Kenya Weather in December
Season: Short Rainy Season
In Short: Less rainfall, cool
Kenya in December comes to the late period of the short rainy season. There is a significant decrease in precipitation, which is totally 65mm. And it rains around 6 days on average. Also, rainfall occurs mostly in the early mornings and late afternoons of the early month, which impacts limitedly to your trip. The weather in December is relatively cool, with an average high temperature of 29℃ (84.2℉) and an average low of 19℃ (66.2℉). The temperature difference during a day is large, so you’d better take a warm coat for cold nights.
In general, December is a good month to visit Kenya. Costs for air tickets and accommodation are getting higher and it may get crowded in some hot scenic spots, hence you are advised to make your schedule and bookings in advance.
Safari in Masai Mara in December
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The rainiest cities in Kenya in December:
Voi: 119mm, 8 rainy days; Kisumu: 101mm, 9 rainy days; Nairobi: 101mm, 8 rainy days
The driest cities in Kenya in December:
Lamu: 28mm, 3 rainy days; Malindi: 35mm, 3 rainy days
The hottest cities in Kenya in December:
Garissa: 23 - 34°C (73.4 - 93.2°F); Mombasa: 23 - 32°C (73.4 - 89.6°F)
The coolest cities in Kenya in December:
Nakuru: 9 - 26°C (48.2 - 78.8°F); Eldoret: 10 - 24°C (50 - 75.2°F)
Packing List in December
Clothes and Shoes: During the daytime, you can wear breathable and quick-dry clothes such as short sleeves, T-shirts, shirts, sunscreen coat, shorts, and light pants. The temperature is relatively lower at night, so you may need a windbreaker or even a light downcoat. For Safari, you are highly recommended to wear lightweight walking shoes and sneakers, and you can also bring a pair of comfortable slippers for long-time stay in the off-road vehicle.
Accessories: Since it’s still in the rainy season, rain gear such as a folding umbrella and a raincoat are essential. The sunlight and ultraviolet rays are strong during the sunny days, so you should bring sunscreen, sun hat, sun umbrella and sunglasses, etc. Take some cold medicine and mosquito repellent in case you need them. To protect against the wind and sand during safari, take some masks.
Recommended Places to Go and Big Event to Attend in December
Tourism Rate:
1. Ol-Pajeta Conservancy
If you just finish your trip in Nairobi, you can then come to see animals at Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a 3-hour drive from Nairobi. This is a non-profit wildlife sanctuary where you can see the world’s last two female white rhinos. It is also the only sanctuary in Kenya where chimpanzees can be seen and the largest sanctuary for black rhinos in East Africa. If you’re lucky, you can see the “Big Five” of Africa here too. There is also night safari and you might see animals hunting.
2. Lake Nakuru
If you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, you won’t be regret going to Lake Nakuru National Park. There are over 400 species and millions of rare birds. It is also home to a wide variety of wild beasts. Take a special safari vehicle to track African elephants, lions, buffalo and other animals. It is recommended to start early in the morning if you want to see rhinos. Makalia Falls Viewpoint is also one of the wonderful sights of Lake Nakuru to visit during the rainy season. The water flow becomes thinner and even dries up during the dry season.
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3. Lake Elmentaita
Lake Elmentaita is a popular spot to see flamingos in Kenya, especially during the rainy season. The lake is the most important feeding ground for the lesser flamingos, the smallest species of flamingo. The lake’s abundance of algae and plankton also provides food for many other waterfowl, such as pelicans.
You can have a safari wandering through the woods and passing by curious zebras; catch a glimpse of a beautiful oryx and carefully take pictures of a herd of buffalo; and see animals that can’t be seen during the day in a night game drive, such as owls.
4. Jamhuri Day
On every December 12th, Kenya embraces its Jamhuri Day, a festival that celebrates the independence of the country. The grandest celebrations take place in Nairobi. On this day, actors perform, the president reviews the guard of honor, and the royal army holds a military parade. And many people may gather in Nairobi Railway Museum to look back on the past.
If you are interested in military parades and history, and want to feel the excitement of Kenyans on their independence day, you can plan a Kenya Jamhuri Day trip on December 12, 2025.
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The Natives at Masai Village
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Weather in Major Destinations in Kenya in December
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Destination |
Temp. |
Rainfall
mm / days
|
Humi-
dity
|
Sunrise / Sunset |
|
Nairobi |
13 - 23°C (55.4 - 73.4°F) |
101 / 8 |
72% |
06:24 / 18:36 |
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Mombasa |
23 - 32°C (73.4 - 89.6°F) |
75 / 7 |
80% |
06:07 / 18:29 |
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Kisumu |
24 - 30°C (75.2 - 86°F) |
101 / 9 |
68% |
06:34 / 18:42 |
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Nakuru |
9 - 26°C (48.2 - 78.8°F) |
44 / 6 |
65% |
06:28 / 18:37 |
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Malindi |
23 - 31°C (73.4 - 87.8°F) |
35 / 3 |
80% |
05:09 / 18:26 |
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Lamu |
25 - 31°C (77 - 87.8°F) |
28 / 3 |
80% |
06:06 / 18:21 |
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Garissa |
23 - 34°C (73.4 - 93.2°F) |
77 / 5 |
61% |
06:14 / 18:23 |
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Voi |
20 - 31°C (68 - 87.8°F) |
119 / 8 |
80% |
06:13 / 18:32 |
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Eldoret |
10 - 24°C (50 - 75.2°F) |
44 / 4 |
65% |
06:33 / 18:39 |
Kenya Weather by Month
Recommended Kenya Tours:
Masai Mara Wildebeest Migration: 6 Days Nairobi - Masai Mara National Reserve - Lake Nakuru National Park - Amboseli National Park - Nairobi
Best Kenya Safari Tour: 7 Days Nairobi - Lake Nakuru - Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi
Across the Kenya Wilderness: 10 Days Nairobi - Amboseli National Park - Mount Kenya - Samburu National Reserve - Masai Mara National Reserve - Nairobi