Thinking about a trip to Kenya’s coast? You’ll want to know what the weather’s really like. Mombasa hugs the Indian Ocean, so its summer climate is a mix of warmth, humidity, and those ever-present ocean breezes.
Daytime temperatures in summer usually stay between the mid-20s and low 30s Celsius (mid-70s to high 80s Fahrenheit). Nights don’t cool off much—they stay pretty mild.
Rainfall shapes your plans here. The season brings short bursts of showers, but honestly, rain rarely drags on all day.
You still get lots of sunshine hours, so outdoor activities are easy to fit in. The sea stays warm enough for swimming all summer, which is a nice bonus.
Humidity and wind make a big difference in how the heat feels. The air gets pretty moist, but coastal winds usually cut through the stickiness, especially in the afternoons.
These conditions make summer in Mombasa manageable, even appealing if you’re into beaches, cultural tours, or just wandering the coast.
Overview of Summer Weather in Mombasa
Summer in Mombasa means steady warmth, high humidity, and plenty of cloudy days.
Rainfall drops off as the season goes on, but daylight hours and sea temperatures barely budge.
Defining the Summer Season in Mombasa
Mombasa doesn’t follow the same summer calendar as temperate places. Thanks to its tropical climate, temperatures stay warm all year, but December through February is what locals call summer.
During these months, daily highs hover around 31°C (88°F), and lows stick near 25°C (77°F). Unlike the inland areas, Mombasa’s coast doesn’t swing much between day and night.
Rainfall changes pretty fast. At summer’s start, you might see 63 mm of rain in a 31-day stretch, but by late February, that drops to around 20 mm. The chance of a wet day falls from about 39% in December to just 11% by February’s end.
Day length barely changes, with about 12 hours of daylight all season. Sunrise comes between 6:00–6:30 a.m., and sunset lands between 6:20–6:40 p.m.
This makes it easy to plan outdoor adventures—no big surprises with daylight.
General Climate Characteristics
You’ll notice humid and muggy conditions almost every day during summer in Mombasa. The dew point stays high, so sweat doesn’t evaporate quickly, and the air can feel heavy.
Comfort levels don’t shift much—mugginess sticks around nearly 100% of the time.
Clouds get thicker as summer rolls on. By February, about two-thirds of days end up cloudy, though you’ll still catch breaks of sun.
Winds pick up a bit as the season goes on, averaging 13–16 km/h, mostly from the east. This breeze helps take the edge off the humidity, especially on the shoreline.
The Indian Ocean surface temperature hangs around 28°C (82°F), so swimming and water sports stay comfortable.
With steady warmth on land and in the sea, you get a stable setting for outdoor fun and tourism all year.
Average Summer Temperatures
Mombasa’s summer temperatures stay warm and pretty steady, day and night. The tropical climate feels humid and consistent, thanks to the nearby Indian Ocean.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
Daytime highs average around 88°F (31°C). You’ll rarely see them dip below 84°F (29°C) or climb above 91°F (33°C).
So, you’re almost always dealing with warm, stable weather during the day.
At night, expect temperatures around 76°F (24°C). Lows don’t often drop under 74°F (23°C) or go above 79°F (26°C).
The difference between day and night is small, so evenings stay warm and humid.
Packing is simple. Lightweight clothes work for both day and night. If you’re used to cooler evenings in other coastal cities, Mombasa’s warmth at night might surprise you.
Monthly Temperature Trends
Mombasa’s summer temperatures barely change from month to month. The hottest stretch is in March, with averages from 78°F (25°C) at night to 89°F (32°C) during the day.
The coolest period falls in August, with averages from 71°F (22°C) to 81°F (27°C).
Check out the general pattern below:
| Month | Avg Low (°F) | Avg High (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 76 | 88 |
| January | 76 | 88 |
| February | 77 | 89 |
| March | 78 | 89 |
You won’t face big seasonal swings here. Instead, you get a reliably warm climate that keeps steady all season.
Rainfall Patterns During Summer
Mombasa’s summer brings changes in rainfall—sometimes you get heavier showers, other times it’s drier. You’ll notice shifts between quick bursts of rain and longer dry spells, which definitely affect your outdoor plans.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall during summer isn’t evenly spread. The heaviest rains usually hit in April and May, when totals often go over 200 mm in a month.
That’s the peak of the long rainy season, and you’ll see frequent downpours that can last hours.
In June and July, rainfall drops sharply. June averages just 10 mm, making it one of the driest months. By August, totals climb a bit, but they’re still way lower than in the wettest months.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
| Month | Approx. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| April | ~150–180 mm |
| May | ~200+ mm |
| June | ~10 mm |
| July | ~40–60 mm |
| August | ~60–80 mm |
These numbers show how fast things shift from heavy rain to much drier weather in just a few weeks.
Rainy Days and Dry Spells
The number of rainy days follows the same pattern. In May, expect around 18–20 rainy days, which can make outdoor plans a bit unpredictable.
Showers often come down hard but might clear up within the same day, leaving things humid but sunny afterward.
By June, things change. Rain falls on about 10 days, but the amounts are small, so many days stay dry.
July and August bring 8–12 rainy days each, with short showers and longer dry spells in between.
Basically, you should be ready for sudden showers but also expect lots of sunshine. Carry some light rain gear, but most days, outdoor activities go on without much weather drama.
Humidity and Wind Conditions
Expect high humidity in Mombasa all summer, plus steady coastal winds that shape the daily weather.
These two factors really affect how the temperature feels and your comfort outside.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity stays high during summer, usually around 78–82%. The air feels moist and heavy, especially at the warmest times of day.
