Kenya is a country located in East Africa. It is bordered by Ethiopia to the north, Somalia to the east, Tanzania to the south, Uganda to the west, and South Sudan to the northwest. Kenya covers 582,646 square kilometers (224,961 square miles) and has a population of approximately 56.3 million people. The capital city is Nairobi, while the largest city is Mombasa.
Many have asked the question, does it snow in Kenya?
The climate in Kenya varies depending on location and elevation. The coast has a tropical climate with hot, humid weather all year round. Inland areas are generally cooler, and there are two rainy seasons – the “long rains” from April to June and the “short rains” from October to December. At higher elevations, such as in the mountains of central Kenya, the climate is temperate, with cool weather all year round.
Does It Snow In Kenya?
Although it does snow in some parts of Kenya, it is very rare and only happens in highland areas such as Mount Kenya and the Aberdare Mountains.
Snowfall is rare at lower elevations in Kenya.
The climate in Kenya varies depending on location and altitude. The coastal areas are generally hot and humid, while the inland plateau is cooler and has more moderate temperatures. The highlands are cool to cold, with occasional snowfalls on Mount Kenya.
The Climate In Kenya
Kenya is a country located in East Africa with a wide range of climate conditions. The country has a temperate climate with two distinct rainy seasons. The “long rains” occur between March and May, while the “short rains” take place between October and December.
The Highlands regions of Kenya, which include the capital city of Nairobi, have cooler temperatures than the rest of the country, thanks to their elevation. However, the Highlands still experience some pretty extreme weather conditions. For example, temperatures in Nairobi can range from as low as 41 degrees Fahrenheit (5 degrees Celsius) to as high as 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35 degrees Celsius).
Further down from the Highlands are the Kenyan Rift Valley and lowland plains. These areas are much hotter than the Highlands, with average temperatures around 77 degrees Fahrenheit (25 degrees Celsius).
However, there are some parts of the Rift Valley that experience very high temperatures, sometimes reaching 122 degrees Fahrenheit (50 degrees Celsius)!
In short, Kenya’s weather is determined by three main factors: geographical location, topography (altitude), and seasonal cycles. These three factors influence the country’s climate, which can be divided into distinct climatic zones.
The highlands have a subtropical climate, with warm temperatures and plenty of rainfall. This region includes the capital city, Nairobi.
The lowlands have a tropical climate, with hot temperatures and less rainfall. This region includes the coastal areas of Kenya.
The arid lands have a desert climate, with very hot temperatures and very little rainfall. This region includes parts of northern Kenya near the Somali border.
The Best Places To Visit In Kenya
Kenya is a place of natural beauty and wonder, home to some of the best tourist attractions in Africa. From its stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife to its rich culture and history, Kenya has something to offer visitors from all over the world.
Here are just a few of the best places to visit in Kenya:
The Maasai Mara National Reserve
One of the most popular tourist destinations in Kenya, the Maasai Mara National Reserve is home to a wealth of wildlife, including lions, leopards, elephants, giraffes, and more. The reserve also offers breathtaking views of the African savanna and is one of the best places in the world to see wildebeests during their annual migration.
Mount Kenya National Park
Another top destination for wildlife enthusiasts, Mount Kenya National Park is home to an abundance of rare and endangered animals, including rhinos, monkeys, and leopards. The park also offers stunning views of Mount Kenya, the second highest mountain in Africa.
Best Things To Do In Kenya
Kenya is considered a year-round destination, but the best time to visit really depends on what you want to see and do. Wildlife enthusiasts will want to plan their trip around the Great Migration, which takes place from July to October, while those looking for a beach vacation will want to wait until the wet season ends in April.
Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the best time to visit Kenya by activity:
Wildlife Watching
The Great Migration of zebra and Wildebeest takes place from July to October, with August and September being the peak months.
Places such as Masai Mara, Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National Park, Lake Nakuru, Tsavo East National Park, and many more are the best places to see the wildlife.
However, keep in mind that prices for lodges and safaris increase during this time. If you’re hoping to see big cats, January and February are the best months, as that’s when they tend to congregate around water sources.
Beach Holidays
Kenya’s coast experiences heavy rains from April until June, so if you’re looking for a beach vacation, exploring cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, the best time to visit Kenya is during the cool, dry season from December to February.
Beaches such as Mombasa, Diani Beach, Kilifi, Watamu, and more are a sight to see in these times.
The weather is also quite hot during this time, so if you don’t mind the crowds, late October through early December is considered the shoulder season – temperatures are comfortable, and rates are lower than during peak season.
Mount Kenya Climbing
The best time of year to climb Mount Kenya is during the dry season, which runs from December through February. Keep in mind that it can be very cold at the summit, so you’ll need to pack appropriately.
Conclusion
In short, does it snow in Kenya? The answer is No. Kenya is a tropical country and thus does not experience snowfall. However, it is possible for frost to form at high elevations, such as on Mount Kenya.
FAQs: Snow in Kenya
How Often Does It Snow In Kenya?
The frequency of snowfall in Kenya is very variable and depends on a number of factors, such as the prevailing weather conditions and elevation. In general, however, it is safe to say that snow is a very rare occurrence in Kenya.
What Causes Snow To Fall In Kenya?
There are two main reasons why snow falls in Kenya: 1) the high altitude of some parts of the country and 2) the cool temperatures that are often experienced during the nighttime hours.
When does it usually snow in Kenya?
Snowfall in Kenya typically occurs between the months of June and August, although it has been known to occur as early as May and as late as September.
Where Can I See Snow In Kenya?
If you want to see snow during your stay in Kenya, then you will need to travel to one of the highland areas mentioned above, such as Mount Kenya or the Aberdare Mountains. Snowfall is also sometimes visible on the summit of Kilimanjaro, although this is more common during the dry season (January to February).
