Kenya has no true winter or summer. Instead the year is shaped by the long rains (roughly March to May) and the short rains (roughly November to early December), with dry seasons in between. Rains are increasingly unpredictable from year to year, so treat these as a guide rather than a guarantee.
At around 1,700 metres, Nairobi is pleasantly mild all year - warm days in the low-to-mid 20s °C and cool evenings that can drop close to 10 °C in July and August. Bring a warm layer even if you are expecting tropical heat.
Safari areas are warm by day and surprisingly chilly at dawn, especially in an open-roof vehicle. Early game drives can start at 10-14 °C before warming to the high 20s by lunchtime. Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru follow a similar pattern, slightly warmer on the valley floor.
These lower, drier parks are hotter and dustier, with daytime temperatures often in the 30s °C in Samburu and Tsavo. Amboseli has fresh mornings when Kilimanjaro is most likely to be clear of cloud.
Mombasa, Diani, Watamu and Lamu are hot and humid year-round, typically 28-33 °C, with sea breezes. The calmest, sunniest beach months run from October to March; May is usually the wettest month on the coast.
On Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro conditions change with every thousand metres - from warm forest to freezing nights near the summit, where temperatures fall well below zero. Proper layers, a warm sleeping bag and waterproofs are essential whatever the month.
Pack light layers in neutral colours, a fleece or light down jacket for early drives, a rain shell, a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen. The equatorial sun is strong even when it feels cool.
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