Climate in Kenya

Kenya has a highly diverse climate, with major differences between regions. Annual temperatures range from lows of -1°C in the coldest regions to highs of 24°C in the warmest areas. Annual precipitation ranges from 121mm in drier regions to 376mm in wetter parts of the country. Some regions receive significant snowfall, with up to 67cm annually, while other areas see little to none. The warmest areas are warm year-round while the coldest regions remain cold, making Kenya a country of sharp climate contrasts.

Temperature patterns across Kenya vary by region, with distinct differences between areas. The South is the warmest part of the country, with peak temperatures reaching 24°C and an annual average of 20°C. Cooler conditions are found in the Northeast, where winter lows drop to -1°C and an annual average of 2°C. This 18°C difference in annual averages between regions means travellers can experience vastly different conditions depending on which part of Kenya they visit. Regional temperature differences remain relatively consistent across seasons, with around 22°C of variation in both summer and winter. For example, Mombasa in the Mombasa averages 20°C annually, while Mandera in the Mandera averages 2°C.

Kenya sees notable variation in rainfall across its regions, ranging from 121mm to 376mm per year. The Southeast receives the most rainfall, at approximately 376mm annually. The Northwest is the driest, with around 121mm per year. Rainfall is distributed fairly evenly across the seasons, with no strong wet or dry period in most regions. The Northeast sees the most snowfall, with up to 67cm annually, while other parts of the country receive little to none. Visitors heading to wetter areas can expect more frequent rain than those staying in drier parts of the country.