​Weather & Climate – Shaba NR

Anthony Ham
Expert
By Anthony Ham

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of many Lonely Planet guidebooks, including the guide to Kenya.

Anthony is a renowned Africa expert and author of the Lonely Planet guide to Kenya.

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

Climate Chart Shaba National Reserve

Climate Chart Shaba National Reserve – 731-1,313m / 2,398-4,308ft

* Averages based on 50 years of monthly climate data, taken from 1km² (0.39mi²) interpolated climate surfaces.
© chart & park data: SafariBookings. © climate grid data: WorldClim project. All rights reserved.

Shaba National Reserve has a hot and dry weather pattern. The average temperatures are 30°C/86°F in the daytime and 18°C/64°F at night. Shaba has a low annual rainfall, which usually occurs as short, heavy showers. The long rains generally occur between mid-March and mid-May, while the short rains fall between mid-October and mid-December. The peak months for rainfall are April and November.


Shaba Safaris

Dry Season June to September

It is very dry with almost no rain and hot, sunny days.

  • June & July – The days are full of sunshine. Afternoon temperatures average around 30°C/86°F.
  • August & September – Daytime temperatures rise in the buildup to the breaking rains. During the day in September, it will average 31°C/88°F, although peaks are much higher.

Wet Season October to May

There are two wet periods: the short rains and the long rains. Separating the rains is a brief dry spell during January and February.

  • October, November & December – ‘Short rains’ – The rains frequently break sometime in October. November is one of the wettest months. Storms in the afternoon are typical. The average temperature is 30°C/86°F, but it gets higher prior to rain and cools down afterwards.
  • January & February – This dry patch separates the short and long rains, but its beginning and duration is unpredictable. February is the hottest month. The average afternoon temperature is 31°C/88°F and it peaks higher.
  • March, April & May – ‘Long rains’ – The long rains typically begin to fall in mid- to late March. While it rarely rains all day, brief afternoon showers are common. April is the wettest month. Roads become slippery and driving conditions worsen. Afternoon temperatures are around 31°C/88°F.

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Shaba National Reserve

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