Winter in Mombasa isn’t what most people picture when they hear the word “winter.” Instead of chilly air and frosty mornings, you get warm days, mild nights, and a steady tropical breeze rolling in from the coast.
During winter, average daytime temperatures hover around 81°F (27°C). Nights cool off to about 71°F (22°C), so it’s honestly one of the most comfortable times to get out and explore the city.
You’ll spot less rainfall compared to the wetter months. August and September often bring some of the driest spells all year.
The skies usually stay clearer, and though the humidity remains high, it feels more manageable because of the stronger seasonal winds. Those breezes make a real difference, balancing the warmth and making it ideal for outdoor fun or lazy days at the beach.
What really sets Mombasa’s winter apart? You get steady sunshine, cooling breezes, and fewer rainy days than during the long wet season. It’s a unique coastal vibe and, honestly, it’s easy to see why so many people prefer to visit or spend time outside during these months.
Overview of Mombasa’s Winter Climate
Mombasa’s winter stays warm and humid. Temperatures don’t swing much from day to day.
You’ll notice less rainfall, clearer skies, and cooler nights than in other seasons.
Typical Temperature Ranges
In winter, daily high temperatures in Mombasa usually sit around 28°C (82°F). It’s rare for them to drop below 26°C (79°F) or climb above 30°C (86°F).
The coolest part of the season hits in early August. Highs then average about 27°C (81°F).
Nights stay mild. Lows typically fall between 21°C (70°F) and 24°C (75°F). The coolest nights also show up in early August.
The day-to-night temperature gap isn’t huge, so you get pretty consistent warmth.
The Indian Ocean nearby helps keep temperatures steady. It stops extremes and gives Mombasa a climate that’s warm but not stifling.
Most visitors find these conditions perfect for being outdoors, though humidity can make the air feel heavier sometimes.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Drier conditions mark winter in Mombasa when you compare it to wetter months. The chance of rain drops fast, from about 35% in June to under 10% by early September.
Rainfall totals fall too, starting near 87 mm at the season’s start and ending close to 13 mm.
Cloud cover thins out as the season goes on. In June, skies might be overcast nearly half the time, but by late August, you’ll see mostly clear or partly cloudy days.
More sun and better visibility come with this shift.
Winds blow steadily from the south, averaging 22–24 km/h. They’re not extreme, but the breeze helps cut the humidity.
Ocean surface temperatures drop a bit, from 27°C to 25°C, but the water stays warm enough if you feel like swimming.
Comparison to Other Seasons
In winter, Mombasa feels less humid and gets fewer rainy days than in summer. Summer often brings heavy showers and more clouds, but winter means clearer skies and steadier conditions.
Spring and autumn bring more unpredictable weather. Winter, on the other hand, is stable.
You get fewer sudden downpours, and your outdoor plans are less likely to get rained out.
Temperatures stay warm all year, but winter has the smallest swings. Summer highs reach 32°C (90°F), but winter rarely tops 30°C (86°F).
Honestly, it’s one of the best times to spend hours outside without overheating.
Temperature Trends During Winter
Winter in Mombasa brings steady warmth. You’ll see only small changes between day and night.
The season features mild highs, comfortable lows, and a slow cooling trend into August before things warm up again toward September.
Daily Highs and Lows
During winter, daily highs usually stick close to 82°F (28°C). They rarely dip below 79°F (26°C) or climb higher than 86°F (30°C).
That kind of consistency makes the weather feel reliable compared to a lot of other coastal places.
Nighttime lows average about 72°F (22°C). On the coolest nights, you might see 69°F (21°C), while warm nights can reach 76°F (24°C).
Since the day-to-night difference is small, you’re not likely to feel big changes in comfort.
Warm afternoons and mild nights make it easy to stay outside for hours. You can count on steady warmth without wild swings.
Coldest and Warmest Winter Days
Early August brings the coldest winter days. Around August 5, you’ll find the lowest daily averages—highs near 81°F (27°C) and lows around 71°F (22°C).
Even then, it’s still pretty comfortable by most standards.
The warmest winter days show up closer to June. Highs at the start of the season often hit 83–84°F (28–29°C), with lows around 73–74°F (23°C).
The difference between early and late winter is small, but you might notice slightly warmer evenings in June than in August.
Even at its coolest, Mombasa doesn’t really do “cold.” The city’s close to the equator, and the Indian Ocean keeps temperatures stable.
Monthly Temperature Averages
Monthly averages show the gentle shifts across the season.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| June | 83°F (28°C) | 73°F (23°C) |
| July | 82°F (28°C) | 72°F (22°C) |
| August | 81°F (27°C) | 71°F (22°C) |
June starts out a touch warmer, with July and August cooling down by about 1–2°F.
