Climate and Weather in Nakuru, Kenya

Nakuru is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Kenya, known for its rich cultural diversity and striking natural beauty. Situated in the Great Rift Valley, the city is approximately 1850 meters above sea level, contributing to its unique climate and weather patterns. This article provides a detailed overview of the climate and weather in Nakuru throughout the year.

Overview of Nakuru's Climate

Nakuru experiences a subtropical highland climate, classified as Cfb by the Köppen-Geiger climate classification. This type of climate is characterized by relatively even temperatures throughout the year, with cool winters and summers, and significant rainfall.

"Nakuru's subtropical highland climate is defined by relatively steady temperatures year-round, cool winters and summers, and significant rainfall."

Temperature

Throughout the year, the temperature in Nakuru typically varies between 9°C to 28°C, rarely falling below 6°C or exceeding 30°C. The city enjoys moderate temperatures due to its high altitude location.

Winter Temperatures

Winter in Nakuru, running from June to August, is relatively cold, with average temperatures hovering around 15°C. The coldest month is generally July, when temperatures can drop to an average low of 9°C at night.

Summer Temperatures

Summer runs from December to February in Nakuru, and it is generally warm, with average high temperatures around 24°C. February is usually the hottest month, with temperatures reaching up to 28°C during the day.

Rainfall

Nakuru receives significant rainfall throughout the year, with the wettest months being April and November. The city has two rainy seasons, the long rains from March to May, and the short rains from October to November.

• Long Rains: The long rainy season starts in March and extends through May. April is usually the wettest month, with an average precipitation of around 200mm.
• Short Rains: The short rainy season occurs from October to November. November typically sees around 150mm of rainfall.

Humidity and Wind

Humidity levels in Nakuru are generally moderate, with the highest humidity observed in April during the long rains. The city is not particularly windy, and the wind speed varies little over the course of the year, typically staying within 3.1 to 3.7 m/s.

Sunlight

Due to its proximity to the equator, Nakuru receives an average of 12 hours of daylight throughout the year. The city enjoys the most sunshine from December to February during the summer season.

Conclusion

Nakuru's unique subtropical highland climate makes it a fascinating destination to explore throughout the year. With its moderate temperatures, significant rainfall, and consistent daylight hours, the city offers a unique blend of weather conditions that cater to a variety of outdoor activities and wildlife experiences.

References

• Climate-Data.org. (n.d.). Climate: Nakuru. Retrieved from https://en.climate-data.org/africa/kenya/nakuru/nakuru-3984/
• World Weather Online. (n.d.). Nakuru Monthly Climate Averages. Retrieved from https://www.worldweatheronline.com/nakuru-weather-averages/nakuru/ke.aspx

Note: All statistics are averages and may vary slightly from year to year.