Last updated: January 18, 2025
The climate of the Tana River region in Kenya is characterized by its classification under the Köppen-Geiger system as As, indicating a tropical wet and dry climate. Temperature variations are pronounced, with minimum readings around 21°C (70°F) recorded in August, while average temperatures hover around 28°C (82°F). The region experiences its warmest conditions in February, with maximum temperatures peaking at 39°C (103°F). This climatic profile underscores the area's significant thermal dynamics and seasonal variability, which profoundly influence its biodiversity and agricultural practices.
The temperature patterns in Tana River, Kenya, reveal distinct seasonal trends marked by a warm climate throughout the year. During the early months of the year, particularly from January to March, temperatures remain consistently high, with maximums reaching up to 39°C (103°F). As April arrives, temperatures slightly decline but maintain an average around 29°C (85°F), with maximums peaking close to 39°C (102°F). The onset of the cooler months in June and July brings a noticeable drop, with average temperatures falling to 26°C (79°F) and maximums tapering to 35°C (95°F). Moving into the last quarter of the year, the temperatures gradually rise again, particularly in November and December, where averages return to 28°C (83°F) and 29°C (84°F), underscoring the region's subtropical climate characterized by a pronounced dry and wet season cycle.
In Hola, temperatures range from a minimum of 21°C (70°F) in August to a maximum of 39°C (103°F) in February, as detailed in the monthly temperatures in Hola. Meanwhile, Kipini experiences a minimum temperature of 22°C (73°F) in July and peaks at 33°C (92°F) in March, which can be explored further in the monthly temperatures in Kipini.
Precipitation patterns in Tana River, Kenya, exhibit a clear seasonal rhythm, with the heaviest rainfall typically occurring during the months of April and May. In April, precipitation surges to 116 mm (4.6 in), accompanied by 20 rainy days, marking the transition into the peak of the rainy season. This trend continues in May, where totals escalate to 210 mm (8.3 in) over 21 days, significantly contributing to the area's distinctive wet season. The early months of the year, particularly January and February, register much lower rainfall, with 18 mm (0.7 in) and 13 mm (0.5 in), respectively, suggesting a dry spell leading into the wet season.
Following the peak rains of late April and May, precipitation begins to taper off but remains present throughout the year. June and July see moderate rainfall amounts of 62 mm (2.5 in) and 45 mm (1.8 in), respectively, with rainfall days around 12, indicating a gradual transition toward drier conditions. The onset of the short rains in October and November brings periodic downpours of 86 mm (3.4 in) and 97 mm (3.8 in), with increasing rainfall days, ensuring that the region experiences a varied precipitation profile that supports its diverse ecosystems and agricultural practices.
The sunshine duration in Tana River, Kenya, reveals a notable seasonal trend characterized by increased daylight hours leading into the summer months. January sees the year starting with 290 hours of sunshine, gradually rising to 322 hours in February and peaking spectacularly in March with 352 hours. This period not only marks the sunniest month of the year but also signals an uplifting pattern that sustains through the following months, as April and May experience a slight reduction in sunshine hours at 328 hours and 335 hours, respectively. Despite these declines, the overall brightness remains substantial, reflecting the conducive conditions for growth and agricultural activities.
As the year progresses, Tana River continues to experience consistent sunshine hours, particularly evident in the middle of the year. From June onwards, the region maintains high levels of sunlight, ranging from 329 hours in June to 350 hours in August. Interestingly, September through December exhibits a relatively stable range of sunshine, fluctuating between 340 and 351 hours, which underscores a persistence of favorable weather conditions as the year concludes. This consistent availability of sunshine not only influences the local climate but plays a pivotal role in supporting the region’s rich biodiversity and agricultural productivity throughout the seasons.
The UV Index in Tana River, Kenya, consistently ranks within the extreme exposure category throughout the year, indicating a significant risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure. With values peaking at 15 in February, March, and April, residents and visitors are advised to take preventative measures, as the burn time for unprotected skin is as brief as 10 minutes. Even in the early months of the year, January and May maintain a high UV Index of 14, reinforcing the need for sun protection during this period. This extreme UV intensity, prevalent during peak sunshine seasons, underscores the region's climate challenges, particularly regarding skin health and outdoor activities.
As the seasons shift from the peak months, a slight decrease in the UV Index is observed, particularly during June and July, where it remains at 11. Despite this reduction, the classification remains within the extreme category, requiring ongoing caution. August witnesses a rise to 13, before stabilizing at 13 for the final months of the year. Although the burn time remains constant at 10 minutes across these months, the slight fluctuations in the index indicate patterns tied to seasonal changes, highlighting the need for ongoing vigilance against UV exposure throughout the year in Tana River.
UV Risk Categories
In Tana River, Kenya, daylight duration remains remarkably consistent throughout most of the year, typically averaging around 12 hours per day from January through May. This consistency reflects the region's proximity to the equator, where variations in day length are minimal compared to more temperate zones. The uniform balance between day and night allows for predictable solar patterns, fostering a stable environment for both local ecology and agricultural practices during these months.
As winter approaches, daylight hours dip slightly in June to 11 hours before returning to 12 hours in July through December. This brief decrease in daylight duration signifies a subtle seasonal shift, yet it does not drastically affect the overall climate or the daily lives of residents. The continual presence of approximately 12 hours of daylight throughout the year supports the region's vibrant ecosystems and underpins the agricultural cycles that depend on this reliable solar exposure, ensuring the sustenance of both land and people in Tana River.
Hola, Kenya, experiences a warm climate characterized by consistently high temperatures throughout the year. Monthly average temperatures range from 27°C (81°F) in the cooler months to around 30°C (86°F) during peak summer. Precipitation is highest from April to May, with a significant drop in the drier months of January and February. Sunshine is abundant, especially in March with 350 hours, providing favorable conditions for outdoor activities. For more detailed information, visit Hola climate.
Kipini, Kenya, experiences a tropical climate characterized by warm temperatures and seasonal rainfall. Average monthly temperatures range from a minimum of 22°C (73°F) in July and August to a maximum of 33°C (91°F) in February, with the warmest months generally being January to April. Rainfall is heaviest from April to May, with May receiving up to 351 mm (13.8 in), while the dry season typically spans from June to September. The area also enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly in March, when it basks in 353 hours of sunlight. For more details, visit Kipini climate.
In summary, Tana River, Kenya, exhibits a unique climatic profile characterized by consistent temperature ranges, extreme UV Index levels, stable daylight duration, and distinct precipitation patterns throughout the year. The region’s tropical wet and dry climate, marked by high temperatures and pronounced wet seasons, supports a rich biodiversity and agricultural vitality. Additionally, the extreme UV exposure, particularly during peak sunshine months, necessitates appropriate sun protection measures for both residents and visitors. Understanding these climatic dynamics is essential for effectively managing local ecosystems, safeguarding public health, and optimizing agricultural practices, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of this vibrant region.