Kenya (Diani Beach)

Kenya (Diani Beach) – What you should know

Diani Beach south of Mombasa has two rainy seasons rather than one — a pattern typical of East Africa. The "long rains" fall in April and May at 108 and 227 mm, the "short rains" in October and November at 117 and 121 mm. Two dry spells lie between them, and January and February are the most dependable months of the year at 15 and 7 mm.

Temperatures barely move: 28°C in July up to 33°C in February, never below 22°C at night. The Indian Ocean stays between 26°C and 29°C year-round. What defines the year instead is the monsoon — the kaskazi from the northeast between December and March brings calm seas and clear water, while the kusi from the southwest between June and September brings rougher conditions.

For snorkelling and diving on the offshore reef, December to March is therefore best: low turbidity, little wind, the best visibility. Anyone combining Diani with a safari has to weigh this up, though — the best safari season inland runs from July to October, exactly when the kusi blows on the coast and underwater visibility is poorer.