The weather in Kenya during November is diverse, varying significantly depending on the specific region you plan to visit. This month presents unique opportunities for travelers, with fewer crowds and manageable costs, making it an ideal time to explore Kenya's stunning landscapes and vibrant culture.
General Weather Overview
In Nairobi and the central highlands, November tends to be hot and rainy with cool nights. The coastal areas near Mombasa and Malindi experience hot weather around the clock with slightly less rainfall.
Temperature Details
Daily high temperatures in Nairobi are around 75°F, rarely falling below 70°F or exceeding 80°F. The lowest daily average high temperature is 74°F around November 25. Daily low temperatures hover around 60°F, rarely falling below 57°F or exceeding 62°F. The highest daily average low temperature is 60°F around November 17.
Rainfall
The chance of a wet day in Nairobi gradually decreases over November, starting at 36% and ending at 34%. The average sliding 31-day rainfall during November remains constant at about 2.3 inches, rarely exceeding 5.1 inches or falling below 0.6 inches. The highest average 31-day accumulation is 2.5 inches around November 15.
As the rain increases, mosquitos begin coming out in higher numbers, too.
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Crowds and Costs
In terms of crowds, November is a great month since the kids are back in school but the holiday vacationers haven't yet arrived. The onset of the rain keeps the big numbers down and, though it's busier than March or April, it's still very manageable. If you're someone who likes to avoid crowds, you'll love November.
Costs follow a similar pattern-it's not as cheap as the off-season but much less expensive than the summertime when hotels and airlines are charging peaks rates.
Where to Go in November
Nairobi
Nairobi is a great November destination. It's rainy at times but there are also plenty of dry days, too. Plus, even when it does rain, the precipitation is warm and doesn't last for long.
In Nairobi, stroll through Maasai Market or wander around the Nairobi National Museum where you can learn about Kenyan history and culture. Check out artwork at the Banana Hill Art Gallery or shop at the Village Market which is full of modern boutiques. If you're into food, taste some new dishes at any of the capital city's many top-rated restaurants.
National Parks and Reserves
Many of the wildlife parks are good choices this time of year, too. Just keep in mind that being outdoors, you'll want to bring a good raincoat. That said, there are far fewer tourists and the roads are typically passable. Additionally, the extra greenery makes it a more beautiful season foliage-wise, and you won't be choking on dust the whole time.
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If this sounds appealing, check out Massai Mara, Samburu National Reserve, to Amboseli National Park. Watch zebras, elephants, giraffes, hippos, gazelles, and other African animals in these parks.
Another option is to head to the mountains to check out places like Mount Kenya National Park or Hell's Gate National Park. These parks will be cooler and wetter but the scenery won't be any less stunning. Mount Kenya, which is home to the country's namesake mountain, features exquisite snow-capped peaks including Batian, Nelion, and Lenana. If you're the adventurous type, you can even book a three-day trek to climb to the top of the 17,057-foot summit.
Lake Nakuru
Lake Nakuru is another destination that's perfect in November. The park is known for huge flocks of pink flamingos that congregate by the water, creating stunning photo opportunities. The grass is still short which makes it easier to see them and it's not as hot as it is in other regions.
Coastal Regions
Generally speaking, the beaches don't make great destinations this time of year. They get a lot of rain and it's difficult to enjoy many of the activities the region is famous for such as snorkeling, swimming, surfing, and sea kayaking.
Events and Festivals
November in Kenya offers unique cultural experiences:
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- Mombasa Carnival: This spectacular carnival, which occurs every year in the southern coastal town of Mombasa, is not to be missed. The festive celebration draws huge crowds to the colorful event which includes parades, costumes, floats, music, art, and dance.
- Maulid Festival: Held for several days in late October, Lamu Island hosts another giant party in honor of the Prophet Mohammed's birthday.
Safari Tours
If wildlife is on your agenda, book a safari at any one of the many incredible national parks and reserves.
Kenya Wildlife Safari - 10 Days: Highlights of this jam-packed tour of Kenya's most beautiful parks include Amboseli National Park, Hell's Gate National Park, Mount Longonot, Lake Nakuru, Lake Bogoria, and Maasai Mara.
Top 5 Attractive Places in KENYA to visit. #kenya #africa #nairobi
Additional Information
Sunrise and Sunset
The earliest sunrise of the month in Nairobi is 6:11 AM on November 5 and the latest sunrise is 4 minutes later at 6:15 AM on November 30. The earliest sunset is 6:21 PM on November 1 and the latest sunset is 6 minutes later at 6:27 PM on November 30.
Wind
The average hourly wind speed in Nairobi is essentially constant during November, remaining within 0.2 miles per hour of 10.8 miles per hour throughout. The hourly average wind direction in Nairobi throughout November is predominantly from the east, with a peak proportion of 99% on November 9.
Solar Energy
The average daily incident shortwave solar energy in Nairobi is essentially constant during November, remaining within 0.1 kWh of 6.8 kWh throughout. The lowest average daily incident shortwave solar energy during November is 6.7 kWh on November 28.
Temperature Comparison
Waimea, Hawaii, United States; Mérida, Venezuela; and Constanza, Dominican Republic are the far-away foreign places with temperatures most similar to Nairobi.
Growing Season
Temperatures in Nairobi are sufficiently warm year round that it is not entirely meaningful to discuss the growing season in these terms.
Cloud Cover
The month of November in Nairobi experiences essentially constant cloud cover, with the percentage of time that the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy remaining about 62% throughout the month. The clearest day of the month is November 24, with clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy conditions 39% of the time.
Average Temperatures in Nairobi During November
| Date | Average High (°F) | Average Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| November 1 | 75 | 60 |
| November 15 | 75 | 60 |
| November 25 | 74 | 60 |
| November 30 | 75 | 60 |
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