Climate of 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.
Climate averages for the whole year
- Day: the average daily temperature during the day is between 28°C and 34°C
- Night:the average nighttime temperature is between 21°C and 24°C
- Sea temperature: the sea temperature is between 26°C and 30°C
- Rain: it rains 145 days and there is a total of approximately 1077 mm rainfall
- Sun hours: throughout the year there are 3281 sun hours
Maximum temperature: | between 28°C and 34°C |
Warmest month: | 34°C in February |
Coldest month: | 28°C in July |
Night temperature: | between 21°C and 24°C |
Sea temperature: | between 26°C and 30°C |
Dry days: | 220 days |
Days with rain: | 145 days |
Days with snow: | 0 days |
Total rain sum: | 1077 mm |
Hours of sunshine: | 3281 hours |
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 regions in the interior and north are affected by their distance from the ocean and lower altitude, 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.
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Temperature graph
This graph shows the average maximum temperature (red) and minimum temperature (blue) for Kenya.
Precipitation graph
This graph shows the average amount of rainfall per month for Kenya.
Climate table of Kenya
In this climate table you can see at a glance what the average weather per month is for Kenya. The data has been collected over a 30-year period, from which an average per month has been derived. From year to year the differences may be larger or smaller, but with this climate table you have a good idea of what the weather for Kenya might be like in a given month.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Day temp. (°C) | 33 | 34 | 33 | 31 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 |
Night temp. (°C) | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 21 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 |
Water temp. (°C) | 28 | 29 | 30 | 29 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 29 | 29 |
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Precipitation (mm) | 30 | 21 | 65 | 148 | 232 | 105 | 86 | 74 | 64 | 96 | 87 | 69 |
Days with rain | 10 | 8 | 15 | 17 | 15 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 15 | 20 |
Dry days | 21 | 20 | 16 | 13 | 16 | 22 | 23 | 22 | 21 | 20 | 15 | 11 |
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Sun hours per day | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 11 | 9 |
Wind force (Bft) | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 3 |
UV-index | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Best time to visit Kenya
To go to Kenya, the best time to visit is January through December. In this period you have a warm temperature and little precipitation. In Kenya, February is the warmest month with 27°C and the most cold month is 22°C in June. The average water temperature is between 26°C and 30°C.
Climate of Kenya by month
What is the average climate in a given month for Kenya? Click on a month to see all monthly averages for sunshine, maximum and minimum temperatures, percent chance of rain per day, snowfall and number of rainy days.
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