Kenya’s rainy seasons: long rains and short rains
Most of Kenya has two rainy seasons a year: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December, separated by a cool dry season in the middle of the year and a hot dry spell in January and February.
Conditions right now
Long rains and short rains
The long rains are the main season for most of Kenya, with April usually the wettest month in Nairobi. On the coast they start a little later and May is often wettest in Mombasa. The short rains, from October to December, are lighter and more variable, but in eastern Kenya they can supply as much rain as the long rains. Western Kenya around Kisumu and Kakamega is wetter overall and gets rain in most months.
The dry months
June to September is dry and cool in Nairobi, with grey mornings and chilly nights in July. January and February are dry, sunny and warm. These dry seasons are popular for travel and safaris, but they also bring dust and, in poor years, water stress for farmers and herders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the rainiest month in Nairobi?
April, in the middle of the long rains. November is the wettest month of the short rains.
When are the short rains in Kenya?
From October to December, usually peaking in November. Their strength depends heavily on Indian Ocean temperatures.
When is the dry season in Kenya?
There are two: a cool dry season from June to September and a hot dry season in January and February.