Climate Kenya
Located on the equator, Kenya does not have an equatorial climate. Its climate is more like a tropical climate, with aridity in many areas. In reality, Kenya has a great diversity of climates, due to the strong influences, often contrary, of the different geographical areas that compose and surround it. As an intermediate space between humid equatorial Africa, arid North Africa, intermediate southern Africa and the Indian Ocean, Kenya can be divided into four climatic zones. All have the characteristics of having two dry seasons (December to March and June to September), and two rainy seasons (April-May and October-November). From June to September, you will enjoy a dry season with reasonable temperatures. The intermediate seasons (June, September, October) are ideal to avoid the tourist rush on safari.
Regional variations
The coast has the hottest and most humid climate, and receives the Indian Ocean monsoon during the main rainy season. Its average temperatures range from 24°C (July) to 28°C (February to April). the north and east have a semi-desert and desert climate, due to winds and continental influences. in the west, around Lake Victoria, there is what is called a tropical dry winter savannah climate (or Aw). Rainfall is fairly abundant, but the dry seasons are very marked. the highlands, including Nairobi, have a more temperate climate because of the altitude and the mix of influences. It remains hot, but can be dry or humid depending on the season. In July, temperatures in Nairobi range from 11 to 21°C, in February from 14 to 26°C.
Four seasons
Mid-December to mid-March. This is the heart of the tourist season. The weather is usually warm and dry, but you won't be alone on the dusty trails! If you don't mind the crowds, this is an interesting time. The animals are easy to observe as they gather around the few remaining water holes and you are almost certain to travel under the sun. Remember to make reservations
Late March to early June. This is normally the time of the big rains. The showers quickly turn the tracks into a real quagmire, some circuits are then impassable. Unfortunately, in the last few years, water has tended to be scarce. On the coast, the strong heat is mixed with the sun and the showers. Tropical humidity guaranteed!
From June to October. This is the "intermediate" season, the weather is quite dry and it is during this period that the great migration of wildebeest and zebras to the Maasai Mara takes place. The months of September and October are the best time to visit Kenya; the weather is still nice and warm, the animals are easy to observe and there are far fewer tourists
Mid-October to mid-December. This is the short rainy season. The advantages are the same as during the period of April, May, June (tranquility, beautiful light and landscapes, good prices). Unfortunately, it still rains a lot but much less than during the main rainy season. The tracks are a little less broken, so the choice of circuits is a little wider
Repeated droughts
Since 2006, the Horn of Africa, which includes all of northeastern Kenya, has been experiencing severe drought, with increasingly scarce rainfall. The repeated periods of drought are causing severe food shortages. The populations but also the flora and the wildlife are affected. In the context of combating and adapting to climate change, in order to help vulnerable localities, Kenya has planned to commit $8 billion to a project aimed at restoring at least 500,000 hectares of pastureland in 11 arid counties.
