Thinking about a trip to Kenya’s coast? You’ll want to know what kind of weather to expect. Fall in Mombasa keeps things warm and humid, and as the season goes on, wetter weather sneaks in. Daytime highs usually sit between 84°F and 89°F, while nights hover around 76°F. It’s a classic tropical climate—warm and a bit steamy.
Cloud cover drops off for much of the season, but you’ll notice rainfall picking up, especially as fall winds down. The Indian Ocean stays balmy at about 83°F, so swimming and beach days are always on the table. Humidity sticks around, making the air feel thick, but it’s also what keeps the coast green and lush.
Knowing these patterns really helps you figure out when to get outside, go sightseeing, or just relax by the water. If you’ve got a handle on the temperature swings, rainfall, and daylight, you’ll enjoy Mombasa’s fall weather without too many surprises.
Overview of Fall Weather in Mombasa
Fall in Mombasa brings steady heat and humidity, and you’ll notice a shift from drier to wetter days. Temperatures don’t swing wildly, but rainfall, clouds, and wind do change a bit as the months roll by.
Defining Fall Months in Mombasa
People in Mombasa call March through May the fall season. This matches the southern hemisphere’s calendar, though the city’s tropical vibe means you won’t see huge temperature jumps like you might in cooler places.
Most days during these months, highs land around 89°F (32°C) in early March and cool off to about 84°F (29°C) by late May. Nights stay toasty too, usually between 72°F (22°C) and 78°F (26°C).
Rainfall climbs quickly as fall goes on. March starts off pretty dry, but by May, rainy days show up a lot more often. This stretch covers the long rains, which are the wettest time of year.
Daylight doesn’t change much, maybe shrinking by 15–20 minutes. Sunrises and sunsets shift just a little, so your daily rhythm stays pretty steady.
General Climate Characteristics
You’ll run into high humidity all fall in Mombasa—some days it even hits 99%. That makes for muggy mornings and evenings. The Indian Ocean keeps temperatures from getting too wild, but it also brings more moisture.
Clouds break up from late March into April, then pile back in when the rains hit in May. The sky can flip from mostly clear to overcast pretty fast.
Winds start out gentle from the east, but by May, they pick up from the south and average 10–15 mph.
The sea surface temperature holds steady near 83–84°F (28–29°C), so you can always count on warm water for swimming. This mix of steady heat and rain shapes the city’s wet, humid fall.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Mombasa keeps things warm day and night through the fall, with just a little variation as the weeks pass. Humidity stays up, but air and water temps don’t really stop you from getting outside.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperature Ranges
Daytime highs usually sit between 84°F and 89°F (29°C–32°C). Even on the hottest days, it’s rare to see the mercury break 91°F (33°C). Afternoons get hot, but it’s not as intense as what you’ll find inland.
At night, it averages around 76°F (24°C). Lows hardly ever dip below 72°F (22°C), so evenings stay warm and a bit sticky. You won’t need a jacket, even after dark.
Day and night temps are close—usually less than 10°F apart. That’s pretty typical for coastal spots influenced by the ocean.
| Time of Day | Typical Range | Rare Extremes |
|---|---|---|
| Daytime | 84°F–89°F | 81°F–91°F |
| Nighttime | 72°F–78°F | 72°F–80°F |
With steady warmth, you can plan outdoor stuff almost any time, though afternoons might feel hotter thanks to the humidity.
Monthly Temperature Trends in Fall
From March through May, temps shift just a bit. March starts with highs near 89°F (32°C) and lows around 78°F (26°C). By May, highs drop to about 84°F (29°C) with lows closer to 75°F (24°C).
In October, things heat up again. Highs climb to about 85°F (29°C), and lows usually sit in the 74°F–75°F (23°C–24°C) range.
