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April lies in the middle of the wet season in Kenya. While prolonged rain, oppressive heat, high humidity, and buzzing mosquitoes may hinder your plans for a perfect holiday, the lush landscape, spectacular skyscapes, and intense wildlife action across the country’s nature reserves make up for the seasonal adversities.

Track predators in Maasai Mara as big cats play hide and seek with newborn calves and foals. Get dazzled by migratory birds in Lake Nakuru National Park as they put their mating plumage on a gorgeous display. There are plenty of activities, despite wet conditions, if you tour Kenya in April.

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Kenya Weather in April

Mount Amboseli as seen from Kenya in April
Amboseli provides a mesmerizing sight of the clouds dividing Mount Kilimanjaro after rain.

April beckons the green season in Kenya with its signature hot and humid days and comparatively cooler nights. Nairobi sees heavy rainfall during this time of year, causing the mercury to drop. Here, the average daytime temperature is 25°C, with a steep drop to around 16°C after sundown.

You will find temperatures soaring in the coastal region despite the frequent rainstorms. For instance, Mombasa on the southern coast gets around 154 mm of average rainfall during this time of year. Here, daytime temperatures can reach 32°C, while the waters in the Indian Ocean off its coast stay at an ideal 28°C. Plan your day around swimming while the sky is clear and taking a siesta through the storms.

For a seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Kenya.

Weather in Kenya in April - Rainfall and Temperatures

MarAprMay
Avg Daily (°C)272523
Avg Nightly (°C)131514
Avg Daily (°F)817774
Avg Nightly (°F)565958
Avg Rainfall (mm)5612583

Why Visit Kenya in April

Elephant in the grasslands in Kenya in April
As Kenya’s landscape turns vibrant with rain, wildlife pops out more visually in the rich background.
Open roof Jeep Safari in Kenya in August
Travelers can enjoy a jeep safari with an open roof and experience the thrill of the African Savannah in Kenya in August.

Presenting perfect color-bursting moments to photographers and almost deserted safari tracks to wildlife lovers, the green season is enough reason to visit Kenya in April. Below are some more reasons why you might want to head to the country during this time of year. 

  • Better rates: Grab great low-season rates on airlines, accommodation, and activities during your stay in Kenya in April. Expect to save big on your safaris as you venture into the grasslands and the savannah during this off-season month.
  • Lesser crowds: Enjoy your solitude as you court calm at every corner, from resorts to the wilderness. Explore Kenya at your peace without fellow travelers hindering your wildlife sightings.
  • Festivals: Easter is a big festival for the Christian community that forms a significant part of the Kenyan population. Enjoy a scrumptious meal of nyama choma and ugali, both traditional Kenyan spreads. Visit the church to see locals celebrating the festival with candle-lighting services. You might want to avoid coastal retreats in and around Easter as many locals plan their holiday during this time since schools and businesses are off for a long weekend.
  • Photography: As Kenya’s dull landscape turns vibrant with rain, wildlife pops out more visually in the rich background. With storm clouds collecting in the late afternoon, the setting sun lights up the sky with strokes of fiery colors. Precious wildlife moments like mothers nursing their young, predators lurking closeby, and herds of animals moving with their young ones make for a delightful composition. The rain also clears the air, and the dust settles down, resulting in clean and crisp pictures.
  • Birdwatching: Known as the best birding destination in Africa, Kenya flaunts several migratory birds from Europe and a few from North Africa in April, along with other endemic species. For exceptional sightings of waterbirds, head for the lakes in the Great Rift Valley. Nature reserves like Masai Mara and Amboseli are the top choices for common bird species found in East Africa.

Where to go and what to do

An evening rainstorm and a lone African buffalo in Kenya in November
Sporadic rainfall and torrential thunderstorms can hinder your plans if you are traveling to the Kenyan Grasslands in November unprepared.

Your adventure in Kenya in April can be a combination of a few days in the city and the rest in wildlife reserves. Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Nairobi for a dose of art, history, culture, and culinary indulgences. Make sure that you visit Nairobi National Park, located on the outskirts of the Kenyan capital, to get a taste of the wildlife found in the country and check out black rhinos in their natural habitat.

Get close with the African elephants of Amboseli National Park against the droopy monsoon sky and verdant vegetation of the plains. Visit Hell's Gate National Park, where migratory birds and residential raptors fly over towering cliffs. However, it is always good to know the conditions ahead because incessant rainfall can cause flash floods in this part of the world. Skip coastal cities like Mombasa and Malindi if you do not want rain and heat ruining your beach holiday.

On the surface, the weather in Kenya in April may not seem appropriate for outdoor exploration. But check with the weatherman and you might just escape the wrath of the wet season. Alternatively, you can also check with our local travel experts to create an ideal tailor-made tour to Kenya for the best experience in the country. For more information, browse through our Kenya tours in April.

Published by Will Cooper, updated on July 7, 2023

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