Understanding the Climate of Mombasa: The name of this play tells a lot about what the audience is to expect: A Tropical Coastal Paradise.
Host city Mombasa is not only the second-largest city in the coastal Republic of Kenya, but also the warm-climate city. Mombasa is a coastal city situated in the eastern region of Africa’s great lake region and is close to the equator; it therefore has a tropical climate, this favours tourism since it is almost summer throughout the year with black sandy beaches and ocean. So let us look at the climate of Mombasa and features that make its climate to be what it is.
Tropical Climate Overview
Mombasa is endowed with a tropical savanna type of climate, with constant warm relative humidity throughout the year and different wet and dry season. Weather is also affected by the position of the city near the Indian Ocean whereby there is a constant flow of sea breeze that leads to temperate weather as compared to other nearby regions with hot weather.
Temperature
The climate of the coastal city is moderate with slight variation in temperatures through the year with the average high temperatures of between 28 and 34 centigrade or between 82 and 93 Fahrenheit and low temperatures of between 22 and 26 centigrade or between 72 and 79 Fahrenheit. It is most hot during the months of January and April and this is especially hot in March. Although this is a middle of the year period that is technically winter most parts of the world, the temperature in Mombasa neither gets too high nor too low in this period making it very favorable for travel.
Rainy Seasons
Mombasa experiences two main rainy seasons: There is normally the ‘long rains’ and the ‘short rains’.
- Long Rains (March to May): African long rains are slightly later than those of Asia and start from March to May with April receiving most of the rainfall. In this time of the year, the city experience heavy rainfall at times accompanied by thunderstorms. These rains are fully necessary to fill water supplies besides enhancing growth and attributes of green vegetation and other 생태계 found close to the city limits.
- Short Rains (October to December): There is the long rains that take place between the months of April and June and the Short Rains which occur between the month of October and December, these are however lighter in intensity and less expected than the long rains. They are characterized by short, heavy downpours at times punctuated by long breaks of sunshine hence people can enjoy outdoor activities in the course of the season.
Even during the rainy seasons, Mombasa rainy occasions are more of downpour and they mostly happen in the late afternoon or evening, that is why most of the time is sunny.
Dry Seasons
Mombasa has two dry seasons one between June and September and the other between January and February. These periods is noted for its course that comes with clear sky, less humidity and cool/ warm temperature. Equally important, the dry seasons attract many tourists because weather conditions for beach activities, sight seeing and for touring the city are more encouraging.
It also receive some breese from the southeast monsoon winds which is known locally as the Kaskazi and Kuzi during the dry season although it is very hot. This makes outdoor activities more interesting whether it is sunbathing next to the Indian ocean beach or touring Fort Jesus or shopping in the local markets.
Humidity and Sea Breezes
Mombasa it is located near the sea; therefore, there is high humidity almost in all the year with range of 60-90 percent. But the city gets advantage of the natural ventilations where Indian Ocean Sea Breezes help much in cooling the hot climate. These breezes are relatively stronger at night especially at the evening and after sunset apart from the hot daylight conditions.
Impact of Climate Change
Similar to other coastal strsets, Mombasa is exposed to climate change effects such as increased sea levels, coastal erosion and volatile rainfall patterns. These changes have implications on the structures of the city and for its tourism accommodation and the people in the area. Measures are currently being taken to resolve these challenges via, proper planning and management of urban development, protection of mangroves, and environmental friendly tourism.
Conclusion
Mombasa also experiences tropical weather making it warm and sunny throughout the year thus enabling tourists to visit the region at their preferred time. Regardless of whether you are enjoying a tanning session on Mombasa’s marvelous coast or hitting the town’s electrifying sidewalks, this city is an all-weather tourist attraction. Knowledge of climate of Mombasa enables the visitors to plan appropriately for their visit as well as have an appreciation of the natural cyclical patterns of this coastal sporting gem.