Weather in Kenya in September +Travel Tips (By a Local)

The month of September comes with pleasantly warm, dry weather conditions in Kenya.

At this time of the year, the country is just emerging from the chilly, cool, and cloudy weather conditions that engulf the whole landscape from June through August every year.

Around the third week of September, the equinox occurs and the sun is directly above the equator and the weather gets increasingly warmer as October draws nearer.

The month of September offers a great opportunity for sun lovers to soak in the sunshine and enjoy the beautiful sceneries across the country.

It is a great time to get outdoors and explore the country’s enchanting landscapes and wildlife without the fear of encountering bad weather.

Below is a table summary of the average weather conditions in Kenya in the month of September.

Please note that these are averages and weather conditions in September can vary depending on the specific location within Kenya.

 For instance, the eastern parts of the country could be warm and dry while the western region and Lake Victoria Basin experience hot and wet conditions.

Why Visit Kenya in September

The main reason you should visit Kenya in September is that good weather is guaranteed for beach and ocean escapades, mountain hikes, and game drives.

At this time of the year, the weather is less foggy and the skies are clear most of the time thus, one can get the best views of Mount Kenya, Aberdares Ranges, and Mount Kilimanjaro.

Amboseli National Park, Chyulu Hills National Park, and Tsavo West National Park in Kenya offer the best views of Mount Kilimanjaro in September.

Magnificent views of Mount Kenya and Aberdares can be captured from any of the neighboring counties of Meru, Nyeri, Laikipia, Nyandarua, Kirinyaga, Embu and even Isiolo.

The month also lies within the best season to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. It is also one of the best times to hike Mount Kenya.

In the western region along the border with Uganda lies Kenya’s second-highest mountain Known as Mt. Elgon, which is a popular hiking destination.

You can get magnificent views of Mount Elgon from Bungoma County.

Further south lies the largest lake in East Africa, Lake Victoria, where you can ride boats and get affordable world-class accommodation in the lakeside city of Kisumu.

What to Do and Places to Visit

In September, visiting Kenya gives you a wide range of choices for tourist activities and places to visit. 

From hiking Africa’s tallest mountains to sunbathing at the coast, game drives in the parks, to museums, and nature trails in the country’s tropical forests such as Karura Forest in Nairobi, Arabuko Sokoke Forest in Kilifi or Mount Kenya Forest.

The beaches at the coast are also a top destination for tourists and offer so much to do including soaking up at the beach, a tour of the marine parks, water sports, sky diving, and swimming.

It’s also a perfect time to get a 4*4 Landcruiser and go into a national park of choice for a one-on-one interaction with the famous Big Five game animals that include elephants, lions, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinos in their natural habitat.

There are many museums, historical sites, world heritage sites, and archives in various locations in Kenya that are worth your visit.

From the Olorgesailie prehistoric site in Turkana County to museums in Nairobi and Mombasa,  to the Gede Ruins in Kilifi County and Fort Jesus in Mombasa, you have a wide range of choices to consider.

Major Events in September in Kenya

There are no notable socio-cultural events or activities in Kenya in September.

However, over the weekends there could be some concerts and festivals that you can attend for entertainment.

 It could be a Salsa and Kizomba festival, local music festivals such as Mugithi or Luo Night, Jazz Festival, etc.

In such events, you get to experience a taste of the local culture and interact with the locals.

Kenyans are known to love fun and entertainment, so rest assured that you won’t miss an event or two where you can join in and enjoy the moment.

Most of these events are held in the major towns of Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Kisumu usually over the weekends.

What to Pack and Wear

It’s an obvious fact that what we choose to wear is determined mainly by the prevailing weather conditions and the activities we undertake.

Now, the weather in Kenya in September is generally warm and dry and the main purpose of heading there is to engage in tourist activities.

That means you need light, comfortable clothing, sunscreen and a scentful deodorant to control sweating.

 Sneakers or canvas shoes are the best footwear option as most of the tourist activities take place outdoors and you may need to walk a lot.

You may also need a pair of sunglasses to protect your eyes from the bright sun as you stroll the beaches, cities, or game parks.

As much as the weather is generally warm, dry, and devoid of rains, it’s recommendable to carry an umbrella, a warm jacket, and a raincoat in case of off-season rains or low nighttime temperatures, especially if your hotel is located on the foothills of the Aberdares, Mount Kenya, Mount Elgon or Kilimanjaro.

Remember to get enough drinking water and ice cubes from the hotel before embarking on a game drive.

Crowds: How Busy is Kenya in September?

September is a normal activity month in Kenya and thus, there is usually no crowding in the tourist destinations in the country.

Most Kenyans are at work and schools have just reopened after the August holidays which means very few local tourists flock to the holiday destinations in September.

Less congestion lays the ground for a fun-filled, relaxed vacation experience coupled with top-notch hospitality for tourists who choose to travel to Kenya at this time of the year.

However, crowded streets and traffic jams are commonplace in major cities where most economic activities are concentrated.

Therefore, it is advisable to choose accommodation facilities that are easily accessible by roads that have low traffic.

Also, if you must pass through towns, remember to leave your city hotel early enough to avoid delays due to traffic jams.

Final Verdict: Is September a Good Time to Visit Kenya?

September is definitely a great time to jet into Kenya and enjoy the warm weather and the ever-amazing hospitality.

 It is one of the best times for game drives, mountain climbing/hiking/viewing, road trips, beach escapades and so much more.

The hotel and resort rates at this time are much lower compared to the May-August and November-December high seasons and it is easier to make a reservation at a hotel of your choice.

The month also sees less crowding in the major tourist destinations as the high season draws to a close.

If you want to get an unforgettable travel experience in Kenya, start packing your bags and get that September flight ticket.

You will go back home with great memories and a great desire to visit again in the future.