Spring in Mombasa means steady warmth, rising humidity, and a gradual shift toward wetter days along the coast. Daytime highs climb from the low 80s to the upper 80s Fahrenheit, and nights stay comfortably warm in the low to mid-70s.
You’ll notice skies start out clearer in early September, but by November, clouds and rain show up more often.
If you’re planning outdoor time, you’ll find the days slowly getting longer, with just over 12 hours of daylight by late spring. The Indian Ocean warms too, with sea temperatures moving from the upper 70s into the low 80s, which makes swimming and coastal activities pretty appealing.
At the same time, winds ease up, shifting from the south to the east as the weeks go by.
When you understand the spring weather in Mombasa, you can prepare for both sunny mornings and those sudden, drenching downpours. With warm seas, high humidity, and skies that change their mood, spring brings a mix of tropical comfort and unpredictability that shapes daily life along Kenya’s coast.
Overview of Spring Weather in Mombasa
Spring in Mombasa brings steady warmth, high humidity, and a trend toward wetter weather as the months pass. You’ll notice rising temperatures, shifting cloud cover, and an increase in rainfall that really shapes daily life on the coast.
Spring Months in Mombasa
Spring in Mombasa runs from September through November. During these months, daily high temperatures rise from about 81°F (27°C) in early September to around 87°F (31°C) by late November.
Nighttime lows also climb, moving from about 71°F (22°C) to 76°F (24°C).
Daylight slowly stretches out as spring moves along. In early September, you get just over 12 hours of daylight. By late November, days last about 12 hours and 20 minutes.
Sunrise comes earlier in the morning, and sunset shifts a bit earlier in October before stretching out again in November.
This season bridges the end of the dry spell and the start of the short rains, which play a big role in the coastal climate.
Typical Weather Patterns
Humidity and rainfall both pick up as spring goes on. The chance of a wet day starts at about 7% in early September and climbs to nearly 40% by late November.
Rain usually falls in short, heavy bursts instead of all-day storms.
Cloud cover builds up quickly. Skies are clearer in early September, but by November, more than half the days are mostly cloudy or overcast.
Still, you’ll catch plenty of sunshine in between showers.
Winds lose strength as the season rolls on. Average speeds drop from around 14 mph in September to about 8 mph in November, with a shift from southerly to more easterly winds.
Sea surface temperatures rise too, moving from 78°F (26°C) to about 82°F (28°C), which keeps tourism and marine activities buzzing.
Climate Classification
Mombasa falls under a tropical wet and dry climate, also called savanna (As) in the Köppen system. You’ll experience warm temperatures all year, with clear wet and dry periods instead of big temperature swings.
Humidity stays high through spring, with muggy conditions almost every day. That’s pretty typical for a coastal city near the equator, where the Indian Ocean calls the shots.
Spring rainfall marks the start of the short rainy season, which isn’t as intense as the long rains of April and May. These showers refresh the landscape and help agriculture, but daily life usually goes on without too many interruptions.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Temperatures in Mombasa during spring stay warm day and night, with only small changes from month to month. You’ll notice a gentle rise in heat as spring moves along, but it’s still more comfortable than the hottest months earlier in the year.
Average Daytime Temperature in Spring
Daytime temperatures in Mombasa during spring usually rise from about 81°F (27°C) in early September to around 87°F (31°C) by late November. This steady climb makes the season feel warmer as the short rains approach.
Highs rarely dip below 80°F (27°C) or go above 89°F (32°C), so you’re looking at pretty stable weather. That’s probably why so many travelers pick spring for a visit.
Compared to the cooler months of July and August, spring days bring noticeably more warmth. Still, the heat isn’t as fierce as in February, which is usually the hottest month.
Nighttime Temperature Trends
Nighttime lows in spring range from 71°F (22°C) in September to about 76°F (24°C) by November. The rise is slight, and nights stay warm and humid the whole time.
You won’t see sharp drops after sunset, since the coast keeps temperatures steady. Evenings are warm enough for outdoor plans, and you won’t need extra layers.
