal cities.

Peak visitor numbers and tourist seasons in Kenya

Find out when Kenya has its high tourist season (the period when the influx of tourists is highest) and off-peak tourist season using our data and figures.

Tourist seasons in Kenya

The months with low numbers of tourists are: January, February, March, April, May, June, September, October and November. The number of visitors to Kenya is high in: July, August and December.

• Very low season in Kenya: March, April, May and June.
• Low season in Kenya: January, February, September, October and November.
• High season in Kenya: July.
• Peak season in Kenya: August and December.

Figure: Visitor index for Kenya month by month

Average price for flights to Kenya

Find the best price for your flight Flight prices to Kenya

Where to go in Kenya?

This table allows you to see the maximum temperature for each city and our opinion on the weather month by month (see colour legend below the table).

Legend:

About Kenya

What can I do in Kenya?

Beaches / swimming

Nature and countryside

Culture and heritage

Sports

Family travel

Crafts / shopping

Gastronomy

Nightlife