Climate - Kenya

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Kenya lies on the equator and shares common borders with Tanzania and Uganda. The country doesn’t have distinct seasons, the climate is generally very pleasant and variations in altitude and terrain create the contrasts.

Over most of the country there are two rainy seasons: the ‘Short’ rains which occur from late October through November and the ‘Long’ rains which occur from late March to early June.

Generally speaking, in the Highlands the climate is cool; at lower altitudes temperatures can reach approximately 35°C during the day; the coast is humid and balmy.

If you visit during a rainy period you’ll find that the rain usually falls in the late afternoon preceded by bright, sunny and fresh days. July and August are the coolest months and are often overcast especially in the morning. December to mid March is the warmest time of the year.

Seasonal notes on the Kenyan Coast

Africa's East Coast is dominated by the monsoons - usually very predictable and resulting in nine months of spectacular sunshine from July through to April with wet overcast conditions during May, June and July. 

• The "Kaskazi" is the summer trade wind that blows from the north east from December to April and brings calm, clear water and good fishing.  Average temperatures from 30-35° C
• The "Kusi" blows from the south east from May to November.  Great sailing - average temperatures 29-32° C.
• See additional notes on Kenya's coastal season

Seasonal notes on the migration

• The migratory herds of wildebeest and zebra are in the Southern Serengeti in Tanzania, where the grasslands are rich between December and March. Their young are born between Feb and March which encourages dramatic predator action.
• Then in May as the plains of the south and east dry out there is movement to the north and west, where there is more grass and more dependable water.
• In a dry year, the first wildebeest could be near the Mara River bordering Kenya in early July; in a wet year as late as mid August.
• The Migration need not all pass into Kenya and many stay behind or cross and re-cross the border areas.
• This carries on through till October / November, when they will start thinking of heading back south into the Serengeti.
• See our explanatory maps on the migration....

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Last updated 21 February, 2008