Here’s a quick look at the numbers:
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | 89°F | 78°F |
| April | 86°F | 76°F |
| May | 84°F | 75°F |
| October | 85°F | 74–75°F |
You’ll notice slightly cooler nights in May and warmer afternoons in October. It’s just a gentle shift, nothing dramatic—typical of the stable tropical climate on Kenya’s coast.
Rainfall Patterns and Humidity
Fall in Mombasa means more rain and consistently high humidity. Showers pop up more often in some weeks, and the air feels damp because the city hugs the Indian Ocean.
Typical Rainfall Amounts
Rain in Mombasa during fall comes from the short rainy season, which usually kicks off in October and runs through November. September is drier, with about 60–80 mm of rain. By October, rain jumps to 130–150 mm, and November often hits 150–200 mm.
Most of this comes as short, heavy bursts—not all-day downpours. You might see 8–12 rainy days in September, then 12–15 in October, and up to 15–18 in November. Even with more rain, sunshine still breaks through, and you’ll get your share of partly clear days.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
| Month | Avg Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days (avg) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 60–80 | 8–12 |
| October | 130–150 | 12–15 |
| November | 150–200 | 15–18 |
October and November definitely feel wetter than the months outside the long rains of April and May.
Humidity Levels in Fall
Humidity stays up all year in Mombasa, and fall is no different. You’ll often feel relative humidity between 75% and 85%, especially early and late in the day.
September feels a bit less heavy, but it rarely drops below 70%. Once October and November arrive, the extra rain makes things feel warmer and stickier, even if daytime temps hang around 29–31°C.
At night, humidity mixes with ocean breezes. Sometimes that brings relief, but the air still feels damp. If you’re planning to be outside, mornings are usually the most comfortable before things heat up.
Indoor spots without air conditioning can get muggy, especially in November when both rain and humidity hit their peak.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Mombasa’s coast enjoys steady daylight all year, but the amount of direct sunshine changes with the seasons. In fall, you’ll notice shorter spells of bright sun compared to the dry months, but the actual daylight hours barely budge.
Average Daily Sunshine
During fall, cloud cover really affects how much sun you get. In September, skies lean overcast, so you’re looking at about 6–7 hours of sunshine per day. By November, things clear up, and you might get 8–9 hours daily.
This means brighter afternoons show up later in the season, while earlier months feel a bit gloomier. Quick rain showers cut into sunshine hours too.
Just to give you an idea:
- September: ~6.5 hours/day
- October: ~7.5 hours/day
- November: ~8.5 hours/day
So, fall kind of bridges the gap, moving from cloudier to sunnier days.
Length of Daylight in Fall
Daylight in Mombasa stays almost the same, thanks to its spot near the equator. You’ll get about 12 hours of daylight daily, with just tiny changes as the season goes.
In September, daylight lasts around 12 hours and 5 minutes. October and November shave off just a few minutes, averaging 11 hours and 55 minutes.
That means your plans won’t get thrown off by big swings in day length. Unlike places farther from the equator, Mombasa’s daylight is about as steady as it gets.
For easy planning:
- September: ~12h 05m
- October: ~12h 00m
- November: ~11h 55m
You can count on good daylight for exploring, even if the sun hides behind clouds sometimes.
Sea Temperatures and Coastal Conditions
The Indian Ocean off Mombasa stays warm through fall, with just tiny changes from month to month. Swimming is always comfortable, and the coastal weather stays steady enough for outdoor fun at the beach.
Average Sea Surface Temperatures
Sea temperatures hang in the mid to upper 20s °C during fall. In September, the water sits around 25.9°C, then climbs to 26.7°C in October, and about 27.7°C by November.
You won’t need a wetsuit. The water feels warm but never too hot, perfect for snorkeling, diving, or just floating around.
The sea is a touch cooler than the air in September, but by November, it’s actually warmer. This helps balance the heat, especially on those hotter afternoons.
Since the Indian Ocean holds heat well, you’ll only notice small changes month to month. It’s nice to know you can plan a beach day without worrying about cold water.