Warm nights also keep humidity levels high, close to 100% most of the time. While that’s comfortable for many visitors, the muggy air can feel heavy if you’re not used to tropical climates.
Temperature Fluctuations by Month
In September, average daytime highs sit near 81–83°F (27–28°C), and nights hover around 71–72°F (22°C). It’s one of the more comfortable times of spring.
By October, daytime highs reach 84–85°F (29°C), and nighttime lows rise to 74°F (23°C). The increase is clear, but not dramatic.
In November, temperatures peak with highs of 86–87°F (30–31°C) and lows near 76°F (24°C). November definitely feels the warmest, especially with higher humidity and more rain.
| Month | Avg Daytime High | Avg Nighttime Low |
|---|---|---|
| September | 81–83°F (27–28°C) | 71–72°F (22°C) |
| October | 84–85°F (29°C) | 74°F (23°C) |
| November | 86–87°F (30–31°C) | 76°F (24°C) |
These gradual increases create a clear warming pattern that defines spring in Mombasa.
Rainfall and Rainy Days During Spring
Spring in Mombasa brings a big jump in rainfall compared to earlier in the year. You’ll see heavier showers, more frequent wet days, and noticeable differences in how rain falls across March, April, and May.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in spring goes up steadily as the season moves on. March usually gets about 59 mm (2.3 in) of rain, which is still pretty light.
April kicks off the “long rains” with an average of 164 mm (6.4 in). Showers get heavier and more regular.
By May, rainfall reaches its peak, averaging 358 mm (14.1 in), making it the wettest month of the year in Mombasa.
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Average Rainfall (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| March | 59 | 2.3 |
| April | 164 | 6.4 |
| May | 358 | 14.1 |
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days ramp up fast in spring. In March, you’ll get around 12 days with measurable rain, so there are still plenty of dry stretches.
April brings the most, with about 27 days of rain. Showers can happen almost daily, though they don’t always last all day.
May follows closely with about 26 rainy days, making it one of the most consistently wet months in Mombasa.
This rise affects both travel and daily routines. If you’re visiting, get ready for frequent showers, especially in April and May, when dry days are rare.
Rainfall Distribution Across March, April, and May
Rain isn’t spread out evenly during spring. March usually brings short, scattered showers, often in the late afternoon or evening. These don’t last long and rarely disrupt much.
April sees more widespread and longer-lasting rain. Showers can hit anytime, often with heavy downpours. The long rains really settle in this month.
By May, rain is at its most intense. Downpours get heavier and stick around longer, and flooding in low-lying areas happens more often. If you’re in Mombasa during May, expect wet conditions to take over most days.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours in Spring
Mombasa stays bright for most of the year, and spring doesn’t really break that pattern. You’ll get steady daylight with only slight shifts in length, though sunshine hours do vary by month thanks to changing clouds.
Average Daily Sunshine
During spring, you can expect between 6.5 and 8.5 hours of sunshine per day. March usually brings the most, while May tends to be cloudier.
You’ll still get plenty of clear periods, but afternoons in April and May often see more clouds building up. The coast’s location means weather can flip quickly between sunny and overcast.
Generally, spring gives you reliable daylight for outdoor plans, but some days will have shorter sunny stretches. It’s smart to pack light rain gear, especially later in the season.
Sunshine Hours by Month
The monthly numbers show clear changes. In March, sunshine can reach about 8.5–9 hours daily, making it one of the brighter months. April averages closer to 7.5 hours daily, as humidity and rain increase.
By May, sunshine drops to around 6.5–7 hours daily.
| Month | Average Daily Sunshine | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| March | 8.5–9 hours | Warmest, sunniest month of spring |
| April | ~7.5 hours | More clouds and higher humidity |
| May | 6.5–7 hours | Wettest month, frequent cloud cover |
If you want longer sunny stretches, March is your best bet.
Day Length Changes
Day length in Mombasa barely changes during spring. The longest days reach about 12 hours 13 minutes, and the shortest are around 11 hours 46 minutes.
That’s less than a half-hour difference, so daylight stays pretty steady.
You won’t need to worry about big shifts in sunrise or sunset. The sun comes up close to 6:30 a.m. and sets near 6:30 p.m. during the whole season.
