Weather in Kisumu

Planning a trip to Kisumu? Check out the most up-to-date information on weather conditions and detailed forecasts in this section to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible.

Kisumu, located on the shores of the majestic Lake Victoria, welcomes travellers with a warm tropical climate. Thanks to its proximity to the equator, the weather here is remarkably stable: a perpetual summer practically reigns in the city. Throughout the year, temperature readings vary only slightly, creating comfortable conditions for a trip regardless of the chosen month.

Daytime air temperatures usually stay in a pleasant range from +24°C to +28°C, reaching their peak in February. Nights bring welcome freshness when the thermometer drops to +17...+19°C. There are no harsh winters or exhausting summer heat familiar to temperate latitudes, which makes acclimatisation for tourists mild and quick.

A characteristic feature of the climate in Kisumu is high humidity and frequent rainfall. Even in the nominally "dry" periods, such as January and February, there can be quite a few rainy days. The wettest months are considered to be April, May, and October, when precipitation falls almost daily. However, the rains are often short-lived, refreshing the air and sustaining the region's lush tropical vegetation.

Kisumu, situated on the banks of Lake Victoria, delights travellers with a surprisingly stable and comfortable climate all year round. Due to its proximity to the equator, there are no sharp seasonal temperature changes here. Average air temperatures hold steady around 21°C — 23°C. February is traditionally considered the warmest month, when the thermometer during the day can reach the 28°C mark. July is the "coolest" month of the year, although even then the daytime temperature remains very pleasant, averaging around 24.9°C.

The division into hot summer and cold winter, familiar to Europeans, is not observed here. The nominal "summer" season (the beginning of the year) is characterised by warmth that can be described as mild and pleasant, without exhausting heat. In the period from June to August, which can be called the local "winter", the weather becomes even more gentle: the daily maximum fluctuates within 25°C. This is the ideal time for those who prefer moderate warmth and want to avoid the higher temperatures of the beginning of the year.

Travellers should take into account daily temperature fluctuations, which are quite perceptible in Kenya. The difference between the daily maximum and nightly minimum averages about 7–9 degrees. After sunset, the air cools quickly, and nighttime temperatures throughout the year stay in the range of 17.7°C — 18.8°C. Such evenings bring welcome freshness after a warm day, so it is recommended to take a light windbreaker or jumper on your trip for comfortable night walks.

Precipitation in Kisumu falls with enviable regularity throughout the year, which is largely due to the proximity to Lake Victoria. It is difficult to single out a completely dry season here: even in the "calmest" months, January and February, it rains on average about 15 days per month. Therefore, when packing for your trip, be sure to include waterproof clothing and an umbrella.

The wettest period traditionally falls in spring. April and May are the leaders in rainfall frequency: in May, a record number of rainy days is recorded — about 28, and in April the largest volume of precipitation falls (about 10 mm). At this time, it rains almost daily, refreshing the air and supporting the lush tropical vegetation of the region.

The second peak in rainfall activity is observed in autumn. In October and November, the number of rainy days increases again, reaching 26–27 days per month. The nature of precipitation in Kisumu usually consists of warm rains, which may occur frequently but do not always drag on for the whole day, allowing tourists to enjoy walks in the intervals between downpours.

Packing for Kisumu will not require heavy luggage, as a warm and mild climate reigns here all year round with average daily temperatures of around +25–28°C. The foundation of your wardrobe should consist of items made from light, natural fabrics, such as cotton or linen, which allow the body to breathe in humid conditions. T-shirts, shorts, and summer trousers will be appropriate throughout the day; however, for evenings when the air cools down to +18°C, it is worth bringing a light sweater, cardigan, or windbreaker.

Special attention should be paid to protection against moisture: statistics show that rainy days in this region happen frequently throughout the year (from 15 to 28 days a month). Be sure to put a compact umbrella or a high-quality raincoat in your suitcase that can be quickly thrown on during a sudden downpour. Also, do not forget a wide-brimmed hat and sunscreen, as the equatorial sun in Kenya remains active even with variable cloudiness.

For comfortably exploring the city and walking by Lake Victoria, choose comfortable, proven footwear — light sneakers or sandals with secure foot support are suitable. Since the humid climate encourages insect activity, it is recommended to have a pair of trousers and long-sleeved shirts in light colours in reserve for the evening. Using the principle of layering in your clothing will allow you to feel comfortable, quickly adapting to weather changes from a sunny morning to a possible rainy afternoon.