Kenya (Mombasa)
Kenya · Africa
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, 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 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
MAXMax Temp | 33° | 33° | 33° | 32° | 30° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 30° | 31° | 32° |
MINMin Temp | 25° | 25° | 26° | 26° | 24° | 23° | 22° | 22° | 23° | 24° | 25° | 25° |
☀️Sunshine | 8h | 9h | 8h | 6h | 6h | 7h | 7h | 8h | 8h | 8h | 7h | 8h |
🌊Water Temp | 27° | 28° | 29° | 29° | 29° | 28° | 27° | 26° | 26° | 27° | 28° | 27° |
🌧Rain Days | 1d15mm | 1d8mm | 3d51mm | 8d107mm | 12d226mm | 7d97mm | 6d50mm | 5d44mm | 5d54mm | 7d117mm | 7d121mm | 5d73mm |
Best travel time
The best time to visit Kenya (Mombasa) is January, February, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, and December. In summer, temperatures rise to 33°C; in winter they can drop to 22°C. Rainfall is very low during the best travel period (15 mm), making Kenya (Mombasa) an ideal destination.
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.
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, temperatures in Kenya (Mombasa) can reach up to 33°C. In winter, they may drop to 22°C.
- 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, March, April, June, July, August, September, October, and December.
- How warm is the water in Kenya (Mombasa)?
- Water temperature in Kenya (Mombasa) ranges from 26°C (August) to 29°C (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