This stability makes it easy to plan outdoor activities without losing daylight, even as the weather shifts from sunny in March to cloudier in May.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
The coastal waters around Mombasa stay warm all spring, with only tiny changes from month to month. Swimming conditions stay comfortable, though rainfall and winds can make the sea feel rougher or cloudier sometimes.
Average Sea Temperature in Spring
The sea off Mombasa’s coast keeps its warmth in spring. Expect averages of 28.8°C in March, 29.1°C in April, and 28.0°C in May. The Indian Ocean really is one of the best features of this season.
Even when it rains the most, the water rarely drops below 28°C. Mombasa’s spot on the equator and the ocean’s steady influence keep things stable.
These conditions are great for swimming, snorkeling, and other water fun. You definitely won’t need a wetsuit in spring.
The water feels pleasant morning or afternoon, so you have plenty of options for hitting the beach.
Best Months for Swimming
If you’re after swimming or snorkeling, March and April really stand out as the best months. The sea feels warmest, and you’ll get more sunny days than you would in May.
- March: 13 sunny days, 2 rainy days, sea about 28.8°C
- April: 11 sunny days, 4 rainy days, sea about 29.1°C
- May: 8 sunny days, 7 rainy days, sea about 28.0°C
May brings more rain and extra clouds, which can mess with water clarity. The temperature stays nice, but honestly, the sea just doesn’t look as clear for snorkeling.
March seems to offer the best mix of warmth, sunshine, and calm water for families or casual swimmers. April works too, though you’ll probably notice showers popping up more often.
Coastal Breezes and Beach Weather
Coastal breezes can totally change your beach day. In spring, the winds usually stay light or moderate, which helps cool things off when the sun gets intense.
Most afternoons, the breeze picks up, making the shoreline feel a bit more comfortable after midday heat.
Humidity starts to climb in April and May, and the wind sometimes carries all that moisture inland. This can make the air feel heavy, especially before it rains.
On the sand, you get warm water, steady breezes, and waves that are just right for most people. The surf gets a little rougher in May, but swimming near the shore is almost always fine.
Wind Speed and Other Weather Factors
Spring in Mombasa brings steady breezes, rising humidity, and short, frequent bursts of rain. You’ll notice these things shaping how the season feels, and they definitely affect outdoor plans and day-to-day life.
Average Wind Speed in Spring
Mombasa’s spring winds stay pretty moderate, but you’ll feel them almost every day. They usually blow between 11 to 13 miles per hour (5 to 6 m/s), which is enough to keep the air moving and cut down on the afternoon heat.
The breezier stretch starts in late April and keeps going through early October. In spring, you’ll see flags waving and tree branches swaying most days.
If you’re planning outdoor stuff, expect a refreshing coastal breeze. Water sports like kitesurfing or sailing? These wind levels are usually just right. Inland spots might not get quite as much breeze as the coast, though.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
Humidity sticks around all year in Mombasa, and spring doesn’t really buck the trend. You’ll see relative humidity between 75% and 85%, making the air feel warmer than the thermometer says.
Mornings can get pretty sticky, especially if it’s cloudy. By afternoon, the winds help a bit, but you’ll probably still feel some heaviness in the air.
If you’re out and about, plan for the humidity. Wear light clothes, drink water often, and take breaks in the shade when you can. Evenings feel better, since cooler temps and a coastal breeze make things more comfortable.
Other Notable Spring Weather Features
Spring temperatures in Mombasa start around 27°C (81°F) and climb up to 31°C (87°F). As the days get warmer, you’ll notice more clouds drifting in, and those quick rain showers pop up more often.
You probably won’t get drenched like during the peak wet season, but those showers can definitely mess with outdoor plans. I’d recommend tossing a light rain jacket or umbrella in your bag, especially once May rolls around.
Even with the extra clouds, the sun stays intense. UV levels usually hit the high side, so you’ll want sunscreen and maybe a hat if you’re out for long stretches.
All in all, spring in Mombasa feels warm and humid, with the occasional wet surprise, but it’s nothing you can’t handle if you come prepared.