Kenya in February: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect

Coast (Mombasa, Diani, Lamu, Malindi)

The air is hot and humid with a cooling southeast breeze that keeps the mid- to late-afternoon temperatures bearable; daytime highs still hover in the 28-33°C band. February is very pleasant for diving off Kisite and travelling the Swahili coast; sea conditions are usually calm and operators run regular dhow trips. Bring reef shoes and mosquito repellent for evenings, when coastal mosquitos are active around mangroves and lagoon edges.

Central Highlands & Nairobi (Nairobi, Naivasha, Nakuru)

February mornings remain cool and crisp with sun-drenched afternoons ideal for visits to coffee farms around Limuru or the Rift Valley escarpment. Daytime temperatures sit in the low-to-mid 20s°C and long shadows make late afternoons pleasant for city rooftop bars. Expect less rain and good trekking conditions on nearby hills, but bring layers for cool evenings and possible dust on rural drives.

Rift Valley & Maasai Mara (Maasai Mara, Nakuru, Naivasha, Amboseli fringe)

February stays hot and dry, offering excellent visibility for spotting big cats around Mara Triangle and Nakuru National Park. Rivers are low, dust accumulates on tracks, and balloon flights run regularly in stable weather. Bring sun protection and a dust scarf for open jeeps; fewer insects make it comfortable for long daytime safaris and photography.

Mount Kenya & Aberdares (Nanyuki, Mount Kenya, Aberdare Range)

February retains stable, relatively dry conditions on Mount Kenya and in the Aberdares-good weather for summit bids and long hikes. Warm daytime sun alternates with chilly nights; glaciers on the peaks remain snow-capped and crevasses visible to experienced climbers. Book mountain guides and huts ahead for this favorable climbing window and carry warm sleeping bags for high camps.

Lake Victoria & Western Kenya (Kisumu, Homa Bay, Kakamega, Siaya)

February is generally warm and relatively dry near the lake, with strong sun for visits to the Kisumu Impala Sanctuary and Rusinga Island shores. Humidity can still feel heavy at times, but inland forest trails at Kakamega are manageable for birding and canopy walks. Bring light, quick-dry clothing and insect repellent-late afternoons can bring short, localized showers in forested areas.

Northern & Arid North (Marsabit, Turkana, Samburu, Isiolo)

February remains extremely hot with little rain; windblown dust and daytime heat dominate, though nights cool significantly in desert-like interiors. Lake Turkana shores offer dramatic, arid scenery and excellent light for photography, but services are sparse-book local transport and fuel ahead. Expect strong sun, and carry plenty of drinking water and sunshading garments for long drives between towns.