Visiting Kenya in December introduces you to all the charms of nature you can imagine, from pleasant river valleys and exotic mountains to dense jungles and rare wildlife.
Kenya lies on the equator and has a pleasant, tropical climate, but there are large regional climatic variations influenced by several factors, including altitude. Kenya is too close to the equator to experience a real winter and summer. Kenya’s daytime temperatures average between 20°C/68°F and 28°C/82°F, but it is warmer on the coast. It’s generally sunny, dry and temperate most of the year in Kenya despite being situated directly on the equator.
Many travelers assume that because they are traveling to Africa, it must always be warm. This is not the case in Kenya during the night and early morning, however, particularly in June, July and August. You can expect days to be absolutely beautiful, temperate and sunny, but nights and early mornings will be chilly, possibly near freezing, so we recommend you bring warm layers you can peel off as it warms up through the day. A lightweight down jacket or fleece pullover is ideal. Gloves, hat, scarf and warm long pants are also essential at this time of year for early-morning wildlife drives.
There's a notable distinction in the weather between the first half of December and the second. Kenya in December begins with a good spell of showers, however, the precipitation tapers off by the middle of the month. So the latter half of the month offers an ideal condition to visit this beautiful country in East Africa.
Weather in December
The first half of December in Kenya is rainy and mild in the highlands and rainy and hot in the southeast lowlands. The latter half is generally warm or hot with low or moderate rainfall. Temperature-wise, it can be mixed, depending on where you are in the country. Temperatures across the country also vary from one region to another. For instance, in Nairobi, the mercury stays at around 23°C during the day, dropping down to 15°C at night.
Impact of the October to December weather forecast to farmers across the country
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During the Wet season daytime temperatures are between 24°C/75°F and 27°C/81°F at higher altitudes. At lower altitudes daytime temperatures are more consistent and hover around 30°C/86°F. November & December - 'Short rains' - A period of unpredictable short rains between November and December that lasts about a month. The rain is sometimes heavy, but mostly falls in the late afternoon or evening, and will seldom have a negative impact on your safari.
Average Monthly Temperatures & Rainfall
Keep in mind that these are averages, and that weather can be unpredictable. Be sure to check current weather conditions a few days before your departure.
| Month | High (°F) | Low (°F) | Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 70s-80s | Mid-50s to 60s | Moderate |
Where to Go in Kenya in December
Second half of December: Touring conditions all over the country improve after the short rainy season.
Nairobi
Head to Nairobi where you'll find mostly sunshine mixed with moderate rain showers that are typically quick and intense, rarely lasting all day. Nairobi is the big capital. Most tourists arrive through its airport. It is sunny.
One of the best things about the capital this time of year is that it's full of indoor attractions (think museums, art galleries, restaurants, etc.) so that when it's raining you still have things to do. It's a delightful time of year to explore the city without the huge crowds-just don't forget to bring a rain jacket for the intermittent showers.
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Places to go in the city:
- Giraffe Centre
- Oloolua Nature Trail
- Elephant Sanctuary
Natural highlights in the Nairobi area:
- Nairobi National Park is adjacent to the city.
Maasai Mara
Of the various savanna wildlife preserves in the highlands, Maasai Mara is the best place to go weatherwise for safari in December. The sheer numbers of wildlife at Maasai Mara makes a better safari experience. The first half of December is low tourism season in Maasai Mara and a better time for solitude and lower costs.
Many of Kenya’s parks have a climate comparable to this, including the Masai Mara National Reserve. During the Dry season daytime temperatures are usually around 23°C/73°F at higher altitudes, such as the Masai Mara.
Diani Beach
Diani Beach is a generally considered the best stretch of beach in East Africa for the clean sands, great diving, water sports, excellent food and accommodations, and nearby forests, caves, and nature to explore. In December, it rains about 8 days a month. It is warm or hot during the day, and the Diani water temperature ranges from 29°C (85°F) to 27°C (81°F). Diani is 30 km (19 miles) south of Mombasa, and driving takes about 30 minutes.
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Mombasa
Mombasa is a city of a million people on the southeast coast. There are a variety of things to do suited for December. When it rains, you can shop and dine. Things to do in the city include going to Fort Jesus museum and the historic Old Town area.
