The climate of Garissa
By the Köppen climate classification,
Garissa,
Kenya falls into the BSh category, also known as Subtropical steppe. This designation implies hot and dry conditions prevalent most of the year. The city is nestled near the equator, which means that the difference in daylight hours throughout the year varies slightly, staying between 12.1 hours to 12.2 hours per day.
Garissa's temperature maintains a reasonably steady range throughout the year. The average high temperature varies less than three°C, from 32.3°C (90.1°F) to 35.2°C (95.4°F), with the peaks experienced towards the end of the first quarter. The trend in low temperatures also closely mirrors the high temperature, ranging from 22.3°C (72.1°F) to 25.5°C (77.9°F).
Rain in Garissa tends to fall in two principal seasons, with the most substantial amount received in
November when it averages 102mm (4.02"). It's followed closely by
December, with an 85mm (3.35") average. Conversely,
June and
July offer the driest conditions, with a barely noticeable 1mm (0.04") of rain common during these months. The number of actual rainfall days follows a similar pattern, peaking in November at 20.6 days.
Relative humidity fluctuates mildly throughout the year, edging from 52% to 65% in the highest months. Mildly breezy conditions are likely to be experienced, with wind speeds varying from around 10.8km/h (6.7mph) in December to a heavier 29.6km/h (18.4mph) in July. The UV index remains constant at 7 throughout the year, implying that sun protection should be a consideration year-round.
The best time to visit Garissa
Visiting
Garissa during the mid-year period between
May and
July could be deemed ideal. This period witnesses a relatively lower range of temperatures between 33°C (91.4°F) and 33.8°C (92.8°F) during the day and between 22.3°C (72.1°F) and 24.3°C (75.7°F) during the night. Moreover, the scarcity of rainfall, recording just about 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08"), ensures outdoor activities are less likely to be hampered by sudden showers. The presence of wind, averaging between 25.1km/h (15.6mph) and 29.6km/h (18.4mph), can bring additional cooling while the UV index remains constant at 7, requiring adequate sun protection.
The worst time to visit Garissa
November and
December may not make for appealing travel months due to the high rainfall. In November, approximately 102mm (4.02") of rain falls over an average of 20.6 days, while December sees about 85mm (3.35") of rain spread over 18.7 days. These months can be quite inconvenient for outdoor activities.
Spring weather in Garissa
Although
Kenya doesn't adhere to the typical four-season model, we can consider
March,
April, and
May as spring for analytical purposes. During this period, temperatures remain high, with daily highs peaking at 35.2°C (95.4°F) in March, while night temperatures hover between 24.3°C (75.7°F) and 25.5°C (77.9°F). Rainfall significantly increases during this period, reaching 45mm (1.77") in April on about 16 rainfall days. The wind speed increases from March to May, recording 14.7km/h (9.1mph) to 25.1km/h (15.6mph), respectively.
Summer weather in Garissa
What we analogously call summer -
June,
July, and
August - maintains high temperatures, ranging from 32.3°C (90.1°F) to 33°C (91.4°F) during the day and from 22.3°C (72.1°F) to 23.1°C (73.6°F) at night. With scant rainfall, amounting to only 1mm (0.04") to 2mm (0.08") across these months, the weather holds firmly on the dry side. Wind speeds peak at this time, averaging between 28.5km/h (17.7mph) and 29.6km/h (18.4mph).
Autumn weather in Garissa
September,
October, and
November equate to an autumn-like season. These months experience daily high temperatures from 33.1°C (91.6°F) to 34°C (93.2°F) and night temperatures from 22.7°C (72.9°F) to 24.5°C (76.1°F). Rainfall starts to build-up from September onwards, culminating in November's 102mm (4.02") downpour. The wind speed moderates during this period, decreasing from 26.7km/h (16.6mph) in September to 14.6km/h (9.1mph) in November.
Winter weather in Garissa
Following our seasonal comparison,
December,
January, and
February represent
Garissa's winter months. The daily high temperature hovers between 32.7°C (90.9°F) and 35.1°C (95.2°F), whereas the nighttime temperature varies from 23.5°C (74.3°F) to 24.6°C (76.3°F). These months yield a significant amount of rain, with a peak of 85mm (3.35") in December occurring over 18.7 days. After the spike in December, the wind levels decrease gradually through February, moving from 14.6km/h (9.1mph) to 10.8km/h (6.7mph).
Weather in January
Garissa,
Kenya in
January usually holds a warm and sensorially enriching ambiance characterized by moderately high temperatures. Compared to
December, the city experiences slightly higher temperatures throughout the day. The typical conditions are welcoming for outdoor enthusiasts with favourable conditions for sightseeing and local exploration.
Weather in January » Weather in February
With the advent of
February,
Garissa sees a minor yet significant rise in its daily temperatures. Relative humidity in February, 52%, lower than what was experienced in
January and most favourable for residents and tourists who may not favour more humid conditions.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The weather pattern in
March begins to deviate slightly with a rise in rainfall. Relative to
February, the month seems wetter, but the rainfall won't hamper daily activities as it only totals up to 40mm (1.57"). With the increased rainfall, March also registers a slight rise in humidity, making the weather feel marginally heavier than the previous months.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April transitions
Garissa to a changed weather atmosphere, most notably characterized by an upsurge in rainfall to 45mm (1.77"). As the month progresses, the frequency of rainy days shows an inclination, yet the city's charm remains unfazed.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Moving into
May, there is a transition from
April's rainy tendencies, allowing the city to recoup its sun-laden charm. Residents and travelers can enjoy almost dust-free surroundings due to April precipitation, enhancing the city's physical appeal.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June presents an interesting shift in
Garissa's weather narrative by sustaining lower overall temperatures. A noticeable result of the temperature drop is the brisk wind, reaching speeds of up to 28.5km/h (17.7mph). This brings about a refreshing ambiance, offering an escape from the previously-achieved peak summer temperature.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Garissa is characterized by cool temperatures, a continuation of
June's weather theme. This month notes a slight decrease in the percentage of cloud cover, yielding a clearer and more appealing sky. It also records a lower temperature range, introducing chiller evenings.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August unfolds in
Garissa, the weather bears a striking resemblance to that of
July. The comparatively low temperatures persist, keeping the weather in the cooler spectrum. Light rainfall in August, at 2mm (0.08"), does not interfere with day-to-day activities, ensuring uninterrupted enjoyment of all that Garissa has to offer.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September welcomes a shift towards warmer conditions, marking the end of
Garissa's brief cool season. Apart from marginally higher temperatures, the average wind speed begins to ease compared to
August, resulting in more benign conditions.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Garissa confirms the return of a warmer weather phase with consistent daily sunshine. Stepping into October, residents and tourists alike are greeted with a predominantly clear sky maintaining a low cloud cover. Rainfall begins to increase during this time, with total monthly precipitation amounting notably higher than
September.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Rainy days reach their peak in
November with
Garissa experiencing about 20.6 days of rainfall. Total precipitation in November is at its highest for the year, clocking 102mm (4.02"). With these changes in weather, the city embraces a fresh, rejuvenated look, inviting to photographers and nature enthusiasts.
Weather in November »Weather in December
As the year concludes,
December's weather in
Garissa is a mixture of
November's rain-soaked atmosphere and a sneak peek into
January's warmer days. A continuation of the rainy trend is observed at the start of the month, but it shows a gradual reduction as the month progresses.
Weather in December »