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When to Visit Kenya

Climate guide & best times to travel

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Monthly Climate Data for Kenya Average temperature and rainfall by month Climate Overview 15°C 21°C 27°C 33°C 40°C Rainfall (mm) 0 25 50 Jan Jan: 34.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 51mm rain Feb Feb: 34.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 51mm rain Mar Mar: 25.0°C high, 20.0°C low, 51mm rain Apr Apr: 25.0°C high, 20.0°C low, 51mm rain May May: 34.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 51mm rain Jun Jun: 33.0°C high, 23.0°C low, 51mm rain Jul Jul: 25.0°C high, 20.0°C low, 51mm rain Aug Aug: 25.0°C high, 20.0°C low, 51mm rain Sep Sep: 33.0°C high, 23.0°C low, 51mm rain Oct Oct: 35.0°C high, 25.0°C low, 51mm rain Nov Nov: 25.0°C high, 20.0°C low, 51mm rain Dec Dec: 34.0°C high, 24.0°C low, 51mm rain Temperature Rainfall
Kenya straddles the equator, which sounds like a guarantee of year-round heat. Yet altitude writes a different story. The highlands around Nairobi sit above 1,500 metres, so the capital stays cooler than the coast or the lowland savannah. The Indian Ocean corridor gives the Kenyan coast its own rhythm, with warm sea air and tropical conditions that clash sharply with anything inland. Two thermal patterns rule the year. A warmer stretch dominates January, February, May, June, September, October, and December, pushing most of Kenya toward 33°C to 35°C (91°F to 95°F). Cooler, calmer days arrive in March, April, July, August, and November, when highs ease back to around 25°C (77°F). Rainfall across Kenya averages 51mm per month. But that figure hides wild regional swings: the Maasai Mara can drown under grey skies in April while Turkana stays bone dry. Kenya's weather earns its reputation because conditions can flip within a single day and swing between zones. Mornings in the highlands often start fresh, even chilly in July and August. Afternoons in the lowland game parks can feel brutal. Travelers moving between Nairobi and Mombasa should pack for two climates.

Best Time to Visit

Recommended timing for different travel styles.

Beach
January and February deliver the most settled Indian Ocean coast. Warmth peaks at 34°C (93°F). Seas stay calm around Diani or Watamu reefs. Snorkel early. Swim late.
Cultural
September and October balance warmth with access. Parks sit at 33°C (91°F). Towns and markets hum. Shoulder timing means fewer crowds. Rooms cost less.
Adventure
July and August reward hikers. Daytime highs cool to 25°C (77°F). That is ten degrees below October's 35°C (95°F). Mount Kenya climbs feel crisp. Aberdare trails stay pleasant.
Budget
March, April, and November see fewer travelers. Demand drops. Prices follow. Cooler 25°C (77°F) days stretch budgets. Guides bargain. Lodges offer deals.

What to Pack

Essentials and seasonal recommendations for Kenya.

Year-Round Essentials
high-SPF sunscreen
since UV intensity at equatorial altitude is higher than most European or North American visitors expect, even when the sky looks overcast.
wide-brimmed hat
since UV intensity at equatorial altitude is higher than most European or North American visitors expect, even when the sky looks overcast.
Insect repellent with DEET
given the presence of mosquitoes across the lowlands and coastal areas year-round.
lightweight packable rain layer
handles the brief afternoon showers that can appear in any month without adding meaningful weight to a pack.
reusable water bottle with a filter
practical given the variability of water quality when moving through more remote parts of Kenya.
Binoculars
are worth treating as essential rather than optional if any game viewing is on the agenda.
cooler months
Clothing
lightweight merino base layers
Footwear
Closed shoes or light hiking boots
Accessories
A mid-layer fleece
Layering Tip
since temperatures at night drop to 20°C (68°F) and highland mornings can be chilly.
warmer months
Clothing
breathable linen or moisture-wicking fabrics, Light, loose trousers
Footwear
sandals
Layering Tip
make a real difference when highs reach 34°C to 35°C (93°F to 95°F).
Plug Type
Type G
Voltage
240V
Adapter Note
Most modern laptops and phone chargers handle dual voltage automatically (check the label for "100-240V"), but devices that don't will need a voltage converter, not just a plug adaptor.
Skip These Items
heavy denim or thick cotton fabrics overly formal clothing expensive or conspicuous jewellery a full stack of printed guidebooks
Full Packing Checklist

Interactive checklist with shopping links for every item you need.

