The overall attractiveness of a climate essentially depend on three major factors: temperature, rainfall and humidity. In Kenya these three factors are controlled by altitude. In general the low areas are very hot and the temperature falls as the land rises. Low areas do not get abundant rainfall and agriculture is not a large industry here. This is with the exception of the coastal strip and the Lake Basin (regions near Lake Victoria) where there is plenty of rainfall and a great variety of crops can be propagated. The climate in Kenya can be broken down into several types:
Hot and Wet
This kind of climate is to be found in the coastal strip and in the lake basin regions of Kenya. The climate here is characterized by high rainfall which is spread out through the year but there are lengthy periods of sunshine and especially at the coast.
Very Hot and Very Dry
Areas with this kind of climate are those located in the Northeastern parts of Kenya. The land here is semi-arid or arid and little grows here. Rainfall is very low and its occurrence is erratic. Strong winds and sometimes storms appear suddenly. At times an entire years rainfall may come in just a few minutes and its effects may disappear just as fast.
Hot and Dry
The areas in Kenya that have this type of climate receive rainfall evenly throughout the year even though the quantities are low. Tsavo, Meru and Amboseli National parks are some regions that fall within this type of climate.
Hot and Dry with Abundant Seasonal Rainfall
This climate typically produces the open grassland known as savannah with small acacia and evergreen trees and provides the vast open spaces such as the Mara, Kedong and Loita plains.
Warm with Moderate and Reliable Rainfall
This kind of climate is common in the Kenya highlands. The soils are fertile due to the reliable rainfall. Many farmers grow flowers and they export these together with fruit and vegetables to Europe during the European winter months.
Cool to Cold and Wet
This is the kind of climate usually associated with high altitude areas like the upper slopes of the Aberdares, Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon. High up in the mountain ranges, the weather is so cold that you need very heavy garments to keep warm.
Hot and Wet
This kind of climate is to be found in the coastal strip and in the lake basin regions of Kenya. The climate here is characterized by high rainfall which is spread out through the year but there are lengthy periods of sunshine and especially at the coast.
Very Hot and Very Dry
Areas with this kind of climate are those located in the Northeastern parts of Kenya. The land here is semi-arid or arid and little grows here. Rainfall is very low and its occurrence is erratic. Strong winds and sometimes storms appear suddenly. At times an entire years rainfall may come in just a few minutes and its effects may disappear just as fast.
Hot and Dry
The areas in Kenya that have this type of climate receive rainfall evenly throughout the year even though the quantities are low. Tsavo, Meru and Amboseli National parks are some regions that fall within this type of climate.
Hot and Dry with Abundant Seasonal Rainfall
This climate typically produces the open grassland known as savannah with small acacia and evergreen trees and provides the vast open spaces such as the Mara, Kedong and Loita plains.
Warm with Moderate and Reliable Rainfall
This kind of climate is common in the Kenya highlands. The soils are fertile due to the reliable rainfall. Many farmers grow flowers and they export these together with fruit and vegetables to Europe during the European winter months.
Cool to Cold and Wet
This is the kind of climate usually associated with high altitude areas like the upper slopes of the Aberdares, Mount Kenya and Mount Elgon. High up in the mountain ranges, the weather is so cold that you need very heavy garments to keep warm.
