Kenya Climate

In the areas frequented by most visitors, like Nairobi, we found plenty of sunshine all year round and you can wear summer clothes most days. The evenings and early mornings can be cooler in some areas, so having a lightweight jacket or sweater are recommended.

Rainy Seasons

There are two rainy seasons in most of Kenya. The shorter rains start in October and go through to November. The long rains start in March and go through to early June.

The rain usually comes in the late afternoon to be followed by bright, sunny days. There are even dry periods during the day when the rains are coming.

In the areas that we traveled, after the rains, the dirt roads are a mess of mud and often impassable.

Western Kenya, Western Rift Valley and the Lake Victoria region don't experience a real dry season, but have lower amounts of rainfall in January and February. These areas don't have continuous amounts of rainfall similar to other regions.

The rainfall is greatest in the highland areas, however, over 70% of the country is arid and gets less than 20 inches of rainfall a year.

Temperatures

Weather Forecast | Weather Maps

The coolest months are July and August, when most mornings are overcast.

The equator runs through the center of Kenya so it shares the seasons found in the southern hemisphere. The warmest summer months are in February-March and the coolest winter months are in July-August when temperatures are only a few degrees cooler.

It's even been known to snow in Kenya! Weather on the higher mountains such as Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon, and Mount Kilimanjero can be bitter cold for most of the year and even snow can fall on the higher mountains.

Climate of Kenya Quick Facts

The average temperature in Nairobi ranges from 52 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit in July and then from 55 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit in February.

The altitude of Nairobi is 1,661 metres.

70% of Kenya is arid and receives less than 20 inches of rainfall a year.

Kenya climate is influenced by a consistent pattern of daybreak when the sun rises between 6.00 and 6.30 am and nightfall when the sun sets between 6.30 and 7.00 pm.