Mombasa, located on the eastern coast of Kenya, is a city of many faces. Dubbed Ksiwa Cha Mvita, the Island of War, the city itself offers many different versions of itself. However, it has lately become known as one of the more popular places in the region for fantastic vacations. With a population of one million, a port and an airport, Mombasa is the second largest city in Kenya and an important tourist center.
With a number of high-end hotels and resorts as well as restaurants and things to do, more and more people are headed to the region. Throw in the fact that the weather is welcoming to vacationers all year long and it has the makings of a high-end resort.
Visitors should keep in mind that the area is in the Southern Hemisphere meaning the seasons are reversed from what they are in the Northern Hemisphere. In Mombasa, winter begins in June with summer beginning in December. However, because the city is located just to the south of the equator, it is still firmly located within the tropics and there are no big temperature swings from one season to another - so all seasons are warm with tropical rains and high humidity values.
Summer Weather In Mombasa
Summer is technically made up of December, January and February and it is a great time for a get-away thanks to the near perfect weather conditions throughout the entire season. While the beginning of the season may be a little wet, the end of the season is much drier and therefore, may be the better time of the year to visit the region.
Rain
Rainfall amounts range from 100mm per month in December to 40mm of precipitation in January and just 20mm of rain in the month of February. The total amount of rainfall days also diminishes to only 2 days in February which is down from 8 in December.
Temperature
Temperatures remain very warm despite the season with average overnight lows around 23°C (73°F) throughout the season. Average afternoon highs also remain remarkably consistent throughout the season with temperatures in the afternoon around 31°C (88°F). These numbers are certainly warm enough for shorts and short sleeves.
Sea Temperature
Average sea temperatures are very consistent allowing vacationers to enjoy various water sports throughout what is considered 'winter' elsewhere in the world. The water temperature varies between 28°C (82°F) in December and a slight increase to 29°C (84°F) in both January and February.
Autumn Weather In Mombasa
Autumn refers to the months of March, April and May and with it the season brings warm temperatures both on land and in the nearby sea. Temperatures on land do cool somewhat throughout this time period, but are still plenty warm enough for tourists to enjoy any type of outdoor activity.
Temperature
Average afternoon temperatures are their warmest in March with highs reaching 31°C (88°F). April is slightly cooler with an average afternoon high temperature of 30°C (86°F) and May sees temperatures in the afternoon of 29°C (84°F). The overall average temperature drops to 25°C (78°F) with lows of 22°C (71°F). The main reason for the drop in temperatures is due to additional cloud cover.
Rain
As the season progresses, there are higher and higher chances of rain as well as increased rainfall amounts. March is the driest of the three months with an average rainfall amount of 60mm. Rainfall then increases from there up to 150mm over the month of April and 260mm in the month of May! Most vacationers will take advantage of the drier part of the season, but if you do head there in the rainy season make sure to check the daily forecasts.
When it isn't raining, it is still a good time to head to the beach with average water temperatures between 30°C (86°F) and 28°C (82°F).
Winter Weather In Mombasa
June, July and August make up this season and while it is considered winter in the Southern Hemisphere, it is still a good time to visit as the rain begins to taper off and temperatures remain warm thanks to the tropical nature of the area.
Temperature
Average afternoon high temperatures remain very consistent over the three months with highs reaching 27°C (81°F). Average overnight lows are also consistent with temperatures of 20°C (68°F) hardly winter weather! Overnight lows might be cool enough for a light jacket or long sleeves, but the afternoons are still warm enough for any number of outdoor activities.
Sea Temperature
While water temperatures are at their coolest during this time of the year, the ocean is still plenty warm enough to take advantage of any number of water sports available. Average sea temperatures range from 27°C (81°F) in June to 25°C (77°F) in August.
Rain
Rainfall amounts throughout the season remain high, but not nearly as high as the prior season. Rainfall amounts range from 90mm in June to 80mm in July and 70mm in August with a downward trend.
Spring Weather In Mombasa
Temperature
Making up September, October and November, spring is a great time to visit the area. Temperatures on both land and sea start to rise as the calendar ticks toward summer in the Southern Hemisphere. Average afternoon high temperatures climb from 28°C (82°F) in September to 30°C (86°F) in November. Average overnight lows will also climb from 21°C (68°F) in September to 22°C (72°F) in November.
Sea Temperature
Temperatures in the sea are also rising from their coolest in the season before. Average sea temperatures climb from 26°C (79°F) in September to 28°C (82°F) in November.
Sunshine Hours
Related to this is a lovely increase in sunshine, with roughly 9 hours per day.
Rain
Rainfall amounts during this time of the year are fairly high with ranges from 50mm in September one of the driest months of the year to 100mm in October and 90mm in November. The average number of rainfall days in each month varies from 10 to 11 making most of the month still dry and perfect for a vacation.