Is the weather good in Kenya in December 2024?
For the past few decades, the average daily temperatures in Kenya during December have been around +28°C.
In Kenya the temperature rarely varies more than seven degrees between the different parts with the highest temperature +28°C in Mombasa to +25°C in Nairobi. So you should be able to pack for similar conditions wherever you go in the country.
Temperature, wind and humidity in December
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+28°C
Avg. max. temperature
Our opinion: Kenya has OK weather in December.
Kenya in December – what city is the…
- rainiest? Mombasa, with an average of 2 mm of rain and humidity of 79%;
- warmest? Mombasa, with daytime temperatures averaging +31°C;
- windiest? Nairobi, with an average of 3 m/s;
- coolest? Nairobi, with daytime temperatures averaging +25°C;
How good is the weather in Kenya in December?
During December, the Kenya usually offers good weather overall, with air pressure around 1015 HPa. This means you may encounter some rainy weather too – December brings around 61 mm of rain and winds averaging 3 m/s. Humidity ranges between 73% in Nairobi and 79% in Mombasa. In general, it tends to be more humid near the sea and lake and drier inland.
How warm is it in Kenya during December?
The weather is usually pretty good this time of year, with daytime temperatures around +28°C.
This is how hot it usually is in December
The average daily temperatures above don't tell you everything about how hot it can be in Kenya. For example, cold nights can make a big difference for those staying in tents or unheated houses. Extra hot days, on the other hand, can make a big difference for those who plan to engage in demanding physical training or competition. So here are some more temperatures for December:
- Average maximum temperature for the month: +28°C;
- Average minimum temperature for the month: +20°C;
- Highest monthly temperature: +28°C;
- Lowest monthly temperature: +20°C;
Monthly temperatures:
- Warmest: February with an average +30°C during the day;
- Coldest: June with an average +25°C of the day;
- Hottest month in hottest city: February in Mombasa;
- Coldest month in coolest city: July in Nairobi;
Can you swim in Kenya in December?
Here are the minimum and maximum water temperatures in cities in Kenya in December:
You can definitely swim in Mombasa in December, with the water temperature of +27°C and up.
Winds in Kenya during December
Wind speed in Kenya in December based on historical data:
December tends to offer light winds averaging 3 m/s. However, coastal cities may experience breezes during the mornings and afternoons.
Comparison between cities in December:
- Highest average wind speed: Nairobi with 3 m/s;
- Lowest average wind speed: Mombasa with 3 m/s;
- Windiest day of the month: Nairobi with 3 m/s;
- The least windy day of the month: Mombasa with 1 m/s;
Humidity and precipitation in Kenya in December
Amount of rainfall in mm during December in Kenya based on historical data:
December tends to be an extremely humid month with 75% humidity and 61 mm rainfall. In general the humidity tends to be a little lower in mountainous regions and more humid closer to water.
Comparison between cities in December:
- Highest average rainfall: Mombasa with 60 mm;
- Lowest average rainfall: Nairobi with 45 mm;
- Most number of rainy days: Mombasa with 24 rainy days;
- Least number of rainy days: Nairobi with 18 rainy days;
- Highest risk of rain during the day: Mombasa with 77%;
- Least risk of rain during the day: Nairobi with 58%;
- Highest average humidity: Mombasa with 79%;
- Lowest average humidity: Nairobi with 73%;
Tips for traveling to Kenya in December
Looking for some tips for traveling to the sun, snow, or whatever you're aiming for Kenya? Activities, weather, and clothing are closely linked. In addition, it's important to pack only what you really need so you don't have to worry about heavy packing or paying extra baggage fees.
Here is some advice on what to pack and what kind of activities you can do in the Kenya based on the weather that December is expected to bring. The advice applies to the country as a whole – local weather and possible activities may differ somewhat.
rainy, warm weather with light winds and very high humidity in December
Pack right for December
The weather makes a difference when it comes to packing - especially which items should go in your suitcase. The tips below are designed to help you pack light and right without carrying more than necessary.
- For light showers, an umbrella or a thin and light rain cape is usually sufficient, while more rain may require rainwear and rain boots.
- Warm - neither hot nor cool, are probably the most comfortable when you think of sunbathing. Shorts, shorter skirts or dresses, tank tops and t-shirts are the basics here. If you're going to a seaside resort, don't forget your swimwear and maybe even a snorkel, mask and flippers.
- Light winds are probably most comfortable in hot weather but is cooling in cool and cold weather. If it is hot (when the air temperature is about 30 degrees), the wind can have a warming effect. A thin, windproof jacket and long trousers help to counteract these effects.
- High humidity means that the air conducts heat to and from the skin more easily. For example, if the air is hot (above skin temperature), it will be harder to stay cool. On the other hand, if the air is cool or cold, it is more difficult to stay warm. In high humidity, the choice of clothing makes less of a difference. However, your physical activity plays a bigger role.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about the weather in Kenya in December:
What can you do outside when it's warm in Kenya?
Bathing and sunbathing can be suitable. Warm (but not hot) days are also good for activities that are not so physically demanding: sightseeing on foot, by boat, on a scooter, camel riding. You can also exercise easily as long as you make sure to cool down and quench thirst.
Is December a good time to visit Kenya?
It’s always a good time to visit Kenya, but the weather is changeable in December, so plan a mix of indoor and outdoor activities and exploring, and pack for every eventuality. Source of the data
For this page, we’ve looked at the typical weather in Kenya, based on historical hourly weather data from January 1, 1979, to December 31, 2023.
For past dates, we show actual recorded data at the location at that time. Forecasts are based on recorded weather during that day of the year, averaged over the total years for which we have records (unless stated otherwise). The daily temperature is the highest recorded temperature in the shadow during that day.