BEST TIME TO VISIT WATAMU DURING YOUR COASTAL TRAVELS IN EASTERN KENYA

Understanding the climate on the Kenyan coast can help you better plan your beach holiday in Watamu and AfricanMecca Safaris recommends that you can choose the optimal month that best suites you, though global warming conditions does slightly deviate predictability from year to year. Precipitation can affect roads, dive site visibility, beaches and trails, making some of them more challenging to traverse or lay in, so knowing the rain patterns in Kenya can help you avoid the frustration of being unable to enjoy all that Watamu has to offer.



Watamu has two rainy seasons – a short rainy season in November and December and a long rainy season from April through June which starts sprinkles by end of March, with May being considered the wettest month. During the long rainy season, heavy downpours are expected in the afternoon in comparison to less frequent and lighter showers during the short rainy season.

We consider July through October to be the best time to visit Watamu, as this is the longest dry season with cool coastal conditions and the skies are clear and sunny, but Watamu is a beautiful coastal destination no matter when you visit. The second dry and humid season is much shorter and lasts from January to February and early parts of March.



The Indian Ocean coastline tends to be more humid that inland areas and average annual temperatures are generally in the lower to mid-80s degrees Fahrenheit (26-30 Celsius) during the day and lower to mid-70s degrees Fahrenheit (21-24 Celsius) at night. January to March are the warmest months, with daytime temperatures in the lower 90’s Fahrenheit (32 Celsius) and the coolest months are July and August with average temperatures in the lower-80s Fahrenheit (27 Celsius) during the day.

The climate also affects the room rates in Watamu with the peak prices being in the drier periods of July through October and end of December till February (read more on where to stay in Watamu). The short and long rainy period in Kenya welcomes fewer seaside guests. Thus, the accommodation prices are reduced to attract seasoned beachcombers who prefer the aquatic blessings of the equatorial skies of East Africa. Note that it does not rain throughout the day during this period; however, it can shower for a few consecutive days with breaks in between, with some days having longer sunshine with intermittent overcast hours.