July is a dry month in Kenya generally, and some of the tourist highlights have arid weather. The drier weather is better for beach going, water sports, and seeing the wildlife. It is the beginning of the heavy tourist season.
Read on for our travel advice and weather information including average temperatures, rainfall, and humidity, and travel tips…
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Kenya Weather in July: Overview
Averages:
- Temperature range: 17–27°C (63–81°F)
- Rainfall: 5 cm (2 inches)
- Rainy days: 6
- Sunshine hours/day: 6
The main feature of the weather in Kenya in July is that it is the cool dry season. The southeastern coastal lowlands have moderate rainfall. The highland plateau attractions are cool or mild, cloudy, and with low rainfall.
Weather of Kenya's Major Cities in July
| Kenya City | Temperature | Rainfall |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi (Capital, largest city, travel hub) | Cool | Low |
| Maasai Mara (Game reserve) | Mild | Low |
| Mombasa (Beaches, second largest city) | Warm | Low |
| Turkana (Beautiful desert lake, ethnic culture) | Hot | Low |
| Kisumu (Lake Victoria, wildlife, 3rd largest city) | Warm | Mild |
| Amboseli (Nature Reserve, Kilimanjaro) | Mild | Arid |
| Kenya City | Daily High Temp. | Daily Low Temp. |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi (Capital, largest city, travel hub) | 22ºC (72ºF) | 9ºC (48ºF) |
| Maasai Mara (Game reserve) | 25ºC (77ºF) | 11ºC (52ºF) |
| Mombasa (Beaches, second largest city) | 29ºC (84ºF) | 19ºC (66ºF) |
| Turkana (Beautiful desert lake, ethnic culture) | 32ºC (90ºF) | 25ºC (77ºF) |
| Kisumu (Lake Victoria, wildlife, 3rd largest city) | 28ºC (82ºF) | 22ºC (72ºF) |
| Amboseli (Nature Reserve, Kilimanjaro) | 24ºC (75ºF) | 14ºC (57ºF) |
| Kenya City | Rain (cm) | Rain (in) |
|---|---|---|
| Nairobi (Capital, largest city, travel hub) | 2 | 1 |
| Maasai Mara (Game reserve) | 6 | 2 |
| Mombasa (Beaches, second largest city) | 7 | 3 |
| Turkana (Beautiful desert lake, ethnic culture) | 4 | 2 |
| Kisumu (Lake Victoria, wildlife, 3rd largest city) | 9 | 4 |
| Amboseli (Nature Reserve, Kilimanjaro) | 1 | 0 |
July is a month great for beach going, and you can go further afield away from the places with better infrastructure around southeast coast and Nairobi to wild places relatively few tourists go to.
The Highland plateau: The highlands have moderate or low rainfall generally and mild or cool weather. At most of the highland plateau attractions, it rains about 4 to 8 days each July. The various big attractions in the highlands such as Nairobi (where it is cloudier averaging 5 hours of sunshine a day) and the savanna highlights such as Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru have little rainfall and comfortable-to-cool weather. It is often cloudy.
Southeast coastal lowlands: July starts the best beach going and water sports season. The weather in the coastal lowlands around Mombasa and Malindi is hot or warm, and the water is warm.
The Best Places to Visit in Kenya in July
Top things to do in July include enjoying the great wilderness areas, where you can safari and hike, and the beach areas, where you can hike and do water sports.
The end of July is the beginning of the huge migration of a million or more animals that makes Maasai Mara famous.
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1. Nairobi — Vibrant Downtown, Natural Parks, and Airport Gateway
Nairobi is the big capital city, and most tourists arrive through its airport. July is the coolest month of the year and one of the driest. Locals call it the African winter season! At night, it might be chilly, and days are cool. It is more cloudy and hazier than usual. You could visit attractions in the city and go out for excursions in the countryside.
Places to go in the city: Giraffe Centre and Elephant Sanctuary to see the animals, Oloolua Nature Trail next to the Giraffe Centre, and the Nairobi National Museum.
Natural highlights in the Nairobi area: Nairobi National Park is adjacent to the city. Further afield, there are Lake Naivasha (2½ hours' drive), Lake Nakuru (3½ hours), Amboseli (4 hours), and the Maasai Mara (4½ hours).
