Lamu, Kenya: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Lamu, Kenya? If you're planning to go to Lamu, we've got some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Lamu
- Important essentials for Lamu
- Activities for Lamu
- Lamu in January: weather and what to pack
- Lamu in February: weather and what to pack
- Lamu in March: weather and what to pack
- Lamu in April: weather and what to pack
- Lamu in May: weather and what to pack
- Lamu in June: weather and what to pack
- Lamu in July: weather and what to pack
- Lamu in August: weather and what to pack
- Lamu in September: weather and what to pack
- Lamu in October: weather and what to pack
- Lamu in November: weather and what to pack
- Lamu 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 Lamu, Kenya
Based on the climate and weather in Lamu, the best time to go is February. See below for details.
Important essentials for Lamu, Kenya
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Lamu, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards may get worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly choice.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
General health necessities
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Emergency water purifier
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to take an emergency water purifier like this one.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a excellent kit.
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Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
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For families with young children
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Emergency phone
For this area, we suggest a good satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phoneHowever, in cities, a SIM card that works in Lamu may be sufficient. A good global SIM card is this one, but check the details before buying.
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Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
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Airplane or car necessities
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Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one is sufficent for most areas, but you should check with your hotel.
What to wear/what to pack for Lamu, Kenya by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in this region is extremely hot and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
February
If you visit Lamu during February, you will probably notice that it is really hot and very dry with almost no 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:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from the sun:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Sunglasses
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
March
If you vacation in Lamu during March, you will probably see that it is constantly hot and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 80s F (high 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.
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice:
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
If you're going to the beach
April
April in Lamu is constantly hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We like:
May
If you vacation in Lamu during May, you are likely to notice that it is 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 high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 70 and 80% during the day. In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and keep you cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and protect you from UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
June
If you are traveling to Lamu in June, you will notice that it is extremely warm. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags remain dry. We like:
July
If you go to Lamu in July, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
August
Traveling to Lamu in August, you will notice that it is a perfect temperature. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest 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:
September
September for Lamu is extremely warm. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
October
If you vacation in Lamu during October, you might find that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s 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:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Sunglasses
-
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
These pants can be essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We like:
November
November in Lamu is really 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 (low 30s C), although night temperatures can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and protect you from the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We like:
December
If you vacation in Lamu during December, you are likely to notice that it can be sweltering 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:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
Activities for Lamu, Kenya
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Lamu.
If you visit the Lamu Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Lamu has some great beaches. If you plan go to the beach, take:
Check out our guides for these other locations: Southeastern Islands, Indonesia, Clarington, Ontario, Canada, Pétion-Ville, Haiti, Khustain Nuruu National Park, Mongolia, Silchar, India, Pine Creek, Northern Territory, Australia, Lumajang, Indonesia, Marmara Islands, Turkey, Irving, Texas, United States of America, Žabljak, Montenegro, and Tanohata, Japan.