Seasons of the Year Seasons in Kenya
Kenya is the land of “eternal” African summer. The country is crossed by equator so climate here is rather stable with minor seasonal changes. Yet formally there is two rainy seasons. First, “season of long rains” lasts from April to June and the other one, “season of short showers”, is between October and December. However precipitation is possible even at the driest time. Usually rains occur at noon or late evening.
North-east highlands and neighborhood of Lake Turkana are driest lands of Kenya. In central territories there is pronounced altitude zonality: weather conditions of certain location are depending on altitude. Coastal areas instead have stable mild climate year round.
Seasons
Contents:
March-May in Kenya
In terms of weather conditions calendar seasons in Kenya are reversed in relation to Northern Hemisphere. So at spring months in Kenya there is local autumn. Yet average temperature is 29 °C (84 °F) more like at summer. Yes, weather can be complicated.
March is last comfortable season before rains. Water of the Indian Ocean warms up to 30 °C (86 °F). At April weather conditions are changing drastically for first rainy season is here. Temperature doesn’t change but combined with extreme humidity makes weather barely bearable. People with cardiovascular issues shouldn’t go to Kenya at this time. At May precipitations decreases a bit and its good time for safari due to seasonal migrations of local fauna.
Climate from March to May
| March Max average t°: +27 °C (81 °F) Min average t°: +14 °C (57 °F) Sundial in the day: 9 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 81 mm (3.2") |
| April Max average t°: +26 °C (78 °F) Min average t°: +15 °C (59 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 16 days Precipitation: 179 mm (7.1") |
| May Max average t°: +24 °C (76 °F) Min average t°: +14 °C (57 °F) Sundial in the day: 6.5 hours Rainy days: 14 days Precipitation: 137 mm (5.4") |
(Nairobi)
Holidays
Easter celebrations at variable dates of March-April.
May 1 – Labor Day.
May 13 – Mother’s Day.
June-August in Kenya
At calendar summer actual winter comes to the country. Which suddenly means great weather, except June, the last month of rainy season. On the other hand frequent showers are making local nature especially magnificent.
July is better for seaside vacations. It is dry and sunny with mild temperature and occasional light rains. August is equally good or even better. At this two month temperature holds around 27 °C (81 °F). In addition August marks beginning of most suitable period to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve. Therefore summer is the best time to visit the country for available activities are exceptionally diverse.
Climate from June to August
| June Max average t°: +23.5 °C (74 °F) Min average t°: +12 °C (54 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 8 days Precipitation: 95 mm (3.7") |
| July Max average t°: +22 °C (72 °F) Min average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 58 mm (2.3") |
| August Max average t°: +23 °C (73 °F) Min average t°: +11 °C (52 °F) Sundial in the day: 7.5 hours Rainy days: 4 days Precipitation: 53 mm (2.1") |
(Nairobi)
Holidays
There is significant number of followers of Islam thus in Kenya all main Islamic holidays are held as public holidays yet certain dates of those holidays are varying greatly from year to year. At several next years there will be Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha celebrations at summer.
June 1 – Madaraka Day.
September-November in Kenya
At autumn in Kenya summer weather continues. At September there’s almost no precipitation and temperature holds around 29 °C (84 °F). Also the month is last of several best months for spectating wildlife of Maasai Mara. At October starts second seasons of showers and average daytime temperature rises to 31 °C (88 °F).
At November weather gets hotter thus many tourists prefer seaside vacations. However frequent showers of short rainy season may spoil vacation. Average daytime temperature rises by couple of degrees. Devoted nature lovers may find interesting watching migrating birds in Aberdare National Park and Great Rift Valley.
Climate from September to November
| September Max average t°: +25.5 °C (80 °F) Min average t°: +12 °C (53 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 6 days Precipitation: 53 mm (2.1") |
| October Max average t°: +26 °C (79 °F) Min average t°: +13 °C (56 °F) Sundial in the day: 8 hours Rainy days: 7 days Precipitation: 82 mm (3.2") |
| November Max average t°: +25 °C (77 °F) Min average t°: +14 °C (57 °F) Sundial in the day: 7 hours Rainy days: 9 days Precipitation: 112 mm (4.4") |
(Nairobi)
Holidays
October 10 – Moi Day.
October 20 – Mashujaa Day.
November 07 – Diwali (Hindu holiday).
December-February in Kenya
Average daytime of December is about 32 °C (90 °F). This is perfect time for seaside vacation on coasts of soft Indian Ocean. Middle of calendar winter in Kenya is actually middle of climatic summer. At January the country has hot and dry weather. In some locations average daytime air temperature reaches 33 °C (91 °F) while water of the Indian Ocean warms up to 28 °C (82 °F). Such weather conditions are great for both seaside leisure and exploration of more than 40 local national parks and reserves. February is equally suitable for any kind of activities in Kenya. It is still dry and warm.
Climate from December to February
| December Max average t°: +25 °C (77 °F) Min average t°: +13.5 °C (56 °F) Sundial in the day: 11 hours Rainy days: 5 days Precipitation: 69 mm (2.7") |
| January Max average t°: +27 °C (80 °F) Min average t°: +13 °C (55 °F) Sundial in the day: 10.5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 26 mm (1.0") |
| February Max average t°: +28 °C (82 °F) Min average t°: +13 °C (55 °F) Sundial in the day: 10.5 hours Rainy days: 3 days Precipitation: 37 mm (1.5") |
(Nairobi)
Holidays
December 12 – Jamhuri Day.
December 25 – Christmas Day.
December 26 – Boxing Day.
January 1 – New Year’s Day.
