Kenya in November: Shoulder Season Weather and Travel Tips
Kenya bids farewell to the dry winter season in November. As the country transitions into summer, sporadic rainfall is common during this time of year. But holidaymakers can take heart, for rain showers usually occur in the afternoon or evening, which means that morning safaris and tours are rarely affected. Plus, the country is brimming with adventures of all kinds this month.
Visiting Kenya in November is also a good idea for those travelers who wish to avoid large tourist crowds. The month falls in the shoulder season, so there are fewer visitors to the country. Besides relatively crowd-free attractions, travelers can also find good deals on flights and accommodations during this month. Take this opportunity to spot the Big Five during an African safari experience in Maasai Mara National Reserve, or swim among the marine life in the Indian Ocean.
Kenya Weather in November
Kenya is an equatorial country and sports only two seasons: wet and dry. November marks the start of the wet season. So expect overcast skies and torrential thundershowers, particularly during afternoons and evenings. It is best to head towards the coastal areas of the country for relatively drier and warmer conditions. Temperature-wise, Nairobi, the country’s capital, scores a daily high of 25ºC and a low of 14ºC. In Mombasa, on the Kenyan coast, day temperatures could hit 30ºC. The water temperature in the Indian Ocean off the country’s coast hovers at around 27°C during this month.
For a seasonal overview, check out our travel guide on the best time to visit Kenya.
Weather in Kenya in November - Rainfall and Temperatures
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg Daily (°C) | 26 | 28 | 27 | 25 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 23 | 26 | 27 | 25 | 24 |
| Avg Nightly (°C) | 13 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 13 | 14 | 13 |
| Avg Daily (°F) | 78.8 | 82.4 | 80.6 | 77 | 75.2 | 73.4 | 71.6 | 73.4 | 78.8 | 80.6 | 77 | 75.2 |
| Avg Nightly (°F) | 55.4 | 55.4 | 57.2 | 59 | 57.2 | 53.6 | 51.8 | 51.8 | 51.8 | 55.4 | 57.2 | 55.4 |
| Avg Rainfall (mm) | 40 | 60 | 90 | 130 | 120 | 30 | 10 | 10 | 20 | 40 | 110 | 80 |
Why Visit Kenya in November
As November falls in the shoulder season of the tourism calendar, this is the perfect month for budget travelers to explore Kenya. Below are some of the perks visitors can enjoy in Kenya in November.
- Better rates: Low tourist footfall means the travel and accommodation rates fall down during this time of year. Enjoy a luxury holiday at an affordable rate during your stay in the country in November.
- Fewer crowds: Experience the rare pleasure of relatively crowd-free safaris and sightseeing tours while you are in Kenya in November and take in the country’s top wilderness destinations at your own pace.
- Diving season: With lower waves and optimal visibility, November is a great month to see marine life in the Indian Ocean. This is the best chance to spot whale sharks and manta rays.
- Enjoy safari and bird-watching: Rains not only make the vegetation lush but also settle the ambient dust, improving visibility and your chance of spotting wildlife during safaris. Besides being one of the best times for safari tours, November is also perfect for bird-watching.
- Mombasa Carnival: Visit Mombasa to dance to the traditional tunes of Africa and revel in the colorful parade that takes place during the carnival.
Where to go and what to do
Kenya tops the list when it comes to wildlife safaris. Pick any national park or wildlife reserve in the country and you are sure to be stunned by the sheer variety of animals. Enjoy a crowd-free game drive in Maasai Mara and spot a variety of creatures like giraffes, elephants, and big cats. Go for a guided bush walk or book a hot air balloon safari over the Masai Mara plains. You can also head to Amboseli to see elephants and other wild animals grazing in the grasslands with Mount Kilimanjaro looming in the background.
Make sure that you add Lake Nakuru to your itinerary if you wish to see pink flamingos. For maritime fun, Watamu Marine Reserve and Kisite are great destinations. Here you can spot whale sharks, humpback whales, manta rays, and many other exotic marine life.
What to Bring
Pack judiciously before catching your flight and you should be sorted. If your itinerary includes destinations in higher altitudes and early morning game drives, you will need warm clothes. Rainproof gear will come in handy if you encounter sudden showers. If you are visiting coastal areas, a light, airy garment and a rain jacket will suffice. Make sure that you also carry mosquito repellent and sunscreen with you.
The weather in Kenya in November is extremely tricky. But with proper planning, you can have a memorable holiday experience. This is the time when the country is less crowded, so take this opportunity to get to know its highlights more intimately. Travel and hotel rates are also relatively cheaper during this time of year, allowing you to pack more tours and holiday activities in your itinerary.
Not sure how many days to spend in Kenya? Plan a customized trip to Kenya with the support of our local travel specialists for an itinerary that best suits your requirements. For more information, check out our tours to Kenya in November.