You could go to Haller Park and walk the Bamburi Natural Trail in it or scuba dive at Mombasa Marine National Park and Wasini Island. Christmas is a huge holiday event. You could have Christmas dinners, take in the sights and sounds of Christmas markets, watch traditional dances, or join the locals for Christmas day celebrations. Christmas in Kenya is really worth the trip!
Malindi
Malindi has white sand beaches, and December is one of the best months for going to the beach since there is only about 5 days of rain and hot weather. It is the best location for surfing in Kenya. Christmas is a big holiday. There are an annual Christmas Craft Fair and Market, decorations and displays, and Christmas services. There are traditional Kenyan dishes and Italian Christmas dinners. December is by far the month with heaviest tourism, and prices peak.
Mount Kenya
Mount Kenya (Kirinyaga) is the second highest mountain in Africa. The rainy season makes the vegetation green and lush in December, and animals come to the park since water and food is available. Most of the park is over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet). You could stay at inns with amazingly beautiful views at lower prices in December. The beginning of December is generally low tourist season with moderate rainfall.
Or, in Mount Kenya National Park, take advantage of the drier conditions to view the country's namesake mountain, along with snow-capped peaks like Batian, Nelion, and Lenana.
Things to Do
Kenya is best known for its spectacular wildlife and exotic beaches. But besides these attractions, there are plenty more things to do during your stay in the country.
- Visit Amboseli National Park to catch the captivating views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Go on an excursion to Lake Nakuru to see pink flamingos. The famous pink flamingos that the park is known for are abundant this time of year and typically congregating on the lake. The fact that the grass isn't yet overgrown makes them easier to see as well. December is an excellent time to make a visit to Lake Nakuru, too.
- Alternatively, you could also visit Nairobi National Park, which is home to numerous endangered species.
- You could also trek Mount Kenya or book a city tour in Nairobi.
- Make sure that you include the iconic Masai Mara, whose grasslands provide refuge to lions, zebras, and giraffes, in your itinerary.
- In the mountains, discover stunning volcanic gorges and geothermal geysers at Hell's Gate National Park. It's the only park that doesn't have predatory animals which means you can hike or bike freely without the protection of an overland vehicle. Book a mountain biking tour to explore the unique geology of the park and learn more about its history. Hell's Gate National Park, for example, averages about 50% rainy days throughout December (with greater frequency early in the month) and temperatures in the low 60s.
December Events and Festivals
Explore its charming wilderness, discover its many wildlife, learn about the local culture and enjoy the festivals.
- Rusinga Cultural Festival: This popular two-day festival, which celebrates Kenya's people and culture, is held right before Christmas on Rusinga Island. This festival celebrates the culture, lifestyle, and cuisines that are part of the native Suba people.
- PAWA Festival: The PAWA festival, is a large art festival and block party that takes place every year in December on Koinange Street in Nairobi. Go to Nairobi to be a part of the largest block party and art festival - PAWA.
- New Year celebrations: On New Year’s Eve, Nairobi hosts the biggest fireworks display. Parades and parties are also held in cities and towns across the country. For some beach fun, head for Mombasa.
Tips for Traveling in December
December is rainy, and mosquitoes could be a big nuisance. Wear a hat, long-sleeved shirt or high-factor sun screen, and light trousers or long dresses to avoid mosquito bites and sunburn. Carry mosquito repellent. You will need a jacket for the highlands. Bring winter clothes for the higher mountains. Bring rain gear or umbrellas.
December has low tourism in the savannas except during the Christmas and New Year's holidays. However, it is the heaviest month for tourism in Mombasa and Malindi. So overall it is a moderate tourism month in Kenya. December is part of the low season in Kenya, so visitors can enjoy the popular attractions with fewer crowds around.
Traveling to Kenya in December has its own share of advantages:
- Fewer crowds: December is not a popular month among tourists because of unfavorable climatic conditions.
- Cheaper rates: Considering that December is a low season in Kenya, the prices of flights and accommodations drop. Airlines often run deals this time of year and hotels sometimes offer better rates. They aren't as low as in April or May during the height of the rainy season but they're certainly better than they are mid-summer.
A private tour is recommended for Kenya. Our travel experts who know the local conditions would provide you with greater comfort, enjoyment, safety, and speed of travel. At Global Highlights, we recognize that you may want some private time with your traveling companion(s) such as hiking in a wilderness preserve or go on safari. So, we are flexible to do as much itinerary tailoring and expert arranging as you would wish to make the best trip for you.
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