Climate

The climate of Kenya is as varied as its geography. Climatic conditions vary from the dry heat of the northern plains and hinterland, through the tropical humidity of the coast to the cool air of the mountains and plateau.

The coastal temperature averages 27°C (80°F), and the temperature decreases by just under 2°C (3°F) with each 1,000 ft (305 m) increase in altitude. This means that despite Kenya's equatorial position, Mount Kenya is perpetually snow-capped. The capital, Nairobi, at 1,675 m, has a mean annual temperature of 19°C, and varies from 13-25°C. The arid northern plains vary from 23°C to 35°C (73°F to 95°F). The hottest period is from February to March and coldest in July to August.

Most regions of the country have two rainy seasons: the long rain season occurs from April to June, and the short rains between October and December. The rainfall is sometimes heavy and often falls in the afternoons and evenings. Average annual rainfall varies from 12.5 cm a year in the most arid regions of the northern plains to 178 cm a year near Lake Victoria. The coast and highland areas have an average of 101 cm per year.