2. Maasai Mara — Beginning of Stunning Wildlife Migration
At the end of July every year, a huge mixed herd of grazing animals and their predators migrate from the Serengeti in Tanzania to Maasai Mara in Kenya, since more water and food is available there. That is a wonder of nature, and tourist crowds fly in to watch, so prices double at local hotels.
Big animals and big cats such as leopards, cheetahs, and lions abound more in Maasai Mara than most other African savannas. The Maasai towns and villages are cultural opportunities.
The weather in July is generally warm during the day and cool at night with 6 cm (2 inches) of rainfall.
3. Amboseli — See the Elephants and Other Wildlife
Amboseli is a national park near Kilimanjaro. Like Maasai Mara, but much drier in July, the Maasai also occupy it. Many safari at both locations, though road conditions between them are difficult. Less vegetation means wildlife congregate at springs, so Amboseli offers much clearer views of wildlife.
Amboseli is known for elephant watching. The dry warm season from June to about October is the best time to go watch them. This time coincides with the animal migration in Maasai Mara where fewer elephants may be seen. You can see the scenery from above in balloon rides.
Transportation: By private tour vehicle, depending on conditions, it takes about 4 hours to travel from Nairobi by private vehicle and perhaps 11 hours to travel from Maasai Mara. Taking a plane involves perhaps 4 or 5 hours from Maasai Mara We recommend 2 days for a tour.
4. Mount Elgon — Hiking Close to Nature on an Easier Summit
July is a time to go further afield to explore places fewer tourists go to such as Mount Elgon, the 7th tallest mountain in Africa at 4,321 meters (14,177 feet). The park is at a lower elevation than similar parks in Kenya with gentler slopes, so it is more accessible for less fit and elderly people.
There is more solitude and far fewer tourists at this nature preserve. The peaceful slopes provide fantastic vantage points for watching wildlife. There are several waterfalls and hot springs to dip into. You could hike to the highest point and walk down into one of the world's biggest calderas.
If you want to hike to one of the top peaks, three days is recommended. It is best to hike with a good guide.
5. Lake Nakuru — See Wildlife, Especially the Birds
Lake Nakuru is a place for birdwatchers! July is a wonderful time to go since the grass is short and the roads and the ground is about the driest in the year. It is famous for its giant flocks of pink flamingos and for rhinos, and there are scores of other bird species to see.
We recommend that you go with a good driver and tour guide. Getting around the park and going to the lake is difficult without a private driver. From Nairobi, it takes about 3 or 4 hours by private vehicle.
6. Diani Beach — Huge White Beach for Relaxation and Hiking, Biking, and Water Sports
Diani Beach is a long, beautiful white beach with clear, warm, greenish-blue water that stretches as far as your eyes can see. You could jog or walk along the length of it, and go on nature walks, walking through Kaya Kinondo Forest and entering the Shimoni Caves.
It is also one of the best places in East Africa for water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving.
Diani is 30 kilometers (19 miles) south of Mombasa. You can stay at the hotels and guesthouses along Diani Beach. In July, Mombasa gets about 7 cm (3 inches) of rain. It is warm or hot during the day, and the water temperature ranges from 27°C (80°F) to 24°C (75°F).
Low Tourist Season: Touring Advice for July
July is one of Kenya's months with heaviest tourism. The crowds are larger, and costs are significantly higher. Hotels typically charge special high-season rates. Airfares are also more expensive, and it's tough to find deals or promotions. If you book a shared safari, it's likely to be filled to capacity.
There are no public holidays in Kenya July.
What to Wear in July
Though it is drier, July is actually one of the cloudier months of the year. In general, to avoid sunburn and mosquito bites, wear a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and light trousers or a long dress. Bring mosquito repellent and a mosquito net. Bring a jacket for the highlands.
Wildlife parks: To avoid alarming the animals, wear neutral-colored clothes. Bring rain gear or umbrellas. In the higher mountains, bring winter clothing.
Monthly Weather in Kenya
Recommended Tours for Kenya in July
A private tour with a private driver and local guide is preferable in this peak season, and having the aid of travel experts who know the local conditions will greatly benefit comfort, enjoyment, safety, and speed of travel.
At Global Highlights, we recognize that you may want some private time to explore with just your traveling companion(s) such as to hike in a national park. So, we are flexible to do as much itinerary tailoring and expert arranging as you would wish to make the best trip for you.
Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.
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