Sea temperature in Kenya
Live water temperatures and swimming conditions across 6 beaches on the Kenya coast.
Best time to swim in Kenya
The sea in Kenya peaks in February, when the water averages around 25°C.
The main swimming season runs from January – December, when surface temperatures stay comfortable for extended sessions.
On average, 12 months a year sit above 20°C — the threshold most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
The coldest month is typically July at around 20°C, when cold-water swimmers dominate the coast.
Kenya sits in the Southern Hemisphere, so the warmest sea coincides with the December–February summer and the coolest with July–August.
Kenya sea temperature history
Long-term climatology for Kenya shows an annual mean sea temperature of 22°C, ranging from 20°C in winter to 25°C at the summer peak.
The seasonal swing is roughly 5°C between the coldest and warmest month — a useful yardstick when comparing years or checking whether the current sea is running above or below average.
Recent decades have trended slightly warmer at Kenya, in line with regional sea-surface temperature records for the wider basin.
Monthly averages below are drawn from multi-decadal climatology and are updated as new observations arrive.
Values are area averages; individual beaches vary by exposure and depth.
Kenya sea temperature: frequently asked questions
What is the warmest month to swim in Kenya?
February is the warmest month in Kenya, when the sea averages about 25°C. Late-season warmth often persists a few weeks after peak.
When is the sea coldest in Kenya?
The coldest month in Kenya is typically July, when the water averages around 20°C. Cold-water swimmers and surfers dominate this period.
When can you swim in Kenya without a wetsuit?
The main swimming season in Kenya runs from January – December — about 12 months a year when the sea sits above 20°C, the level most swimmers describe as pleasant without a wetsuit.
Do I need a wetsuit in Kenya?
Outside peak summer the water in Kenya drops toward 20°C, so a 3/2mm shorty or full wetsuit makes long swims much more comfortable. In peak months most swimmers go without.
What is the average sea temperature in Kenya?
The long-term annual mean sea temperature in Kenya is about 22°C, based on multi-decadal climatology of the surrounding waters.
How do I check the current sea temperature in Kenya?
The live reading at the top of this page shows the current sea temperature in Kenya, updated hourly from marine buoy and satellite data. The 7-day forecast covers water, air, waves, wind and UV for the week ahead.
Warmest beaches in Kenya right now
| Beach | Region | Sea | Swim score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diani Beach | Kwale | — | — |
| Watamu Beach | Kilifi | — | — |
| Nyali Beach | Mombasa | — | — |
| Diani Beach | Kwale | — | — |
| Watamu Beach | Kilifi | — | — |
| Nyali Beach | Mombasa | — | — |