The African country of Kenya enjoys sunshine all year round as it lies east of the equator. It has a hot tropical climate, wherein it can be quite humid and hot by the coast of the Indian Ocean, while further inland, it is quite dry. However, travelers will notice that Mount Kenya does have snow-capped peaks throughout the year. The variations in temperature and climate are due to the diversity of the topography of Kenya.

The average temperature in Kenya is set at a hot 30 °C or 86 °F throughout the whole year. It ranges from a mild 14 °C or about 57 °F to a maximum of a blistering 36 °C, which is over 96 °F. February and March are the hottest months of the year in the country while the coolest months are July and August.

There are slight variations in temperature and climate depending on the specific city or area in Kenya. The capital city of Nairobi has a maximum temperature of about 25 °C or 77 °F, although it can drop down to as low as 13.6 °C, which is just over 56 °F. On the other hand, given the elevation of Eldoret, which is at 2,085 meters above sea level, the maximum temperatures are only at 23.6 °C or almost 74.5 °F while the coolest temperatures are recorded at 9.5 °C or just 49 °F. Over at the cities of Lodwar and Mandera, which are located at the dry north plains, the maximum temperatures hit just below 35 °C or a blistering 95°F, while minimum temperatures are recorded at about 24 °C, which is just about 75°F.

Along the coastal city of Mombasa, the maximum temperatures are at 30 °C (86 °F) all year round, while the coolest temperatures are only at 22.4 °C or around 72.3°F. It is quite humid in the coastal region. In Mombasa, the month of February only has about 20 millimeters of rain, while in the month of May, rainfall can be as much as 300 millimeters.

Travelers going to the bush lands will find the climate to be semi-arid, especially in eastern Kenya, wherein the temperatures can hit 40 °C or 104 °F in the daytime and drastically drop to 20 °C or around 68 °F during the evening hours. Rain occurrences are few and far between in eastern Kenya. Violent storms occur instead of mild or heavy rainfall. Travelers going here will find that July is the driest month of the year, whereas November is the wettest month.

The months of April, May and June receive the most rains. As much as 200 millimeters of rainfall has been recorded in the wet month of April. These are described as long rains and it is the off – peak season for travelers to visit Kenya. The wet humid weather plus the proliferation of mosquitoes make it a less than ideal time to visit the country. It is also more difficult to spot the wildlife that Kenya is so famous for during the rainy season.

On the other hand, rainfall is also known to occur between October and December. When it does rain in Kenya, it often occurs during the afternoon and evening hours and it can be quite a downpour.

The best time for tourists to go to Kenya is in January and February. The temperatures are at their highest, but it is also the driest time of the year so you can enjoy your time outdoors. January has an average recorded rainfall of only 40 millimeters. Another reason why this is ideal time to go is that the animals tend to go to the watercourses at wildlife parks to find some respite from the blistering heat. This makes it easier for tourists to see them. Christmas and Easter are peak travel seasons and tourists should expect to pay more for accommodations.

Another popular time of the year to visit Kenya is from the months of June to October. This is the annual migration of over 11 million wildebeest. During this period, the spectacular sight of millions of these animals making the 1,800-mile journey moving from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara National Reserve can be quite a spectacle.

Travelers going to Kenya should pack clothes fit for summer weather, regardless of the time of year they plan to go to Kenya. Linen pants, cotton dresses, blouses and other cool attire are best to pack along. Clothes that have been treated so that they provide built-in SPF sun protection are another good option.

There’s no need to bring along articles of clothing made of wool or other warm winter clothes. As a backup option, bring along a lightweight rain jacket, especially when visiting Kenya during the rainy season.

To protect against the glaring heat of the sun, dark sunglasses, a wide brimmed hat or cap and a tube of high SPF sunscreen must be brought along. Be sure to apply the sunscreen liberally before heading out, especially if you plan to go on safari or stay outdoors most of the day.

During the evening hours, the temperatures tend to drop down so the evenings can be much cooler till the early morning hours of the day. A lightweight cardigan or shawl can be brought along, although most travelers find the drop in temperatures a welcome change in the weather.

Knowing the climate in Kenya can help travelers plan a better itinerary. Also, it becomes easier to pack the proper items to be best prepared for the weather and the climate that you are expecting. Before leaving home, be sure to check the weather forecast for the specific city in Kenya so you know the exact weather to expect when you arrive.