Kenya Weather by Month
Kenya is located in East Africa, straddling the equator, which gives it a diverse range of climates. The country has a coastline along the Indian Ocean to the southeast, and its interior includes highlands, savannahs, and semi-arid regions. Kenya is bordered by Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the northeast, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and South Sudan to the northwest.
Kenya’s geography is divided into several distinct regions:
- Coastal Region: Warm, tropical climate with high humidity and relatively constant temperatures.
- Highlands: This region, which includes the capital Nairobi, experiences a cooler, temperate climate due to its higher elevation.
- Rift Valley: Characterized by both highland and lowland areas, this region experiences varied temperatures depending on altitude.
- Northern and Eastern Kenya: These areas are typically arid or semi-arid, with hot and dry conditions prevailing most of the year.
- Western Kenya: This region, which includes areas around Lake Victoria, has a tropical climate with significant rainfall.
Kenya’s climate is primarily influenced by the two rainy seasons— the long rains (March to May) and the short rains (October to December)—as well as its proximity to the equator. Due to the country’s varying elevations and geographic diversity, temperatures and rainfall patterns can differ significantly from one region to another.
January
Weather Overview
January in Kenya marks the middle of the dry season and is one of the best times to visit the country. Temperatures are warm, and rainfall is minimal across most regions.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 27°C to 32°C (81°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: Low, averaging around 15-30 mm
- Humidity: High
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 12°C to 26°C (54°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: Minimal (10-20 mm)
- Humidity: Moderate to low
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 15°C to 29°C (59°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: Minimal
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 30-50 mm, localized showers around Lake Victoria
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
- Rainfall: Virtually none
February
Weather Overview
February is similar to January but generally warmer. It is still part of the dry season, and the country enjoys sunny days, making it perfect for safaris and beach vacations.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: Minimal
- Humidity: High
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 13°C to 28°C (55°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 5-15 mm
- Humidity: Moderate
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 16°C to 30°C (61°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: Minimal
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 40-60 mm, with some scattered showers
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 28°C to 37°C (82°F to 99°F)
- Rainfall: Little to none
March
Weather Overview
March marks the transition into the long rainy season. Rainfall starts to increase, especially toward the end of the month.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 50-70 mm
- Humidity: High
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 14°C to 26°C (57°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm, increasing toward the end of the month
- Humidity: Increasing
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 16°C to 29°C (61°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 40-60 mm
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 19°C to 29°C (66°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 80-120 mm, with thunderstorms common
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 28°C to 36°C (82°F to 97°F)
- Rainfall: Slight increase, around 30-50 mm
April
Weather Overview
April is one of the wettest months in Kenya as the long rains continue. While temperatures remain warm, heavy rains and thunderstorms are common, particularly in the afternoons.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 150-200 mm, with heavy afternoon showers
- Humidity: High
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 100-150 mm
- Humidity: High, with frequent rain
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 100-200 mm, frequent rainstorms
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 150-200 mm, very wet with thunderstorms
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 26°C to 34°C (79°F to 93°F)
- Rainfall: 50-100 mm, much drier than other regions
May
Weather Overview
May continues to experience the long rains, though the frequency of rainfall starts to decrease toward the end of the month. It remains one of the wettest months in Kenya.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 120-170 mm, tapering off towards the end of the month
- Humidity: High
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 120-170 mm, frequent rain showers
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 14°C to 26°C (57°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 100-150 mm, but some areas begin to dry out
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 18°C to 27°C (64°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 130-180 mm, though less than in April
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 25°C to 33°C (77°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 30-80 mm, sporadic rain
June
Weather Overview
June marks the end of the long rains, with drier conditions becoming more widespread. Temperatures cool slightly, particularly in the highlands.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 50-100 mm, tapering off significantly
- Humidity: Moderate to high
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 13°C to 23°C (55°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 50-90 mm, drier compared to April and May
- Humidity: Moderate
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 13°C to 25°C (55°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 50-100 mm, with less frequent rains
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 80-120 mm, but rain begins to lessen
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm, largely dry
July
Weather Overview
July is one of the coolest months in Kenya, especially in the highlands, where temperatures can drop significantly at night. It is a dry month across most of the country.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 23°C to 29°C (73°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 20-60 mm, mostly dry
- Humidity: Moderate
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 12°C to 22°C (54°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 20-60 mm, cool and dry
- Humidity: Low to moderate
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 12°C to 24°C (54°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 30-70 mm, generally dry
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm, much drier than previous months
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 23°C to 31°C (73°F to 88°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm, largely dry
August
Weather Overview
August is generally cool and dry, particularly in the highlands and along the coast. The coastal regions experience pleasant weather, making it an ideal time for beach holidays.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 23°C to 28°C (73°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 20-50 mm, mostly dry
- Humidity: Moderate
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 12°C to 23°C (54°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 20-40 mm, cool and dry
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 13°C to 25°C (55°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 30-60 mm
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 18°C to 26°C (64°F to 79°F)
- Rainfall: 40-80 mm, but relatively dry
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 23°C to 30°C (73°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
September
Weather Overview
September marks the transition from the cool season into the short rainy season. Rainfall begins to increase towards the end of the month, particularly in the highlands.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 24°C to 30°C (75°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 30-70 mm
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 14°C to 24°C (57°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 40-70 mm
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 19°C to 28°C (66°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 80-130 mm
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 24°C to 33°C (75°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 20-50 mm
October
Weather Overview
October is the start of the short rainy season. This rain is lighter than the long rains, but showers are frequent, particularly in the afternoons.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 100-150 mm
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 70-120 mm
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 16°C to 28°C (61°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 80-130 mm
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 130-180 mm
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 27°C to 36°C (81°F to 97°F)
- Rainfall: 50-100 mm
November
Weather Overview
November sees the continuation of the short rains, with heavier rainfall towards the middle of the month.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 120-180 mm
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 16°C to 24°C (61°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 100-150 mm
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 16°C to 27°C (61°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 100-150 mm
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 150-200 mm
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 28°C to 36°C (82°F to 97°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
December
Weather Overview
December marks the end of the short rainy season, with the rains tapering off towards the middle of the month. By the end of the month, Kenya is entering its dry season again, making it a great time to visit.
Coastal Region
- Temperature: 26°C to 33°C (79°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 70-120 mm
Highlands and Nairobi
- Temperature: 16°C to 25°C (61°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 50-80 mm
Rift Valley
- Temperature: 16°C to 28°C (61°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 60-100 mm
Western Kenya
- Temperature: 20°C to 29°C (68°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 100-150 mm
Northern and Eastern Kenya
- Temperature: 27°C to 36°C (81°F to 97°F)
- Rainfall: 30-60 mm, largely dry
