Kenya (Mombasa)
Kenya · Africa
The best time to visit Kenya (Mombasa) is January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, and December. In summer, daytime highs average 33°C (91°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 22°C (72°F), dropping to around 20°C (68°F) on the coldest. Rainfall is very low during the best travel period (16 mm (0.6 in)), making Kenya (Mombasa) an ideal destination.
Kenya (Mombasa) – What you should know
Mombasa and the Kenyan coast have a tropical coastal climate with two rainy seasons: the long rains (Masika) from April to June and the short rains (Vuli) from October to November. The driest and sunniest months are July to September and December to March — ideal for the beach, snorkelling and excursions to nearby national parks.
Kenya's hinterland — above all the savannahs of the Masai Mara — has a different climate from the coast. The great wildebeest migration between the Masai Mara and the Serengeti takes place from July to October, when it is dry and the animals wander in search of water. These months are the best time for safari, even if the coast can be somewhat cloudier then.
Water temperatures off Mombasa typically reach 25–29°C (77–84°F), enabling diving and snorkelling in the Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Reserve. From October to March, whale sharks can be spotted off the coast — an unforgettable experience for divers and snorkellers.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 33° (91°)30– (86–)34 (93) | 33° (91°)31– (88–)35 (95) | 33° (91°)30– (86–)35 (95) | 32° (90°)27– (81–)34 (93) | 30° (86°)26– (79–)32 (90) | 29° (84°)26– (79–)31 (88) | 29° (84°)25– (77–)30 (86) | 29° (84°)26– (79–)30 (86) | 29° (84°)27– (81–)31 (88) | 30° (86°)28– (82–)32 (90) | 31° (88°)28– (82–)33 (91) | 32° (90°)30– (86–)34 (93) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 25° (77°)22– (72–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)26 (79) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)27 (81) | 24° (75°)22– (72–)25 (77) | 23° (73°)21– (70–)24 (75) | 22° (72°)20– (68–)23 (73) | 22° (72°)20– (68–)23 (73) | 23° (73°)20– (68–)24 (75) | 24° (75°)21– (70–)25 (77) | 25° (77°)22– (72–)26 (79) | 25° (77°)23– (73–)26 (79) |
☀️Sunshine | 8h | 9h | 8h | 6h | 6h | 7h | 7h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 7h | 8h |
🌊Water Temp | 27° (81°) | 28° (82°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 29° (84°) | 28° (82°) | 27° (81°) | 26° (79°) | 26° (79°) | 27° (81°) | 28° (82°) | 27° (81°) |
🌧Rain Days | 1d16mm (0.6") | 1d8mm (0.3") | 3d51mm (2.0") | 8d107mm (4.2") | 12d226mm (8.9") | 7d97mm (3.8") | 6d50mm (2.0") | 5d44mm (1.7") | 5d54mm (2.1") | 7d117mm (4.6") | 7d121mm (4.8") | 5d73mm (2.9") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
November offers great weather in Kenya (Mombasa) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
The travel year in Kenya (Mombasa)
January – March
The best season on the Swahili coast: dry, 28–32°C (82–90°F), the Indian Ocean warm and clear for snorkelling on the reef. Mombasa's old town, with its Arab heritage and baobab trees, in pleasant light.
April – May
Long rainy season: rain every day, the vegetation explodes in green. Heavily reduced prices.
June – October
Cool dry season: a pleasant 24–27°C (75–81°F), fewer tourist crowds, the dhows active off the coast. Ideal conditions for visiting Tsavo National Park.
November – December
Short rains and Christmas: quick afternoon showers, then sunshine again. The most popular travel season for Kenyans themselves.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Kenya (Mombasa)?
- The best time to visit Kenya (Mombasa) is January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, and December. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Kenya (Mombasa)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Kenya (Mombasa) average 33°C (91°F), with peaks around 35°C (95°F); in winter, nights average 22°C (72°F), dropping to around 20°C (68°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Kenya (Mombasa) get?
- Kenya (Mombasa) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 6 rain days per month. The driest months are January, February, and August.
- How warm is the water in Kenya (Mombasa)?
- Water temperature in Kenya (Mombasa) ranges from 26°C (79°F) (August) to 29°C (84°F) (April). During the best travel months (January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, and December), the water is most pleasant for swimming.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
🏖️
Beach Holiday
Warm, sunny, little rain
JunAugSep
🏙️
City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JulAugSep