By late August, you get the mildest nights before things start warming up again in September.
These numbers show how winter stays warm but gently eases into cooler nights. You really don’t need to change your routine much.
Humidity and Dew Point Levels
Even in the cooler months, Mombasa’s air stays humid, and the dew point doesn’t shift much. These two things shape how warm or sticky the air feels, even when the temperature isn’t that high.
Knowing this can help you plan for comfort when you’re out and about.
Average Humidity in Winter
Humidity in Mombasa during winter sits high—between 74% and 77%. So, the air often feels moist, even with temps in the upper 70s to low 80s °F (about 25–28°C).
You’ll probably notice mornings and evenings feel more humid than afternoons. The ocean breeze brings in moisture from the coast.
Compared to inland Kenyan cities, Mombasa’s humidity stays more even.
For example:
| Month | Avg. Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| June | ~75% |
| July | ~75% |
| August | ~76% |
These numbers don’t drop enough to create dry air, so things can feel heavy sometimes.
Dew Point Variations
The dew point in Mombasa during winter usually sits between 21°C and 23°C (70–73°F). That’s pretty high, which means the air carries a lot of moisture.
Since the dew point barely changes day to day, you get similar conditions throughout the season.
Nights tend to feel damp, and mornings often start with a sticky warmth before the sun climbs higher.
You won’t see the big swings in dew point that some places get. This steady range comes from the tropical climate and the Indian Ocean’s constant influence.
Impact on Comfort Levels
High humidity and dew points change how your body feels heat. Even if the thermometer shows 26°C (79°F), it can feel warmer since sweat doesn’t evaporate as fast.
You might feel better in the shade or near the coast, where breezes make things less sticky.
Light clothing and plenty of water help you deal with the humidity.
Indoor spaces without good airflow can feel stuffy. Outdoor activities are still doable, but expect a persistent sense of moisture in the air during winter.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Mombasa has a tropical wet and dry climate, and rainfall isn’t evenly spread out through the year.
You’ll see clear differences between wetter and drier months, both in how much it rains and how often.
Rainfall Frequency and Intensity
Rain in Mombasa usually comes in short, heavy bursts—not long, steady showers.
During the wetter months, you might get frequent afternoon downpours that last an hour or two, then the sun comes back out.
Rainy days range from just 3 days in February to almost 19 days in May.
Even in the drier season, light showers can pop up, but they’re not as intense.
Humidity stays high all year, so even moderate rain can feel heavier. Weather can flip quickly, with storms building fast along the coast.
That’s just how it goes in tropical coastal climates.
Average Monthly Rainfall
Annual rainfall in Mombasa lands somewhere between 990–1,070 mm. The rain isn’t spread out evenly—some months get much more than others.
Here’s a simple look at average monthly rainfall:
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| February | ~23 mm | 3 days |
| May | ~206 mm | 19 days |
| June | ~10 mm | 10 days |
| November | ~150 mm | 12–14 days |
April to May is the wettest stretch, while January to February is the driest.
June has fewer millimeters of rain but still sees several days with light showers.
Wet and Dry Spells
You’ll notice two main rainy seasons. The long rains run from April to May—that’s when you get heavy downpours often.
The short rains arrive in October and November, bringing moderate but steady rain.
Dry spells take over from January to February and again from July to September. Skies clear up and rain is scarce during these months.
This back-and-forth between wet and dry shapes not just the climate, but also travel plans, outdoor activities, and even local farming.
Sunlight and Daylight Hours
Since Mombasa is near the equator, daylight patterns stay steady all year.
You’ll only see tiny differences in daylight length between months. Winter days are almost as long as summer ones.
This consistency makes it so much easier to plan your time outside.
Average Hours of Daylight
Daylight in Mombasa holds close to 12 hours per day, no matter the season.
During winter—June, July, and August—the shortest days last about 11 hours and 45 minutes. The longest hit about 12 hours and 13 minutes.
That’s a pretty narrow range, so you don’t really notice dramatic changes in day length. No long winter nights or super short days here.
For example:
| Month | Average Day Length |
|---|---|
| June | ~11h 46m |
| July | ~11h 50m |
| August | ~12h 00m |
You can count on steady daylight, which is handy for planning travel and outdoor activities.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Sunrise and sunset times barely shift throughout the year in Mombasa.
In winter, the sun rises between 6:20 AM and 6:35 AM and sets between 6:20 PM and 6:30 PM.
