Weather & Climate – Arabuko Sokoke

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Climate Chart Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

Climate Chart Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve – 11-181m / 36-594ft

* Averages based on 50 years of monthly climate data, taken from 1km² (0.39mi²) interpolated climate surfaces.
© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.

Arabuko Sokoke has a hot and humid coastal climate, cooled by strong breezes. Average afternoon temperatures are around 30°C/86°F. Although it cools down a bit, nighttime is still warm with temperatures of 21°C/70°F. It rains throughout the year, but rain peaks during the ‘short rains’ from October to November, and during the long rains from ‘April to May’.

Drier seasons –December to March and June to September

  • December, January, February & March – This is a drier spell between the short and long rains. The exact timing of the dry period is unpredictable and it can still rain a bit. These are the hottest months with average temperatures of 31°C/88°F.
  • June, July, August & September – It is mostly sunny. It can still rain some days, but this is the main dry season. These are the coolest months with daytime temperatures of around 28°C/82°F.

Wet seasons –April to May and October to November

Summer has more comfortable temperatures and a bit more rainfall. Some days might be cloudy and it might drizzle for a day, but it is mostly sunny.

  • April & May – ‘Long rains’: These are the wettest months. There are many overcast days and it can rain all day. Afternoon storms are more common though. Road conditions might deteriorate. Daytime temperatures drop slightly to 30°C/86°F.
  • October & November – ‘Short rains’: The rain increases in October and peaks in November. It rains less than during the long rains, but November can be very wet. Afternoon storms are common, and there is a bit of sunshine around as well.

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Arabuko Sokoke Forest Reserve

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