Kenya, though located in an equatorial region, experiences subtropical and temperate weather. Its location, the mostly high-altitude terrain, is instrumental in affecting its weather.
Though the equator passes through Kenya, it does not have the usual equatorial pattern of weather namely extremely hot and humid conditions and heavy rainfall. On the contrary, it possesses a mostly temperate climate. This is because of the fact that Kenya has mostly high-altitude terrain. Kenya has an extensive inland plateau region in the central part, and several mountain ranges, with many peaks having a permanent snow cap.
Though the equator passes through Kenya, it does not have the usual equatorial pattern of weather namely extremely hot and humid conditions and heavy rainfall. On the contrary, it possesses a mostly temperate climate. This is because of the fact that Kenya has mostly high-altitude terrain. Kenya has an extensive inland plateau region in the central part, and several mountain ranges, with many peaks having a permanent snow cap.
The coastal lowlands experience more or less equatorial weather, due to their low altitudes. Here there is fierce sunshine, high temperatures, and humidity. The effect is, however, much less in magnitude than the usual standards due to the regular daytime sea breezes.
Another interesting aspect of the Kenyan weather is that in spite of its position in the equatorial region, it has a surprisingly little amount of rainfall. This is due to the fact that the inter-tropical belt of cloud and rain passes very quickly across Kenya in April and October, due to the prevalent seasonal winds. Also, the monsoons cover a lot of ground and shed most of their moisture before reaching Kenya.
There are two rainy seasons, one from March to May, another in November and December. The latter is called the time of Little Rains.
Due to its temperate climate and varied weather patterns, and the non-oppressive nature of the weather in spite of its location in the equatorial region, Kenya is a very popular tourist destination.