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. December is a great time to travel to Kenya, since the rains are short and you have the chance to see newborn animals and migratory bird species. The height of summer is an excellent time to spot wildlife, both on the ground and in the air.
Kenya is an African country, bisected by the Equator, yet it has three types of climate: hot and humid along the coast, temperate in the west and south-west, where there are mountains and plateaus, and finally, hot and dry in the north and east.
In general, the warmest period in Kenya is from February to March, while the coolest is from July to August, although the seasonal variations in temperature are small. Temperatures are slightly higher from November to April, and a little lower from June to September.
Here's what you need to know about Kenya's weather in December to plan your trip effectively.
The Maasai Mara in the Rainy Season - Safari Tips
Weather Overview in December
Kenya in December begins with a good spell of showers, however, the precipitation tapers off by the middle of the month. There's a notable distinction in the weather between the first half of December and the second. 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. The latter half of the month offers an ideal condition to visit this beautiful country in East Africa.
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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. Prepare for temperatures to average around 31°C in Mombasa or Kilifi. Evenings in this region are cooler, with the temperature dropping to about 25°C.
Daily high temperatures increase by 2°F, from 75°F to 77°F, rarely falling below 70°F or exceeding 80°F. Daily low temperatures are around 60°F, rarely falling below 55°F or exceeding 62°F.
The average sliding 31-day rainfall during December in Nairobi is decreasing, starting the month at 2.2 inches, when it rarely exceeds 4.9 inches or falls below 0.6 inches, and ending the month at 1.4 inches, when it rarely exceeds 4.1 inches.
Over the course of December in Nairobi, the length of the day is essentially constant. The shortest day of the month is December 1, with 12 hours, 12 minutes of daylight and the longest day is December 22, with 12 hours, 12 minutes of daylight.
The average daily incident shortwave solar energy in Nairobi is essentially constant during December, remaining within 0.1 kWh of 6.8 kWh throughout.
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Regional Weather Details
Coastal Areas (Mombasa, Malindi)
Around Mombasa and Malindi, it is hot, and the beaches are usually sunny and sparkling with 10 hours of sunshine a day. The beaches are wet and rainy in December which makes them less than ideal for a vacation destination, even though the temperatures are warm and pleasant.
Highland Plateau (Nairobi, Maasai Mara)
The various big attractions such as Nairobi and the large savanna wildlife preserves such as Maasai Mara have moderate rainfall and warm temperatures.
Other Parks
Amboseli National Park has stunning views of Mt. Kilimanjaro and December is one of the best times to visit because the lack of dust affords better views of the giant mountain. December is an excellent time to make a visit to Lake Nakuru, too. 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.
Why Visit Kenya in December?
While December may not be a preferred month for beach holidays, safari expeditions are worthwhile. December is an excellent time to visit popular parks that get busy during the high season, such as the Masai Mara Game Reserve. In fact, there are some who prefer visiting Kenya in December to spot a variety of exotic wildlife in the country.
Here are some advantages of traveling to Kenya in December:
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- 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.
The first half of December is low tourism season in Maasai Mara and a better time for solitude and lower costs. The beginning of December is generally low tourist season with moderate rainfall.
Overall, December is a good month as far as crowd sizes go. Like the weather, it changes throughout the month-the first half being significantly less crowded while the latter is busier as crowds start arriving for Christmas (and the nice weather that comes with it).
Things to Do in Kenya in December
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.
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. Visit the vibrant capital city of Nairobi where you can explore the Nairobi National Museum or soak up artwork at the Banana Hill Art Gallery. If you're into more upscale shopping, the Village Market offers trendy boutiques and cafes.
Wildlife Safaris: For wildlife lovers, there's no shortage of dazzling savannah full of zebras, elephants, giraffes, lions, cheetahs, rhinoceroses, and more. It's also a fantastic time of year to take a wildlife safari into any of the many national parks. In Samburu National Reserve, for example, you'll see zebras, giraffes, elephants, cheetahs, and all manner of African animals.
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.
Hiking and Biking: 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. 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.
December Festivals and Events
Kenya in December is vibrant with cultural celebrations and festive events.
- Rusinga Cultural Festival: On the last Thursday and Friday before Christmas, the locals of Rusinga Island observe the 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: Go to Nairobi to be a part of the largest block party and art festival - PAWA. The PAWA festival, is a large art festival and block party that takes place every year in December on Koinange Street in Nairobi.
- Christmas Celebrations: 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! There are an annual Christmas Craft Fair and Market, decorations and displays, and Christmas services. There are traditional Kenyan dishes and Italian Christmas dinners.
- 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.
What to Wear in December
Given the varying climates across Kenya, it's essential to pack accordingly.
For the plateau, in general, dress in layers with spring/autumn clothes, warmer at higher altitudes, a sun hat and sunscreen; you can also bring a raincoat for showers in rainy periods, which should be lighter in the warm season and at low altitudes. For parks and reserves, neutral-colored clothes, comfortable canvas shoes.
In summer (December to February):
- For the coast (Malindi, Mombasa) and the Tsavo National Park, bring light clothing of natural fibers, a light sweatshirt for the evening.
- For Lake Victoria, light clothing of natural fibers, a sun hat, a light sweatshirt for the evening, and a light raincoat or umbrella.
- For Nairobi, the Masai Mara and the plateau at intermediate altitudes, light clothes for the day, a jacket and a sweater for the evening.
- For the highlands above 2,000 meters (6,500 feet), spring/autumn clothes, a raincoat or umbrella; above 3,000 meters (9,800 ft), add a warm jacket and a hat.
- For the north and Lake Turkana, loose-fitting, light-colored clothing, light, long shirt and pants of natural fibers (cotton, linen), a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a desert turban, and a sun hat.
Practical Tips for December Travel
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.
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.
Average Monthly Temperatures & Rainfall
Please 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.
| Location | Min Temp (°C) | Max Temp (°C) | Precipitation (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amboseli | 16 | 28 | 85 |
| Eldoret | 11 | 24 | 45 |
| Kakamega | 14 | 27 | 100 |
| Kericho | 12 | 23 | 105 |
| Kisumu | 18 | 30 | 90 |
| Lamu | 24 | 32 | 30 |
| Lodwar | 22 | 35 | 15 |
| Malindi | 25 | 31 | 35 |
| Mandera | 23 | 34 | 10 |
| Masai Mara | 12 | 27 | 115 |
| Mombasa | 23 | 32 | 75 |
| Nairobi | 14 | 24 | 75 |
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