That predictability helps a lot. You can plan early morning activities—maybe a game drive or a walk along the coast—without worrying about odd sunrise times.
Evening plans are easier too. Outdoor dinners, beach strolls, or boat rides can be timed almost perfectly since sunset lands at nearly the same hour every day.
It’s honestly one of the best perks for visitors who like to keep a schedule.
Seasonal Changes in Sunshine
Daylight hours stay pretty steady, but the amount of sunshine you actually get can shift quite a bit. In winter, especially June and July, clearer skies and less rain bring more bright, sunny days.
Mombasa usually gets about 8 to 9 hours of sunshine per day in winter. That’s great news if you’re thinking about hitting the beach or heading outside.
Heavier rain in months like April or May can cut down on sunshine, even though the days aren’t any shorter. So, winter often feels like a safer bet for outdoor plans.
Wind Speed and Weather Conditions
In Mombasa’s winter, you’ll notice steady winds and moderate breezes. The air feels different—less heavy than in the hotter months.
The coast and changing wind patterns really set the tone for daily weather and comfort.
Prevailing Winds in Winter
The southeast trade winds take over in winter. These winds blow in from the Indian Ocean, bringing a steady onshore flow.
From June through September, the southeast monsoon is in charge. It brings cooler air and keeps things moving, especially along the shore.
You’ll probably spot clearer skies and lower humidity thanks to these winds. They also help take the edge off daytime heat, so being outside feels a lot nicer than during the hot season.
Travelers can count on breezy afternoons, especially at the beaches. If you’re into sailing or kitesurfing, this season’s predictable winds are a real perk.
Average Wind Speed
Winter’s the windiest stretch in Mombasa. Average speeds stay above 12 miles per hour (19 km/h), and July usually tops out at 15–16 mph (25 km/h).
You’ll definitely feel the wind, but it doesn’t usually get in the way of daily life. Even on calmer days, steady breezes help clear out the sticky, humid air.
For comparison:
- June–August: 12–16 mph (19–25 km/h)
- September: around 12 mph (19 km/h)
- November (calmest month): about 8–9 mph (13–14 km/h)
This up-and-down pattern in wind speed is one of the region’s most dependable weather features.
Effects on Local Weather
Winter winds shape the local climate in a big way. They keep temperatures a bit lower, with daytime highs hanging around 81–83°F (27–28°C).
Constant airflow means humidity doesn’t feel so stifling. You get more evaporation and cooling, which makes outdoor time a lot more comfortable.
Rainfall drops off during winter, too. The winds sweep away heavy clouds, leaving more clear or partly cloudy days. You end up with a drier, steadier season compared to the wetter months.
Unique Features of Mombasa’s Winter Weather
Winter in Mombasa feels steady—warm, humid, and always tied to the ocean. You’ll see fewer rainy days and clearer skies, but daylight barely changes. The Indian Ocean keeps shaping both the air and water along the coast.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Cloud cover drops fast in winter. Early in the season, skies might be overcast or mostly cloudy about half the time, but by late August, that’s down to a quarter of the days.
The clearest stretch usually comes at the end of August, when skies are clear or mostly clear for about 70% of the time. That makes late winter great for being outside or sightseeing.
Mombasa’s coastal winds help break up clouds, unlike inland areas that get stuck with heavy cloud build-up. So, you get brighter days and more stable visibility than earlier in the year.
Sea Temperature and Coastal Influence
The Indian Ocean really decides what winter feels like in Mombasa. Surface water cools a bit, dropping from about 27°C at the start of the season to around 25°C by mid-to-late August. Even then, the water stays warm enough for swimming and marine fun.
Warm ocean water keeps nighttime air mild, rarely dipping below 21–22°C. Day and night temperatures don’t swing much, so the coastal climate feels steady and easy to predict.
Sea breezes also shape humidity and wind. In winter, winds usually blow from the south, averaging around 23 km/h. That helps cut daytime heat and keeps things comfortable.
Local Climate Variability
Mombasa’s winter weather stays warm. Still, you’ll notice small shifts in rainfall, wind, and humidity as the season goes on.
At the start of winter, you might run into some wet days. There’s about a one-in-three shot at rain. By September, honestly, rain barely shows up—less than a one in ten chance.
Humidity sticks around and keeps things muggy almost every day. That’s just how the local climate works, so even when the sky’s clear, the air feels heavy.
Since Mombasa sits close to sea level and right by the equator, daylight barely changes. Day length shifts by maybe ten minutes, so you get nearly 12 hours of sunlight, all season long.
This kind of stability really helps when you’re planning outdoor activities, especially if you’re used to places where the seasons swing a lot more.