Coastal Kenya, Kenya: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Coastal Kenya, Kenya? If you're planning to go to Coastal Kenya, below is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Coastal Kenya
- Important essentials for Coastal Kenya
- Activities for Coastal Kenya
- Coastal Kenya in January: weather and what to pack
- Coastal Kenya in February: weather and what to pack
- Coastal Kenya in March: weather and what to pack
- Coastal Kenya in April: weather and what to pack
- Coastal Kenya in May: weather and what to pack
- Coastal Kenya in June: weather and what to pack
- Coastal Kenya in July: weather and what to pack
- Coastal Kenya in August: weather and what to pack
- Coastal Kenya in September: weather and what to pack
- Coastal Kenya in October: weather and what to pack
- Coastal Kenya in November: weather and what to pack
- Coastal Kenya in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Coastal Kenya, Kenya
Based on the climate and weather in Coastal Kenya, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Coastal Kenya, Kenya
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Coastal Kenya, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly choice.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can get worn. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some areas may have potentially unsafe tap water, so it's wise to have a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one should work in most areas, but check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Coastal Kenya may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Coastal Kenya, Kenya by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (high 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
February
If you vacation in Coastal Kenya during February, you may see that it is really hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also cleans contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
If you're going to the beach
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
March
March in Coastal Kenya can be sweltering. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
April
If you vacation in Coastal Kenya during April, you are likely to notice that it is constantly hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
May
May in Coastal Kenya is extremely warm and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also removes harmful contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
June
June for Coastal Kenya is extremely warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
July
July in Coastal Kenya is warm and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
August
If you are traveling to Coastal Kenya in August, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
September
If you visit Coastal Kenya during September, you might find that it is pretty consistently hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 70s F (low 20s C). Humidity is generally between 60 and 70% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We like:
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
October
If you go to Coastal Kenya in October, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We suggest:
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
November
November in Coastal Kenya is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also removes contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
December
December in Coastal Kenya is really hot. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave also cleans dangerous contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We recommend:
If you go to The sacred forests of the Mijikenda, you will do a lot of walking. These are a must:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Good hiking shoes
These are designed for this kind of walking, and can breathe and can get wet
-
Binoculars
Activities for Coastal Kenya, Kenya
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Coastal Kenya.
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