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What’s the climate like in Kenya?

The current climate in Kenya features temperatures ranging from a high of 33°C to a low of 29°C throughout the year. The average yearly temperature is around 32°C. At night, temperatures in the colder months average around 22°C and in the warmer months around 25°C.

The highest temperature recorded in Kenya in recent years was 39°C in June 2017. The lowest daytime temperature recorded was 23°C in May 2019.

On average, Kenya receives 1082 mm of precipitation each year. For comparison, New York gets 1142 mm of precipitation annually.

The climate in Kenya is based on weather data from Mombasa. Other places, like Masai Mara National Reserve, Nairobi or Lake Nakuru National Park, might have different weather. You can check out all destinations in Kenya to get the full picture of the climate.

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Best time to visit Kenya?

The best time to visit Kenya for sunny weather is January through April, June through September and December. During this period, you'll have nice temperatures and not too much rain, making it a great time to visit Kenya. In the other months of the year, there's too much rain or the temperature isn't ideal for a visit if you want sunny and pleasant weather.

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Climate Table of Kenya

The climate table of Kenya shows the average temperatures, rainfall, and UV index per month. The table provides an overview of the average day and night temperatures in degrees Celsius, the total amount of rainfall in millimeters, the total snowfall in centimeters, and the UV index for each month. Rainfall is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail.

  Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Temp. max (°C) 33 33 33 32 30 30 29 29 30 31 31 32
Temp. min (°C) 25 25 26 26 24 23 22 22 23 24 25 25
Precipitation
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Precipitation (mm) 9,2 6,4 50 120 281 83 60 32 57 135 153 95
UV Index 9 9 9 8 7 8 8 8 9 9 9 9

Click on the month name to see more weather details, like daily averages, temperatures, and precipitation for the past years in that month.

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Weather experiences in Kenya

ExcellentStarStarStarStarStar

August in Kenya was spectacular! There was brilliant sunshin... more

Adriaan

ExcellentStarStarStarStarStar

December in Kenya was a tropical paradise. With sun-drenched... more

Esmée

Average Temperature per Month in Kenya

This graph shows the average maximum temperatures per month in Kenya. The temperatures are shown in degrees Celsius and the average is calculated based on the recorded temperatures per month from past years.

Temperature per Month in Kenya

Average Precipitation per Month in Kenya

This graph shows how much rainfall Kenya gets on average per month. Rainfall is always measured as water, even if it's snow or hail. This makes it easy to compare how much has fallen, regardless of the form of precipitation. The amount of rainfall is measured in millimeters, and the average is calculated based on the recorded rainfall per month from past years.

Precipitation per Month in Kenya

Average UV Index per Month in Kenya

This graph shows the average UV index per month in Kenya. The UV index indicates the intensity of ultraviolet radiation and ranges from 0 to a maximum of 11.

UV Index per Month in Kenya

Yearly Temperature in Kenya

This graph shows the average yearly temperature in Kenya. The yearly temperature, expressed in degrees Celsius, is the average of all twelve monthly temperatures summed up for that year.

Yearly Temperature in Kenya

Total Yearly Precipitation in Kenya

This chart shows the total yearly precipitation in Kenya over the past few years. The total yearly precipitation, measured in millimeters, is the sum of all the rain that fell in the twelve months of that year.

Yearly Precipitation in Kenya

More Climate Info About Kenya

The climate in Kenya ranges from tropical along the coast to arid inland and north, with significant regional variations. Average temperatures in Kenya range between 21 and 34 degrees Celsius. This can be high in some areas, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions. Precipitation in Kenya is also varied, with average annual rainfall ranging from less than 250 mm in the driest regions to more than 1,500 mm in the wettest regions.

The proximity of the Indian Ocean influences the climate along the coast, with moist air currents bringing rain, especially during monsoon periods. Elevation varies widely in Kenya, from sea level along the coast to high mountain peaks. This difference in altitude affects both temperatures and precipitation patterns. The arid and semi-arid areas in the interior and north are affected by their distance from the ocean and lower elevation, resulting in less precipitation and higher temperatures.

Coastal area

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At the coast there is a tropical monsoon climate. Average temperatures here are around 26 and 32 degrees Celsius. Humidity is high, and there is considerable rainfall, especially during monsoon periods. Rainfall is heaviest in April and May, and a shorter rainy period occurs in November and December.

Highlands

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The Kenyan highlands, including areas such as Nairobi, have a more temperate climate. Average temperatures here range from 10 to 26 degrees Celsius. This region also receives rainfall, with two rainy seasons: the long rain periods from March to May and the short rain periods from October to December.

Rift Valley

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The Great Rift Valley that runs through Kenya has a mixed climate. The lower parts can be hot and dry, while the higher areas are cooler and wetter. Temperatures and precipitation vary considerably depending on the specific location in the valley.

Northern and eastern Kenya

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The northern and eastern parts of Kenya are predominantly arid and dry. These areas experience extremely high temperatures, sometimes above 40 degrees Celsius and very little rainfall. It is a semi-desert or desert climate, with sporadic and unpredictable rainfall.

Weather experiences in Kenya

The weather in Kenya is rated an average of 4,3 out of 5 stars by 6 visitors. Have you been to Kenya? Share your weather experience to help other visitors.

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Weather experience:Good StarStarStarStar

It was relatively warm, the temperature was around 28 degrees. Occasionally there were sudden showers, but they were brief and refreshing. Overall, nice vacation weather.— This text is automatically translated to English

Weather experience:Good StarStarStarStar

During the day we had mostly sunshine and it was pleasantly warm, but there was also some rain. It got wonderfully cold at night.— This text is automatically translated to English

Weather experience:Good StarStarStarStar

It didn't rain, although the evenings were a bit cool. The overall experience of being in the beautiful savannahs was refreshing!— This text is automatically translated to English

Weather experience:Excellent StarStarStarStarStar

August in Kenya was spectacular! There was brilliant sunshine everywhere, perfect for various safaris and beach days. Temperatures were mild, ideal for outdoor activities. Evenings were cold, but ideal for cozy fire pit nights. Breathtaking weather!— This text is automatically translated to English

Weather experience:Good StarStarStarStar

Kenya in April was a mix of sun and rain. Mostly it was warm and sunny in the morning, perfect for safaris. Rain in the late afternoon gave a surprising twist to the trip, but made everything more lush and green.— This text is automatically translated to English

Weather experience:Excellent StarStarStarStarStar

December in Kenya was a tropical paradise. With sun-drenched days and pleasant temperatures, it was ideal for sun lovers. There were a few refreshing rain showers, but they did not detract from the experience.— This text is automatically translated to English

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Average Weather in Kenya by Month

Click on a month below to see detailed weather info for Kenya. Based on historical weather data, you can see the average temperature, precipitation, wind, and UV index for each day of the month.

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