Chyulu Hills

National Park Volcanic hills in southeastern Kenya with intact lava flows

These volcanic hills in southeastern Kenya offer lava flows, rolling ridges and a mosaic of forest and grassland; visitors hike, camp and explore Maasai‑landscapes and seasonal streams.

Main image
Chyulu Hills
Chyulu Hills National Park, Taita-Taveta County, Kenya
-2.6000, 37.8500
Open year-round (guided access recommended for longer routes)
Park fees apply for guided hikes and camping in parts of the reserve

How to Get to Chyulu Hills #

Chyulu Hills are accessed from Makueni/Taita-Taveta regions. From Nairobi it’s a long drive (about 4-6 hours) or an internal flight to nearby airstrips followed by road transfer. Most visitors arrange access through tour operators based in Amboseli or Mombasa.

Tips for Visiting Chyulu Hills #

  • Hire a local Masai guide for multi-day treks - they know the landscape and weather patterns intimately.
  • Watch for river crossings during the rainy season (Apr-Jun).
  • Bring layers: highland nights can be chilly even after hot days.

Best Time to Visit Chyulu Hills #

The dry months (Jan-Mar, Jul-Oct) are best for hiking and clearer vistas across the plains.

Dry Season
Jan-Mar, Jul-Oct · 15-28°C
Easier trekking and wildlife viewing with lower river levels.
Short Rains
Oct-Dec · 18-26°C
Greener landscapes and fewer visitors; some tracks become slippery.
Long Rains
Apr-Jun · 16-24°C
Heavy rains can make trails difficult; avoid summit trails during storms.

Weather & Climate near Chyulu Hills #

Climate

Chyulu Hills's climate is classified as Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) - Subtropical Highland (Dry Winter) climate with consistently warm temperatures year-round. Temperatures range from 10°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1053 mm/year), wettest in November with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 56 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
SeptemberFebruaryJanuary
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
38°
Warmest Month
13°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

79 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 25°
67%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

February

February is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm).

84 Excellent

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
13° 26°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

60 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.8
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

March

March is the warmest month with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Significant rainfall (145 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

75 Very Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 25°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

145 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 14°C. Heavy rain (202 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

63 Good

Comfort

19°
Feels Like Mild
19°C
Temperature
14° 23°
72%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

202 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

67 Good

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
14° 21°
71%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.1
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 20°
66%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

8 mm
Rainfall
2.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. The driest month with just 3 mm and mostly overcast skies.

71 Very Good

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
10° 20°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

3 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.7
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Almost no rain and mostly overcast skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 21°
62%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.9
UV Index
Very High
11.9h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.

86 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 23°
60%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.0h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

78 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
12° 24°
63%
Humidity
Humid

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
2.5
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

November

November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 13°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (248 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

67 Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 24°
73%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

248 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

December

December is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (171 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

73 Very Good

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
13° 23°
74%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

171 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.4
UV Index
Extreme
12.1h daylight

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