Even when it’s not blazing hot, the humidity can make it feel warmer.
The most humid stretch is usually October and November, but December to February are still very humid. February is a bit less humid, closer to 75%, but that’s still pretty high compared to most places.
Because of this, sweat evaporates slowly, and outdoor activities can feel more tiring. Light, breathable clothes and lots of water help you stay comfortable.
If you’re spending time at the beach, the humidity adds to the warmth but also gives the coast that classic tropical vibe.
Prevailing Winds in Summer
Mombasa’s spot on the coast means winds really matter in summer. The Northeast Monsoon (Kaskazi) blows steadily from December to March, bringing warm, humid air from the Indian Ocean.
Winds usually move at 15–25 km/h, but gusts can feel stronger along the beach. The breeze brings relief from the heat, especially in the afternoons.
For travelers, these winds make sailing, kite surfing, and other water sports more enjoyable. On land, the airflow helps with the humidity.
Expect evenings to feel a bit nicer, since winds often pick up after sunset and keep the city’s air moving.
Sunshine Hours and UV Index
Mombasa gets long, bright days, with sunlight changing a bit by season. The UV index often runs high, so you’ll need to keep sun protection in mind.
Average Daily Sunshine
You’ll get 6.5 to 9 hours of sunshine per day in Mombasa, depending on the time of year. In summer, the average is about 7–8 hours daily, though clouds and rain can cut into that.
October really stands out with around 9.2 hours per day—that’s a lot of sun. May drops to about 6.7 hours, thanks to more clouds and rain.
Over a year, Mombasa racks up about 2,900–3,000 hours of sunshine. That’s more than most European cities and closer to what you’d see in parts of Australia.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg Daily Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May | ~6.7 | Wettest month, more clouds |
| October | ~9.2 | Sunniest month |
| Annual Avg | ~8.0 | Consistently bright climate |
This steady sunlight is great for outdoor activities, but it’s smart to plan around midday heat and the occasional overcast day.
UV Index and Sun Protection
The UV index in Mombasa runs high to very high all year, often peaking between 10 and 12 at midday. That means unprotected skin can burn quickly, even if it’s cloudy.
You should use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapply every two hours. Protective clothing helps too.
A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection are a must.
The strongest UV hits between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. Staying out of the sun during those hours helps lower your risk of sunburn and skin damage.
Kids and people with lighter skin burn faster, so they need extra care. Even if you tan easily, Mombasa’s UV strength makes protection important.
With the right prep, you can enjoy all the sunshine without the pain or health risks of too much sun.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Conditions
Mombasa’s coastline stays warm through summer, and the sea is perfect for swimming and water sports. The ocean usually stays calm, but rain and wind can sometimes stir things up a bit.
Average Sea Temperatures
The Indian Ocean off Mombasa stays warm in summer. In June, water averages about 80.6°F (27°C).
By July, it cools a little to 78.6°F (25.9°C), and in August, it’s around 78.1°F (25.6°C).
These temps are great for swimming—no wetsuit needed. Warm waters also support coral reefs and lots of marine life, so snorkelers and divers have plenty to see.
Compared to other tropical spots, Mombasa’s sea temperatures barely change month to month. You can count on similar swimming conditions all summer.
Beach and Water Activities
The warm sea makes Mombasa’s beaches perfect for long swims and casual wading. You can easily enjoy snorkeling, diving, and paddleboarding.
The water’s usually clear, especially on dry days.
Popular activities include:
- Snorkeling at coral reefs near Nyali and Bamburi
- Diving trips to explore marine parks
- Kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding in calm areas
Rain showers sometimes pop up from June to August, but they’re brief. These can kick up sand and lower underwater visibility for a bit, but the water stays warm and safe.
If you’re planning to spend a lot of time in the ocean, remember—the sun is strong along the coast. Light clothes, sunscreen, and plenty of water will keep you comfortable while you’re out there.
Impact of Summer Weather on Travel
Hot days, muggy air, and a steady breeze really shape how you experience Mombasa in summer. The Indian Ocean stays warm, and even though the skies often look cloudy, rainfall barely shows up, so you can still make outdoor plans and try beach activities if you prepare a bit.
Best Times to Visit
Summer in Mombasa feels warm and humid, with daily highs hovering around 84–88°F (29–31°C). At night, lows usually dip to about 74–76°F (23–24°C).
As the season moves along, rainfall drops off, starting at roughly 2.5 inches per month and sliding down to less than 1 inch by late February. December through February ends up being one of the driest stretches of the year.
You get about 12 hours of daylight every day, which feels generous. The wind picks up just a bit, averaging 8–10 mph, and honestly, it makes the humidity a little easier to handle.
Cloud cover hangs around, but you still get enough sunlight for the beach or sightseeing.
If you’d rather avoid rain and want things to feel calm, January and February really stand out. Warm temps, hardly any rain, and steady sea conditions make these months perfect for diving, snorkeling, or just hanging out along the coast.
Packing Tips for Summer
Humidity usually hovers around 100%, so you’ll want to pack light, breathable clothes. Cotton or linen feels so much better in muggy weather.
I always toss in a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses—they really help when the sun gets intense. Don’t forget sunscreen, even if the sky looks cloudy.
For evenings, I suggest bringing lightweight long sleeves to keep mosquitoes at bay. You might also want a small travel umbrella or a thin rain jacket, especially if you’re visiting early in the season when showers pop up more often.
Bring sandals for the beach, but don’t skip closed shoes for walking around town or on tours. If you’re planning to jump into any water activities, water shoes come in handy.
Honestly, staying hydrated makes a huge difference, so pack a reusable water bottle.