The short answer
- Best months
- December to March, July to October
- From Nairobi
- About 1 hr by air
- Nights
- 3 to 5
- Wettest
- April to June
Kenya's Indian Ocean coast has long white beaches protected by coral reefs, warm water all year and a Swahili culture shaped by centuries of trade. It makes a relaxing finish after early safari mornings.
Which beach?
What kind of beach stay?
Choose an answer to see what we recommend.
See all 3 recommendationsHide the list
- Easy and classic: Diani Beach
- Long white sand, resorts of every level, snorkelling trips to Kisite marine park and colobus monkeys in the coastal forest.
- Quiet and natural: Watamu
- Marine park reefs, turtles and the Gede ruins, north of Mombasa.
- Culture and history: Lamu
- A car free Swahili town and UNESCO site, reached by air. Lamu Island and Manda are outside the areas governments advise against.
Getting there
- By air: Flights from Nairobi to Ukunda (for Diani) or Mombasa take about an hour; some safari airlines fly directly from the Masai Mara.
- By train: The Madaraka Express reaches Mombasa in about four and a half hours; Diani is a further 1 to 1.5 hours by road and ferry.
- By road from Tsavo: About five hours, ending a southern safari loop.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | MombasaDiani is similar |
|---|---|
| Jan | 32° / 24°35 mm |
| Feb | 33° / 24°15 mm |
| Mar | 33° / 25°55 mm |
| Apr | 31° / 24°155 mm |
| May | 29° / 23°240 mm |
| Jun | 28° / 22°90 mm |
| Jul | 28° / 21°70 mm |
| Aug | 28° / 21°65 mm |
| Sep | 29° / 21°65 mm |
| Oct | 30° / 22°90 mm |
| Nov | 31° / 23°95 mm |
| Dec | 32° / 24°70 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
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Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for Diani Beach?
December to March for hot, calm days, and July to October. April to June is the wettest period.
Can I fly from the Masai Mara to Diani?
Yes, some light aircraft routes connect the Mara with the coast, usually via Nairobi or direct on certain days.
Kenya month by month
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