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Month-by-Month Guide

Climate conditions and crowd levels for each month of the year.

January

January runs hot and settled. Highs hit 34°C (93°F). Lows hover at 24°C (75°F). Rainfall averages 51mm but arrives as brief afternoon bursts. Mornings stay clear for drives.

High 34°C (93°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall around 51mm
Crowds High
View Details →
February

February mirrors January. Daytime 34°C (93°F). Nighttime 24°C (75°F). Humidity sits near 70%. Parks remain busy. January trips spill over.

High 34°C (93°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall None
Crowds High
View Details →
March

March brings change. Highs drop to 25°C (77°F). Lows settle at 20°C (68°F). The coast feels cooler. Rainfall stays near 51mm yet can linger. Rift Valley greens fast.

High 25°C (77°F)
Low 20°C (68°F)
Rainfall around 51mm
Crowds Medium
View Details →
April

April stays cool. Highs hold at 25°C (77°F). Nights rest at 20°C (68°F). Roads empty. Parks quiet. Tea country around Kericho feels fresh. Aberdare edges glow.

High 25°C (77°F)
Low 20°C (68°F)
Rainfall None
Crowds Low
View Details →
May

May warms again. Highs rebound to 34°C (93°F). Lows climb to 24°C (75°F). Rainfall remains steady. Visitor numbers dip. Availability rises. Pace slows.

High 34°C (93°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall None
Crowds Low
View Details →
June

June sits just below peak heat. Highs reach 33°C (91°F). Lows drop to 23°C (73°F). Wildebeest push north from Tanzania. Mara and Amboseli buzz.

High 33°C (91°F)
Low 23°C (73°F)
Rainfall None
Crowds Medium
View Details →
July

July is prime season. Days cool to 25°C (77°F). Nights sit at 20°C (68°F). Good for open vehicles. Migration floods the Mara. Crowds follow.

High 25°C (77°F)
Low 20°C (68°F)
Rainfall None
Crowds High
View Details →
August

August repeats July. 25°C (77°F) days. 20°C (68°F) nights. Peak season. Early starts avoid convoys. Rainfall stays at 51mm and rarely disrupts.

High 25°C (77°F)
Low 20°C (68°F)
Rainfall 51mm
Crowds High
View Details →
September

September heats up. Highs rise to 33°C (91°F). Lows settle at 23°C (73°F). Wildebeest linger in the Mara. Highlands afternoons grow warmer. Midday hikes demand water.

High 33°C (91°F)
Low 23°C (73°F)
Rainfall None
Crowds High
View Details →
October

October is the hottest month in the data, with highs hitting 35°C (95°F) and lows at 25°C (77°F). For most of Kenya this is a transitional period, warm, with 51mm of rainfall that can arrive in unpredictable short bursts. Accommodation across the country begins to open up as peak-season crowds thin. The Mara feels quieter.

High 35°C (95°F)
Low 25°C (77°F)
Rainfall 51mm
Crowds Medium
View Details →
November

A welcome temperature drop returns in November, with highs of 25°C (77°F) and lows of 20°C (68°F) making for pleasant conditions across much of Kenya. It is a quiet month by most measures. Fewer vehicles roam the parks. More rooms sit free at Nairobi's better guesthouses. The cooler air suits overland travel and long drives through the Rift Valley well.

High 25°C (77°F)
Low 20°C (68°F)
Rainfall None
Crowds Low
View Details →
December

December heats up again, highs back to 34°C (93°F) and lows at 24°C (75°F), and the holiday season brings a significant influx of visitors to Kenya's coast and game parks. The Kenyan coast is busy in the second half of the month. Accommodation at popular spots fills quickly. That said, the festive atmosphere in Nairobi and at the beach resorts has its own appeal for travelers who enjoy that energy.

High 34°C (93°F)
Low 24°C (75°F)
Rainfall None
Crowds High
View Details →

Ready to plan your trip to Kenya?

Now that you've got the research covered, here's where to go next.

Top Things to Do

Curated attractions, tours, and experiences in Kenya.

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Where to Stay

Best neighbourhoods and hotels for every budget.

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What to Pack

Climate-specific gear and essentials for Kenya.

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Continue Planning Your Trip

Packing List

What to bring on your trip for Kenya

When to Visit

Best times to travel for Kenya

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Kenya