Kenya’s proximity to the equator and Indian Ocean gives the country average temperatures all year round.
It’s no wonder there’s hardly shortage of tourists throughout all seasons of the year.
Choosing when to visit is all about your personal preference, really…
I’ll discuss Kenya’s climate and weather in July.
What’s The Weather Like In Kenya In July?
July is the coldest month in Kenya, but the extent of the cold weather depends on where you choose to visit.
Some regions still enjoy relatively warm conditions even on cloudy and rainy days of July.
The table below gives a summary of the weather in Kenya in July by region.
| Nairobi | Coastal Region | Western Region | |
| Temperature Average | Highs 22°C Lows 13°C | Highs 27°C Lows 20°C | Highs 25°C Lows 16°C |
| Rainfall | 32mm | 63mm | 70mm |
| Relative Humidity | 74% | 78% | 88% |
| Clouds | Clear skies or partly cloudy for 30% of the day | Clear skies or partly cloudy for 33% | Clear skies or partly cloudy for 31% |
| Sunrise | From 06:36 am | From 06:35 am | From 06:43 am |
| Sunset | From 06:38 pm | From 06:38 pm | From 18:50 am |
| Wind Speed | Average of 15.5km/h | Average of 30km/h | Average of 10km/h |
| UV Index | 5 | 6 | 6 |
The table above shows a summary of data collected over several years.
It might vary given the climate changes resulting from the currently experienced global warming conditions.
The overall average temperature in Kenya in July ranges between highs of 22°C and lows of 14°C.
Regardless, the weather in July in Kenya is quite favorable.
There are only few downpours that last few minutes to an hour. And with July being a relatively dry season, it hardly gets muddy.
The breeze and winds in the coast are refreshing, being of average temperature.
And what’s more, even when the clouds part and the sky is clear, the sun is never too hot.
You can go all day without needing a sunscreen, and even when you do, a simple SP30 will do the trick.
Why Visit Kenya in July
July is an off-peak month in Kenya.
It is one of the few months in Kenya with no holidays, schools are usually in sessions, companies mostly working on their annual quarters, and teachers and lecturers are mainly focused on setting exams and preparing students for attachments and internships.
So, in terms of vacations and holidays, it’s extremely slow.
Like any other place in the world, slow months come with offers and discounts to attract people to take holidays.
Talk about cheap flights, the best hotel deals, and tour packages!
Also, the weather is conducive for outdoor activities, especially in the coastal region.
You can enjoy the breeze and humidity with little to no need for hats and sunscreen.
July also lies in the dry season months in Kenya. There’s little to no rainfall in July, so you can engage in all the activities you desire with no inconveniences from the rain.
What to Do and Places to Visit
There is no shortage of things you can enjoy doing in Kenya in July.
July falls right after the end of the rainy season in Kenya.
So, the majority of wildlife is back out there in the savannah and woodlands grazing; buffalos, elephants, impalas, gazelles, giraffes, waterbucks, and many more are seen in large groups during this season.
This makes July one of the best times to enjoy game tours and wildlife safaris.
The best conservancies and parks to visit in July in Kenya to enjoy the breathtaking wildlife scenery are:
- Nairobi National Park
- Amboseli National Park
- Samburu National Reserve
- Tsavo East National Park
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Hells Gate National Park
- Lake Nakuru National Park
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Kenyan beaches are a destination for beach walks, boat rides, swimming, and many more activities that you can engage in in July.
The minimal amount of UV index also makes July the best time to enjoy endless sunbathes with little worry about getting too much of tan or exposure to the sun’s UV rays.
Kenya has quite a number of places you can visit to enjoy swimming in the ocean and limitless basking in the sun, such as:
- Diani Beach
- Nyali Beach
- Shelly Beach
- Bamburi Beach
- Tiwi Beach
- Funzi Beach
- Kilifi Beach
Then there is the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebras, which happens between the months of July to September.
This is a sight you wouldn’t want to miss in the world.
Why should you keep on watching it on Discovery Channel and National Geographic when you can experience it firsthand?
These animals trek hundreds of miles in uncountable herds through the Maasai Mara from Serengeti in Tanzania in search of water and greener pastures.
The trek mostly takes place in late July, which is the best time to visit the Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Each of these destinations is surrounded by the country’s top hotels, accommodations, and resorts to choose from. They all offer unique services at different rates.
Major Events in July
The month of July carries many holidays, observances, and national and international days across the globe.
Are there any July festivals and events in Kenya?
There are no annual national festivals or events in the month of July in Kenya.
However, there are different events that take place but do not affect vacations.
These may vary from concerts to cultural and religious celebrations. There may also one time holidays.
What to Pack & Wear
Keep in mind that some parts of Kenya are still relatively warm in July.
So while packing, it is good to have a clear destination plan.
Holidays and vacations are all about having fun, which can be quite hard to do when too warmly or too heavily dressed.
Besides, for those who experience winter seasons, the summary in the table above could seem to be displaying quite favorable weather conditions.
But to account for the highs and lows temperature changes and the wind breeze, I would suggest packing light but warm clothes.
Long sleeve shirts and t-shirts are a good selection, as they’ll keep you warm whether it rains or gets a bit chilly.
Long pants and sneakers, or other closed shoes, maybe a fleece jacket are a good pick, especially if you plan on spending some time in Nairobi.
Funny enough, I have seen my family dress really light when they come to visit every July from the Western countries.
I live in one of the coldest places in Kenya, with the weather hitting highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C in July, with extreme dense fogs, and still you’ll spot tourists in sweaters and fleece jackets.
At that time, us locals are dressed in blankets, literally.
So, if your entire stay will be spent in the coastal region in Kenya, then you can just pack light, sundresses, shorts, t-shirts, sandals because in those regions, even when it’s cold, it’s still warm.
But to be safe, come prepared for the occasional short rains regardless of what part of Kenya you are visiting.
You can also pack a sunscreen just in case. The weather can be unpredictable at times due to global warming.
Crowds: How Busy Is July In Kenya?
As I mentioned earlier, July is the cold month in Kenya.
That makes it quite a slow month, with no major events taking place.
People are mainly keeping busy at this time just to get past the cold.
Schools are still in session at this time, so majority of Kenyans don’t go on holidays in the month of July.
Meaning the beaches, resorts, parks are not crowded. So, you can enjoy your holiday to the fullest, with no crowd-related limitations.
Final Verdict: Is July Good To Visit Kenya?
If you are looking to have a quiet vacation, my personal verdict is: July is the best time to visit Kenya.
The weather is relatively cool, and you don’t have to worry much about sunburns since most parts of the day are cloudy or partly cloudy.
The cool weather provides you the opportunity to enjoy a wide variety of activities without fatigue.
It is also an off-peak season, so you get to enjoy the best package deals.
July awaits, welcome to Kenya!
