The month in detail
What to expect in January
January is peak dry season in Mombasa. The air is warm and humidity more bearable than in the rainy season. Rain is virtually absent (10% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. Not the best window, but acceptable if dates are constrained. August (8.3/10) is significantly better if possible.
January ranks 6 out of 12 months in Mombasa. Compared to December: 13 pts fewer rainy days.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
8 · high
sunscreen and hat advised
Feels like
very humid
23°
Sea
29°C
warm, ideal
Daylight
12.2h of daylight
Air quality
good
AQI 26
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Mombasa is August (8.3/10), 2.3 pts higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Mombasa
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Mombasa
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a tropical stay.
Country · Kenya
🗣️LanguageEnglish
💶CurrencyShilling kényan (KSh)
🚗DrivingLeft-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘSafe · 2/5
💰Cost of living ⓘVery cheap · 1/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeEquatorial tropical
📈Climate trend ⓘStable
🔥Hottest monthFebruary · 31°C
❄️Coolest monthJuly · 26°C
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘMay · 45%
🏝️ Tropical stay
🌞Dry season ⓘMay → Sep
🌧️Wet season ⓘDec → Mar
🌀Cyclones ⓘNone (equator)
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Mombasa ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
KenyaEquatorial tropical climate with a 8.3 → 5.4 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
4.04°S · 39.67°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Mombasa?
August is the best month with 26.0°C highs, 23.0°C lows, 7.9h of sunshine and 26.0% rainy days. The months of August & September offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Mombasa get in August?
Mombasa averages 7.9 sunshine hours per day in August. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 7.9/10.
What is the rainiest month in Mombasa?
May is the most unfavourable month with May has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Mombasa in August?
In August, overnight lows reach 23.0°C, while afternoon highs average 26.0°C.
Is Mombasa good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Mombasa scores 5.9/10 on average — Decent period conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains August with a score of 7.9/10.
When should you avoid Mombasa?
May is the most difficult month to visit Mombasa, with May has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Can you swim in Mombasa in January?
In January, the sea averages 29°C in Mombasa: warm, ideal. Ideal conditions for swimming and snorkeling.
Do you need sun protection in Mombasa in January?
The average UV index reaches 8 in January in Mombasa (high), with about 12.2h of daylight. Sunscreen and hat advised.