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Climate of Kenya

Nakuru’s climate compared to Kenya’s parks

Nakuru town lies right next to Nakuru NP in the Rift Valley, one of Kenya’s most popular parks. Many of Kenya’s parks have a climate comparable to this, including the Masai Mara. Amboseli, Meru, Samburu and Tsavo are at a lower altitude and, therefore, warmer. The Aberdares and Laikipia Plateau are in the highlands, and a bit colder. The highlands receive a great deal of rain and are very cold in the evening and the morning.

Kenya’s weather in general

Kenya lies on the equator and has a pleasant, tropical climate, but there are large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Temperatures drop by about 6°C for every 1,000m you climb (or 3.5°F per 1,000ft). Kenya’s daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F, but it is warmer on the coast. The coast is hot and humid all year round, but the heat is tempered by the monsoon winds. Kenya is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. There is, however, both a Dry and Wet season.

Dry season

  • June, July, August, September & October – These are the coldest months. Temperatures vary significantly per region and because of their difference in altitude. Daytime temperatures are usually around 23°C/73°F at higher altitudes, such as the Masai Mara, and 28°C/82°F at lower altitudes, such as the coastal areas. During the Dry season the sky is clear and days are sunny. Early morning temperatures at higher altitude are typically 10°C/50°F. It is advisable to pack warm clothing as morning game drives in open vehicles will be cold. There is very little rain in most of the country so these are the least humid months, making it the best time to stay at one of Kenya's beautiful beaches.

Wet season

During the Wet season daytime temperatures are between 24°C/75°F and 27°C/81°F at higher altitudes. At lower altitudes daytime temperatures are more consistent and hover around 30°C/86°F. Mornings stay cool at higher altitude and it is advisable to pack warm clothes for early morning game drives in open vehicles. From December to April, the humidity is intense in Tsavo and the coastal areas.

  • November & December – "Short rains": A period of unpredictable, short rains between November and December lasts about a month. The rain is sometimes heavy, but mostly falls in the late afternoon or evening, and will seldom have a negative impact on your safari.
  • January & Februay – During these months a dry spell in the rainy season occurs with less rainfall. How long the spell lasts and when it takes place, exactly, is unpredictable.
  • March, April & May – "Long rains": These months get the most rain and there can be a downpour on a daily basis, although it seldom lasts the whole day. It’s very cloudy, especially in the highlands, including Aberdare NP and Laikipia Plateau. Humidity is higher and will be particularly noticeable in the coastal regions.