Meru National Park

Weather & Climate

11 Meru Safaris

Expert

By Anthony Ham

Anthony is the author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

Climate Chart Meru National Park – 333-763m / 1,093-2,503ft

Meru National Park has a hot, arid climate. Temperatures are fairly uniform through the year. Daytime temperatures are around 29°C/84°F, and at night temperatures fall to about 19°C/66°F. The Wet season from November to May is characterized by two periods of rain: the short rains peak in November, and the long rains peak in April.

Dry Season –June to October

It is hot, sunny and dry. It seldom rains and humidity is very low. The temperature peaks in October, but the first rains break the heat and bring relief.

June, July, August & September – It is mostly sunny and there is no rain at all. Afternoons are hot with temperatures reaching 28°C/82°F, but evenings and early mornings are cooler with temperatures of around 18°C/64°F.
October – Temperatures increase and it gets extremely hot before the rain breaks the heat. Average afternoon temperatures are about 30°C/86°F, but it peaks a lot higher: this is one of the hottest months in Meru. When the rain finally comes, it is a huge relief after the long Dry season.

Wet Season –November to May

The Wet season is divided into three parts: the short rains from November to December; the long rains from March to May; and a dry period in between. Aside from April and November, rainfall figures aren’t very high.

November & December – ‘Short rains’ – The rain might start in October or November. November is usually the peak of the short rains. Temperatures tend to build up before the rain and drop immediately after. Average afternoon temperatures reach up to 29°C/84°F.
January & February – This is a dry spell in the Wet season. It is warm, with an average daytime temperature of 30°C/86°F.
March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – April is very wet and roads can become impassable. The rain declines in May, but roads might be bad until late in the month. Afternoon temperatures are around 30°C/86°F, with a peak in March before the rains.