Lamu weather: hot all year, with two monsoon winds
Daytime highs on Lamu stay between about 27 and 32 degrees Celsius in every month of the table below, and nights barely drop below 24. The seasons differ in two other ways. One is the monsoon wind, which shapes the sea. The other is the rain, which falls mostly from April to June and again, more lightly, in November and December.
No single month is best for everything. Dry weather, calm water and clear snorkelling water do not always come together, so this page treats them separately.
Lamu weather by month
Monthly averages for temperature and rainfall, with the usual wind season.
| Month | Day high | Night low | Rain | Wind and rain pattern |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30.3 °C | 25.8 °C | 7 mm | Kaskazi, dry |
| February | 30.8 °C | 25.6 °C | 3 mm | Kaskazi, driest month |
| March | 31.5 °C | 26.5 °C | 32 mm | Kaskazi, long rains start late in the month |
| April | 31.1 °C | 26.9 °C | 135 mm | Long rains, Kaskazi ends about now |
| May | 29.0 °C | 25.9 °C | 299 mm | Wettest month, Kusi begins |
| June | 27.4 °C | 25.3 °C | 145 mm | Kusi, long rains ease |
| July | 26.7 °C | 24.5 °C | 82 mm | Kusi, coolest days |
| August | 27.0 °C | 24.4 °C | 41 mm | Kusi, windy |
| September | 28.0 °C | 24.6 °C | 47 mm | Kusi, windy |
| October | 29.5 °C | 25.2 °C | 37 mm | Kusi, easing towards the change |
| November | 30.5 °C | 25.7 °C | 42 mm | Kaskazi returns, short rains |
| December | 30.2 °C | 25.2 °C | 25 mm | Kaskazi, short rains |
These are typical-year values from a 2016 UN-Habitat publication on East African climate, built from typical-year data, and they are not current weather-station normals or the weather of a given year. The monthly rainfall adds up to about 895 mm. Use the table to compare months, not to predict a day. The wind column follows an operator's description of the seasons, and the exact change-over date shifts from year to year.
Boat trips and tours on Lamu
Sunset sails, snorkelling trips and old town walks, with live prices and availability.
Kaskazi and Kusi: the monsoon winds
Two winds, two kinds of sea.
Kaskazi, about November to April
The wind comes from the north-east. A hotel in Shela describes the water in this season as often clearer, which favours snorkelling. It makes no promise about visibility, and neither can anyone else.
Kusi, about May to October
The wind comes from the south-east and is stronger, with rougher and cloudier water. The same hotel describes snorkelling conditions as less favourable in this season. Sailing is still possible, but the sea is rougher.
The change-over
Do not tie a booking to a calendar day. The change from one wind to the other comes gradually and moves from year to year.
Check the marine forecast
The Kenya Meteorological Department's marine forecast for 21 October 2026, issued the day before, gave morning winds of 7 to 10 knots from the south-south-east, afternoon winds of 10 to 13 knots from the south-east, and waves of about 5 feet in the morning and 4 feet in the afternoon. That is one forecast, not a norm, and not a statement that the sea is safe. Boat crews decide on the day.
Best time to visit Lamu, by what you want to do
There is no single answer.
Dry weather and beach days
January and February are the driest months in the table, with 7 mm and 3 mm. The county's development plan also names January to March as the drier months. March is still low at 32 mm, but the long rains begin toward the end of the month.
Snorkelling
Aim for the Kaskazi months, roughly November to April, when the water is often clearer. Trips also depend on tides, so ask the crew before you book.
Sailing
Several operators offer sunset sails. In the Kusi months the wind is stronger, and a crew may change the route or the timing.
Rainy weeks
The county's plan places the long rains from late March to early June, with a peak in May. The short rains come in November and December. April and May are the wettest months in the table, so expect the most uncertainty then.
Festivals
Dates for the Lamu Cultural Festival and Maulidi change from year to year. See the festivals page, and note that late November can bring short rains.
Packing and planning for the climate
Heat, sun and modest clothing go together.
With nights around 25 degrees, light cotton or linen works all year. Lamu is a conservative Muslim town, so choose loose clothes that cover shoulders and knees for the old town and villages, and keep swimwear for the beach and boat. Bring sun protection, and a light rain layer if you visit from April to June or in November and December.
The weather affects boats more than roads. Crossings from the airport on Manda to Lamu Town and trips to places such as Takwa can change with tides and wind. Ask your hotel before you book anything fixed. For travel advice that has nothing to do with weather, see the safety page.
Lamu weather: frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Lamu?
It depends on the activity. January and February are the driest months in the table, the Kaskazi months from about November to April often bring clearer water for snorkelling, and May is the wettest month.
When is the rainy season in Lamu?
The long rains fall from late March to early June and peak in May, per the county's development plan. A shorter rainy season falls in November and December.
How hot is Lamu?
Daytime highs range from about 27 to 32 degrees Celsius through the year in the table, and night lows from about 24 to 27 degrees. It is warm in every month.
What are Kaskazi and Kusi?
Kaskazi is the north-east monsoon wind, about November to April. Kusi is the south-east wind, about May to October, which is stronger and brings rougher water.
Is the sea calm enough for a dhow trip?
That is for the boat crew to decide on the day. Check the marine forecast, choose a licensed boat, wear a life jacket and be ready for a change of plan.