Weather in Lamu

Planning your trip to Lamu? Here you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including current data and forecasts to help you better prepare for your journey.

Lamu's climate can be characterised as hot and tropical, with high humidity and an abundance of sunny days. Thanks to its location on the coast of the Indian Ocean, an eternal summer reigns here all year round, and temperature fluctuations between seasons remain minimal. Travellers can expect consistently warm weather: the average daytime temperature rarely drops below +26°C, creating ideal conditions for a beach holiday at any time of the year.

Throughout the year, the weather changes insignificantly, although a drier and hotter period can be distinguished from January to March, when the air warms up to +33°C. This time is considered the sunniest, with minimal rainfall. Conversely, in April and May, as well as in November, the number of rainy days increases noticeably. Nevertheless, even during these months, rains are often replaced by bright sunshine, and the ocean breeze brings pleasant freshness.

A characteristic feature of the weather in Lamu is its predictability and the absence of sudden cold spells. Even in the "coolest" months, such as July and August, the temperature remains very comfortable, staying around +26°C during the day and about +23°C at night. This makes the archipelago a wonderful place to visit regardless of the calendar, although tourists who prefer to avoid high humidity are better off planning their trip for the beginning of the year.

The climate in Lamu is distinguished by enviable consistency: eternal summer prevails here, and sharp seasonal changes are not observed. The hottest period is traditionally considered the beginning of the year, especially March, when the average temperature reaches 29.6°C, and during the day the thermometer often rises to 33°C. In these months (from January to April), the sun warms most intensely, creating conditions of true tropical heat, which is ideal for lovers of beach holidays.

The conditional "winter", falling on the period from June to September, brings only relative coolness and is the mildest season. At this time, the average temperature drops to a comfortable 26–27°C. July and August are considered the coolest months of the year: the daily maximum holds at 28°C, and average figures drop to 26°C. This time is excellent for travellers who want to avoid peak heat and enjoy long walks around the town.

Daily temperature fluctuations in Lamu are insignificant, which is typical for the equatorial zone. The difference between the daily maximum and the nightly minimum is usually only 4–7 degrees, ensuring a smooth transition from day to night. Even on the "coldest" nights, the air temperature rarely drops below 23.5°C, so you are unlikely to need warm clothes: the air remains warm and pleasant around the clock.

Precipitation in Lamu is distributed unevenly throughout the year, allowing for a clear distinction between drier and wetter periods. The most favourable time for those who prefer clear skies falls at the beginning of the year. January and February are the driest months: in February, the rainfall level is minimal, and the number of rainy days is only about two, creating ideal conditions for beach relaxation and walks through the ancient streets.

With the arrival of spring, the weather changes, and the frequency of precipitation increases noticeably. The period from April to June can be called the rainy season, with the peak occurring in May, when up to 25 rainy days are recorded. At this time, it rains often, so travellers should be prepared for overcast weather, although the total volume of falling moisture remains moderate.

The second half of the year is characterised by variable weather. After a relatively wet summer, by September the number of inclement days decreases. However, in November, a second, less pronounced peak in precipitation is observed (about 19 rainy days), which corresponds to the season of "short rains" characteristic of the Kenyan climate. In December, rains occur less frequently again, heralding the return of the dry season.

Since warm tropical weather reigns in Lamu all year round with an average air temperature from +26°C to +30°C, the basis of your luggage should be light items made of natural breathable fabrics, such as cotton and linen. It is recommended to prefer loose-fitting light-coloured clothing, which will protect against overheating. Given the activity of the sun, long sleeves and trousers made of thin fabric will be an excellent choice: they will not only save your skin from burns but also ensure comfort during evening walks when a fresh breeze blows from the ocean.

When planning a trip, it is important to consider the seasonality of precipitation. If you are setting off on a journey in April or May, when the number of rainy days reaches its maximum, be sure to pack a light raincoat or a compact umbrella in your suitcase. In drier months, for example in January and February, the likelihood of precipitation is minimal, so you can focus on beach accessories. In any case, the principle of layering in clothing will be useful to adapt to weather changes throughout the day.

Do not forget comfortable and reliable walking shoes, as the narrow streets of the Old Town are best explored on foot. Flat sandals or light canvas shoes will fit perfectly. Among the mandatory accessories are sunscreen with a high protection factor, high-quality sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect your head from direct sunlight during excursions or whilst relaxing on the beach.