March Weather in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

Nov 06, 2025 0

Planning a trip to Kenya? Understanding the weather patterns is crucial for an enjoyable experience. March marks a transitional period in Kenya, with the climate shifting from dry and hot to rainy and cooler. This article provides a detailed overview of what to expect in Kenya during March, including regional variations, travel tips, and recommended activities.

Mount Kenya

Overview of Kenya's Climate

Kenya lies on the equator, resulting in a tropical climate with significant regional variations influenced by altitude and other factors. The country doesn't experience traditional winter and summer seasons. Instead, it has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons.

Dry Season: June to October (cooler temperatures) and January to February (hotter temperatures)
Wet Season: March to May (long rains) and November to December (short rains)

Daytime temperatures generally range from 20°C to 28°C, but coastal areas tend to be warmer. In March, the transition from the hot, dry spell to the long rains begins.

Weather Conditions in March

In March, the climate transitions from dry and hot to rainy and cooler. The monsoon season typically starts in the middle of the month, potentially affecting tourism with storms and floods. However, the weather is one of contrast and every region within the country, from highlands to deserts and the savanna, has a varied climate.

Kenya Safari

Regional Weather Breakdown

Highland Plateau: The beginning and middle of March are hot, but it turns cooler and rainy by the end of the month in the highlands where Nairobi, Maasai Mara, Kisumu, Amboseli, and Mount Kenya are.
Coastal Lowlands: The weather in the coastal lowlands in March is hot during the day and can be hot at night too. Most of the lowlands get moderate rainfall. For example, the city of Mombasa gets about 6 centimeters (2 inches).

Temperature and Rainfall

Here's a general idea of what to expect in different regions:

Nairobi: Temperatures typically range from 15°C to 27°C. Nairobi experiences only about 9 rainy days in March with low total rainfall, and most of the rainy days are after the middle of the month.
Mombasa: The mercury could soar up to 33°C, with chances of occasional rain showers.

On average, Kenya receives around 150mm of rainfall in March, making it one of the wettest months of the year.

WILDLIFE of the Masai Mara after the rains.

Best Places to Visit in Kenya in March

Despite the approaching wet season, there are still several destinations to explore in Kenya during March.

Maasai Mara

Nairobi: Explore urban highlights such as the East African Community Arts Festival (late February or early March). Visit Nairobi National Park just outside the city. There are a variety of international dining experiences.
Maasai Mara: For seeing lots of wildlife in a natural savanna, we recommend Maasai Mara. The grass is still short, and the roads are not as muddy as in the other national parks.
Mombasa: When the weather is fine, sunny, and hot, as it is most days in March, the pristine white beaches have less crowds. You could visit the historical places, such as the 15th century Portuguese fortress called Fort Jesus and Old Town. The Bamburi Natural Trail is convenient. You could also surf. The wind pattern makes March one of the best months to surf at Bamburi Beach. In the mornings, the calm winds make conditions good for beginners. In the afternoons or when there are storms at sea, there are stronger winds and bigger waves for expert surfers.
Malindi: For beaches, fun, and sun, you can go to Malindi. There is a mix of urban and outdoor activities similar to Mombasa, but it is a lot smaller and quaint with a big Italian influence. It is 120 kilometers (70 miles) from Mombasa. The water temperature averages about 29°C (83°F) in March. If the conditions are right, you could even surf at Malindi Bay in March, but the main surfing season is May and June. When it is not raining, fishing and boating are options.
Amboseli National Park: Amboseli National Park is a good place for sightseeing and having a safari. There are amazing views of Mount Kilimanjaro. You may see wildebeest, hyenas, leopards, giraffes, and more. It is a 4-hour drive from Nairobi.
Lake Victoria: Lake Victoria is a famous scenic highlight. It is the largest freshwater lake in Africa. You can enjoy boating and resting in a local guesthouse or hotel and enjoy lower rates when it is moderate tourist season.

Travel Tips for March

Here are some essential tips to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip to Kenya in March:

Pack Appropriately: On the highland plateau, dress in layers with spring/autumn clothes for protection from both mosquitoes and sunburn. Wear a sun hat, light cotton long-sleeved shirts and shorts/trousers or dresses. When visiting parks and reserves, wear neutral-colored clothes so as to avoid alarming the animals. Bring rain gear or umbrellas. In the higher mountains, bring winter clothing too. For coastal areas, bring comfortable clothing for warm and hot weather.
Be Prepared for Mosquitoes: Since 2020, there have been malaria epidemics in Kenya. Take necessary precautions against mosquito bites.
Plan Ahead: March begins a low tourism season in Kenya and crowding and costs are much less. Since there are relatively few tourists doing safaris and visiting the national parks, people on a budget can arrive and take advantage of days of hot, sunny, and dry weather to enjoy the wildlife and the culture with more solitude.

Events and Festivals in March

Immerse yourself in the colorful culture of this ancient land in Nairobi's East African Arts Festival. In late February or early March, you can see the East African Community Arts Festival at Nairobi's Kenyatta International Convention Centre. There are musical performances and artwork from East African countries.

Advantages of Visiting in March

Despite the rain, there are several advantages to visiting Kenya in March:

Better Rates: With the wet season approaching, travel and accommodation rates drop significantly.
Fewer Crowds: March can be a blessing if you want to escape tourist crowds as you explore the vast Kenyan grassland.
Ultimate Safari Experience: With grasses still short, and animals gathering around watering holes to quench their thirst and cool off, safaris can be a rewarding experience this month.
Perfect Beach Escape: With clear sea visibility till mid-March and a toasty 28°C water temperature, coastal holidays make up for an ideal Kenyan beach escape during this period.

Tailor-Made Vacations

For a hassle-free experience, consider having your trip professionally arranged by local experts. At Global Highlights, we recognize that you may want some private time with your traveling companion(s) such as hiking or going on safari in a national park. So, we are flexible to do as much itinerary tailoring and expert arranging as you want to make the best trip for you.

Planning a trip to Kenya in March requires careful consideration of the weather conditions. However, with the right preparation and itinerary, you can enjoy a unique and rewarding experience in this beautiful country.

Read also: Average Temperatures in Egypt

Average Monthly Temperatures & Rainfall
Month	High (°F)	Low (°F)	Rainfall (inches)	Recommendations
January	Mid-70s to Mid-80s	Mid-50s to Mid-60s	Low	Short-sleeved shirt, shorts, sun protection
February	Upper 70s to Low 90s	-	Little to No Rain	Short-sleeved shirt, shorts, sun protection
March	Mainly in the 80s	Mid-50s to Mid-60s	Variable	Rain gear, including a rain jacket or lightweight poncho and rain pants
April	Upper 70s and 80s	Upper 50s	High	Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, rain poncho
May	Mid- to Upper 70s	50s	High	Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, rain poncho
June	70s	50s	Low	Sweater or fleece, warm hat, gloves, scarf
July	70s	50s	Low	Warm fleece jacket, hat, gloves, scarf
August	70s	50s	Low	Warm fleece jacket, hat, gloves, scarf
September	Upper 70s and Low 80s	Mid-50s to Low 60s	Low	Warm fleece jacket, hat, gloves, scarf
October	Upper 70s to Low 90s	Upper 50s to Mid-60s	Moderate	Lightweight, waterproof rain jacket, rain pants, rain poncho
November	-	-	Moderate	Conditions similar to October
December	70s and 80s	Mid-50s and 60s	Low	Short-sleeved shirt, shorts, sun protection