Key Summary- Kenya’s altitude range creates three Köppen climate zones: tropical savannah (Aw) on the coast, subtropical highland (Cfb/Cwb) in the central uplands, and arid (BWh/BSh) in the north.
- A bimodal rainfall pattern brings the long rains from March to May and short rains from October to December, separated by dry seasons.
- The highlands stay mild year‑round, while the coast remains warm and humid and the far north endures stubbornly high heat.
Kenya’s climate is shaped by its equatorial location and dramatic variation in altitude. The hot, humid coastal plain, classified as tropical savannah (Köppen Aw), receives monsoon‑driven rains from the Indian Ocean. As land rises into the central highlands, the climate cools into a subtropical highland type (Cfb/Cwb), giving Nairobi and the tea estates crisp evenings even under strong tropical sun. In the arid north, descending air produces hot desert (BWh) and semi‑desert (BSh) conditions where rain is rare. WeatherBox’s Köppen map highlights these transitions, showing how topography carves distinct climate pockets across the country.
The long rains from March to early June soak the coast and savannah parks such as the Maasai Mara with heavy afternoon downpours, turning tracks muddy. The short rains in October to December are lighter, often falling as brief showers that freshen the landscape. Coastal towns like Mombasa and the palm‑fringed Diani Beach experience high humidity throughout the year, with daytime highs hovering around 29°C to 32°C (84°F to 90°F). In the highlands, daytime temperatures are a comfortable 20°C to 26°C (68°F to 79°F), but nights in July and August can dip close to 9°C (48°F), ideal for recovering from a dusty game drive. Western regions near Lake Victoria receive rain in every season, feeding lush wetlands and the mist‑shrouded tea estates of Kericho. The far north around Lake Turkana is brutally hot, with daytime maxima often above 38°C (100°F), and remains a realm of striking volcanic landscapes rather than mainstream tourism.
The dry months of June to October offer the best safari conditions, with gloriously clear skies for spotting the Big Five as animals congregate around shrinking water sources. January and February are equally fine for game viewing, while providing balmy days along the coast. From November to early March, coastal breaks avoid the heaviest rains, though the stubbornly high humidity never disappears. April and May, at the peak of the long rains, can hinder road access and prompt lodge closures, so most visitors steer clear. Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, robust sun protection, and a wide‑brimmed hat for lower altitudes. Include a fleece or light jacket for cool highland mornings, and a raincoat if you travel during the wetter months. Kenya’s varied topography means you can nearly always find a pocket of pleasant weather. Use WeatherBox’s monthly data charts and interactive Köppen map to explore Kenya's annual weather patterns.
