Climate and monthly weather forecast
Kenya

Kenya, situated in East Africa along the equator, enjoys a wide range of geographical features, from coastal plains to central highlands, and the Great Rift Valley to desert landscapes in the north. The climate is as varied as the terrain, influenced heavily by altitude and geographical location. In Nairobi, a Marine West Coast Climate or "Cfb" in Köppen's classification prevails. This means Kenya's capital experiences mild, even temperatures all year round, rarely seeing extremes. The city also benefits from steady precipitation throughout the year, with annual totals ranging from 500 to 2500mm (98.43"). Fog is typical in autumn and winter, while strong gales can occasionally sweep through during winter. Nairobi's winter temperatures remain gentle, and summer temperatures are moderate, with the warmest month averaging below 22°C (71.6°F) and at least four months averaging above 10°C (50°F).

Given its equitable climate, Kenya can be a pleasant destination year-round. However, the period from July to October is often considered the most opportune for a visit. This season coincides with the annual wildlife migration, a spectacle where millions of wildebeest and zebras traverse the Maasai Mara plains. Temperatures during this period are comfortable, usually ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82.4°F), coupled with minimal rainfall, offering clear, sunny days ideal for wildlife viewing and outdoor activities.

The months of April and May are typically the least favourable for a visit due to the long rainy season. The country experiences heavy rainfall during these months, with precipitation levels rising from 200mm (7.87") to 300mm (11.81"). Roads in rural and wilderness areas can become muddy and impassable, and outdoor activities might be disrupted. Furthermore, the high humidity, with average values exceeding 80%, might prove uncomfortable for some travellers.

Despite Kenya's equatorial location, for ease of understanding, we can equate the months of March, April, and May to a "spring" season. These months correspond to the long rainy season, with April seeing the highest rainfall, often reaching up to 300mm (11.81"). During this period, temperatures in Nairobi typically range from 14°C (57.2°F) to 26°C (78.8°F). The frequent rainfall and lush vegetation result in high humidity, but the beauty of the landscape during this season is incomparable, with verdant forests and plains teeming with life.

June, July, and August correspond to Kenya's "summer" months. These months mark a transition from the rainy season to the dry season. Temperatures in Nairobi during this period range from 10°C (50°F) to 24°C (75.2°F). The weather is generally mild and dry, providing excellent conditions for wildlife spotting and outdoor exploration. These months also coincide with the spectacular Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, making it a favoured season for safari-goers.

Kenya's "autumn" months—September, October, and November—usher in the short rainy season. The rainfall during this period, however, is less intense than during the long rainy season, typically ranging from 50mm (1.97") to 150mm (5.91"). Temperatures during these months vary from 13°C (55.4°F) to 27°C (80.6°F) in Nairobi. Despite the rains, these months remain a popular time to visit due to the abundance of wildlife and relatively warm temperatures.

Kenya's "winter" season—December, January, and February—is marked by dry conditions, with January and February being the driest months. Nairobi experiences temperatures ranging from 11°C (51.8°F) to 25°C (77°F) during this period. These months offer clear, sunny days, making it an excellent time for outdoor activities such as hiking, bird watching, and game drives. Despite the term "winter," Kenya's geographical position means the season is far from what many might associate with winter, providing warm, enjoyable conditions for tourists.

January is one of the driest months in Kenya, characterised by a significant drop in precipitation compared to the short rainy season of the preceding months, November and December. In Nairobi, January rainfall averages barely 50mm (1.97"), a significant reduction from the 150mm (5.91") average observed in November. Temperature-wise, Nairobi, the capital and one of the highest cities in Africa, experiences mild conditions. Weather in January »

February continues the dry trend set by January, registering as one of the driest months in Kenya. Rainfall in Nairobi during this month remains minimal, averaging 20mm (0.79"), which is even lower than the precipitation levels in January. Temperature ranges in Nairobi remain comfortable, with lows averaging 13°C (55.4°F) and highs reaching up to 26°C (78.8°F). Weather in February »

In March, Kenya begins transitioning from the dry season into the long rainy season, which will start in earnest in April. In Nairobi, the amount of precipitation begins to increase compared to February, with rainfall totals averaging 90mm (3.54") for the month. The temperature range in Nairobi remains comfortable during March, with lows averaging 14°C (57.2°F) and highs peaking at 26°C (78.8°F). Weather in March »

April marks the peak of the long rainy season in Kenya, witnessing the highest rainfall of the year. In Nairobi, the precipitation significantly increases, with an average rainfall reaching up to 240mm (9.45"). This substantial rise in rainfall compared to the preceding months can cause some disruption to outdoor activities and travel in rural areas due to muddy and impassable roads. In terms of temperature, Nairobi experiences a slight decrease in April due to increased cloud cover and precipitation. Weather in April »

May continues the trend set by April, remaining within the long rainy season in Kenya. In Nairobi, rainfall remains high but begins to decrease compared to the previous month, with precipitation levels averaging 190mm (7.48"). Temperature-wise, Nairobi sees a slight increase from the cooler conditions experienced in April. Weather in May »

June marks the beginning of the transition from the long rainy season to the cooler, drier months in Kenya. In Nairobi, rainfall levels significantly drop from May, averaging 40mm (1.57") for the month. This decrease in precipitation heralds the arrival of the drier season. Temperature-wise, Nairobi experiences relatively stable conditions. Weather in June »

July is typically the coolest month in Kenya and marks the start of the dry season. In Nairobi, the precipitation further decreases, with rainfall levels averaging 20mm (0.79") for the month. In terms of temperature, Nairobi sees its coolest conditions for the year. Weather in July »

August in Kenya is characterized by dry conditions and mild temperatures, continuing the trend set by July. In Nairobi, rainfall remains low, with precipitation averaging 20mm (0.79") for the month. In terms of temperature, Nairobi experiences mild conditions. Weather in August »

September in Kenya marks the continuation of the dry season, characterized by minimal rainfall and gradually warming temperatures. In Nairobi, rainfall remains sparse, averaging 30mm (1.18") for the month, only a slight increase from August. Temperature-wise, Nairobi experiences mild to warm conditions. Weather in September »

October ushers in the short rainy season in Kenya, marked by a significant increase in precipitation. In Nairobi, rainfall levels rise dramatically, with average precipitation reaching around 110mm (4.33") for the month, a substantial jump from September. In terms of temperatures, Nairobi continues to experience mild conditions. Weather in October »

November continues the trend set by October, falling within the short rainy season in Kenya. In Nairobi, rainfall remains high, with average precipitation around 150mm (5.91"). Regarding temperatures, Nairobi sees a slight decrease compared to the warmer conditions experienced in October. Weather in November »

December marks the end of the short rainy season and the beginning of the dry season in Kenya. In Nairobi, rainfall significantly decreases, with average precipitation dropping to 90mm (3.54"), a substantial reduction from November. As for temperatures, Nairobi experiences a slight increase, with lows of 14°C (57.2°F) and highs of 24°C (75.2°F). Weather in December »