Kenya Weather in June 2024: Travel Tips for First-Timers

The rainy monsoon season ends in the middle of June. The drier weather that follows is better for beach going and nature hikes in a green environment before the dry weather sets in.

Read on for our travel advice and weather information including average temperatures, rainfall, and humidity, and travel tips…

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Kenya Weather in June: Overview

Averages:

• Temperature range: 18–27°C (64–81°F)
• Rainfall: 6 cm (2 inches)
• Rainy days: 6
• Sunshine hours/day: 6

The main feature of Kenya weather in June is the transition from the rainy season to the dry season mid month. It gets drier and warmer as the month goes on.

Weather of Kenya's Major Cities in June

The highlands have moderate or low rainfall generally and mild weather. At most of the highland plateau attractions, it rains about 5 or 8 days each June. The various big attractions in the highlands such as Nairobi (where it is cloudier averaging 6 hours of sunshine a day), Maasai Mara, and Kisumu are good to visit, and we suggest touring Amboseli and Nakuru towards the end of June after the monsoon ends.

During the dry season, from mid-June you can go further afield from the places with better infrastructure around Nairobi and the southeast coast. With drier conditions, you could enjoy more of wild Africa and escape tourist crowds.

The southeastern lowlands around Mombasa have hot or warm weather with moderate rainfall, where it rains about 10 days each June mainly in the first half of the month. June starts the best beach going and water sports season. The weather in the coastal lowlands such as Mombasa and Malindi is hot or warm, and the water is warm.

The Best Places to Visit in Kenya in June

Top things to do in June include enjoying the great wilderness areas where you can hike and beach areas where you can hike and do water sports.

1. Nairobi — Vibrant Downtown, Natural Parks, and Airport Gateway

Nairobi sees most Kenya tourists arriving through its international airport. During June, temperatures are mild and comfortable. When it rains, you could visit attractions in the city and go out for excursions in the countryside as weather permits.

Places to go in the city: Giraffe Centre and Elephant Sanctuary to see the animals, Oloolua Nature Trail next to the Giraffe Centre, and the Nairobi National Museum.

Natural highlights in the Nairobi area: There are many national parks to choose from. Nairobi National Park is adjacent to the city. Further afield, there are Lake Naivasha (2½ hours' drive), Lake Nakuru (3½ hours), Amboseli (4 hours), and the Maasai Mara (4½ hours).

2. Mount Elgon — Hiking Close to Nature on an Easier Summit

June is a time to go further afield to explore much less touristy areas such as Mount Elgon.

7th tallest mountain in Africa at 4,321 meters (14,177 feet), it is more easily accessible for older, less fit, and less acclimated people than similar mountain park areas in Kenya. There is more solitude and far fewer tourists, and Mount Elgon's peaceful slopes provide fantastic vantage points for watching wildlife.

There are several waterfalls and hot springs to dip into. You could hike to the highest point, Mt. Wagagi (3 days are needed usually), and even walk down into one of the biggest calderas in the world. It is best to hike with a good guide.

3. Hell's Gate National Park — Biking and Hiking

Hell's Gate is 50 minutes from Naivasha and 1½ hours from Nairobi. An easy day trip from either, it is recommended for hiking with a good driver and tour guide to avoid weather problems. The dry roads in June provide great bike routes!

It is a high-altitude camping and hiking area at 1,900 m (6,200 ft), permitted as there are no large predators. There are flash floods in June sometimes.

4. Mount Kenya National Park — Sightseeing Mountain Greenery and Wildlife

Mount Kenya National Park is a rugged high-altitude wildlife refuge. At the end of the rainy season, it is greener and lusher than during the drier months, while the reducing rainfall is better for hikers and seeing wildlife. Most of the park is over 3,000 meters (9,800 feet), so you might need to acclimate at a lower elevation.

Transportation: By private tour vehicle, it takes about 3 hours to travel from Nairobi, so it is possible to visit as a day trip. We recommend 3 days or more for tour.

The weather in June is generally cool averaging 21°C (70°F) highs and 10°C (50°F) lows. Ticket prices are 70 USD for a non-resident adult and 40 USD per child per day. We recommend that you hike on the trails with an expert local guide.

5. Diani Beach — Huge White Beach for Relaxation and Snorkeling, Scuba Diving, Biking, and Hiking

Diani Beach is a long beautiful white beach with clear warm greenish blue water that stretches as far as your eyes can see. It is one of the best places in East Africa for water sports such as snorkeling and scuba diving. You can also bike and hike through the nearby forests and brush, such as Kaya Kinondo Forest, and enter the Shimoni Caves.

Diani is 30 km (19 miles) south of Mombasa, and there are many things to do there too including surfing at Bamburi Beach. You can stay in Mombasa or at hotels along Diani Beach. In early June, Mombasa is rainy and warm or hot during the day, and the ocean temperature is 25°C (78°F) to 28°C (82°F).

6. Malindi — Best Surfing, Nature Hikes, and Ancient Town to Visit

Kenya is renowned for having about the most pristine shoreline along the Indian Ocean with many beaches and surfing areas. Malindi has the best surfing in Kenya in June (and generally). May and June are the two best months for intermediate and advanced surfers since waves range from 1 to 2.5 meters (3 to 8 feet). Calm mornings have the best waves for beginners to surf and body board, and the water is warm (from 25°C (77°F) to 29°C (84°F)).

Gedi: A side attraction just outside of Malindi is the ruins of an old town built of rocks and stones. Most of the ruins date from the 1400s and 1500s, and it was abandoned in the 1600s.

Low Tourist Season: Bargains and Touring Advice for June

The end of the rainy season in the middle of June coincides with the beginning of a moderate tourist season with moderate prices available. It is a good time to safari while there is less rain and more greenery before the heavy safari tourist season starts in July.

Public holidays in June:

June 1 is a holiday to celebrate Kenyan independence.

June 17, 2024 (June 7 in 2025) is Eid al-Adha, an optional Muslim holiday in Kenya.

What to Wear in June

Though it is drier, June is actually one of the cloudier months of the year with less sunshine than most. Since 2020, there have been malaria epidemics in mainly northern Kenya. In general, to avoid sunburn and mosquito bites, wear a hat, long-sleeved shirts, and light trousers or long dresses. Bring mosquito repellent and a mosquito net.

Wildlife parks: To avoid alarming the animals, wear neutral-colored clothes. Bring rain gear or umbrellas. Bring a jacket for Nairobi and Maasai Mara. In the higher mountains, bring winter clothing. It might snow in the peaks.

Monthly Weather in Kenya

Recommended Tours for Kenya in June

Having the aid of travel experts who know the local conditions will greatly benefit comfort, enjoyment, safety and speed of travel. A private driver and a local guide would help you tour the large country and surrounding region.

At Global Highlights, we recognize that you may want some private time with your traveling companion(s) such as to safari together or hike in a national park. So, we are flexible to do as much itinerary tailoring and expert arranging as you would wish to make the best trip for you. Contact us to begin a tour inquiry.

Our Useful Travel Tips for Visiting Kenya

• How to Plan a Family Trip to Kenya
• Best 10-day itineraries for Kenya
• How Much Does a Kenya Trip Cost for a Private Tour