Beach and Ocean Weather
Beach days in Mombasa during fall blend sunshine, humidity, and a bit of rain. You usually get 5 to 10 sunny days each month, with short showers on 2 to 4 days.
Coastal winds stay moderate, just enough for a breeze but not enough to mess with swimming. The sea is calm most of the time, though clouds can make diving visibility drop occasionally.
Daylight keeps steady at about 12 hours per day, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the sand and waves. With warm water and manageable weather, afternoons often turn out to be the best for hitting the ocean.
All in all, fall gives you reliable conditions for both chilling on the beach and getting active in the water.
Notable Weather Events and Variability
Mombasa’s fall weather mostly stays steady, but sometimes things shift more than you’d expect. Temperatures might swing a bit, and rain can vary a lot from year to year.
Unusual Temperature Swings
Most fall days land between 84°F and 89°F, but every now and then, you’ll get a night closer to 72°F, or a humid afternoon that sneaks past 90°F. These aren’t wild extremes, but they can make a difference if you’re outside for long stretches.
Humidity sticks around, so even a small bump in temperature feels bigger. A day at 89°F with 99% humidity? It’ll feel hotter than the number suggests. Cooler evenings, though rare, can be a nice break after muggy days.
If you’re planning ahead, expect most days to be pretty typical, but be ready for the occasional warm or cool spell. Packing light, breathable clothes and being flexible with your plans will help you stay comfortable.
Rainfall Variability Between Years
Rainfall in fall can swing wildly from one year to the next. Some seasons kick off with just 0.9 inches in a month, but other years, totals jump to over 6 inches by early May.
One year, you might luck out with mostly dry days, and the next, you could get caught in downpours. That’s just how it goes.
The chance of a wet day starts at about 12% in early March and climbs to over 35% by late May. When it’s a rainy year, storms sometimes show up back-to-back, giving you several consecutive days of rain.
In drier years, you’ll probably just get brief showers, and then the skies clear up for days. It’s honestly tough to know exactly what kind of weather you’ll get if you’re planning a trip or outdoor activities.
If you’re heading to Mombasa in the fall, staying flexible is key. It’s not a bad idea to have some indoor plans ready, just in case you run into extended rainy periods.
Travel Tips for Visiting Mombasa in Fall
Mombasa keeps things warm in the fall, with daytime highs usually close to 29°C and nights dipping to around 22°C. Showers start popping up more often in October and November, but most days still see plenty of sunshine.
The mix of heat, humidity, and those occasional rain bursts definitely shapes how you’ll spend your time, and what you’ll want to pack.
Best Activities for Fall Weather
Long walks on Nyali or Diani Beach are still a treat, since the sea stays warm, usually hovering between 26–28°C. You can swim, snorkel, or dive comfortably, though sometimes a quick shower might put your plans on pause.
If it’s pouring, heading to Fort Jesus or Old Town makes sense. These spots give you some shelter, plus you get to soak up Mombasa’s history.
Boat trips out to Wasini Island or the marine parks are still on the table, but it’s wise to check the weather first. The sea can get rough when storms roll in.
Evenings feel pretty nice since things cool off a bit after sunset. You can eat outside or wander through local markets, just be ready for a bit of humidity.
Packing Recommendations
Pack light, breathable clothing like cotton shirts, shorts, or dresses so you stay cool in the heat. Toss in a light rain jacket or a travel umbrella, just in case you get caught in one of those quick showers—especially if you’re heading out in October or November.
You’ll want comfortable sandals or walking shoes for wandering around town. If snorkeling or wading along rocky beaches sounds fun, don’t forget water shoes.
Honestly, sun protection makes a huge difference. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat since the UV rays don’t really let up, even when it’s cloudy.
Evenings can feel a bit chilly, especially by the water, so a light sweater might come in handy. And if you’re traveling during the wetter months, keep some insect repellent close—mosquitoes can get pretty annoying.