Kenya Met September Weather Forecast: Counties Expecting Rainfall, Strong Wind Warnings & Regional Temperature Guide
Kenya is experiencing mixed weather conditions in September, with most parts of the country remaining generally dry while selected counties receive localised rainfall and several northern, eastern and coastal areas face strong winds.
The latest Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) forecast shows that weather conditions will vary considerably from one region to another, with residents in some counties needing to prepare for showers while others continue experiencing warm and dry conditions.
KMD’s daily forecasts provide updates on rainfall, temperatures and wind conditions across the country, while its county forecasts offer more localised information for individual counties. The department currently lists weekly forecasts covering numerous counties for September 1 to 7, 2026.
Rainfall is expected in selected parts of western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Central Highlands and the Coast, while much of the rest of the country is expected to remain generally dry.
Strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots, equivalent to about 12.5 metres per second, are also expected across parts of northern, eastern and coastal Kenya.
Counties Expecting Rainfall
Residents in parts of western Kenya and the Lake Victoria Basin can expect some rainfall during the current weather period.
KMD’s latest forecast indicates that parts of Kakamega, Bungoma, Siaya, Trans Nzoia, Busia and Nandi could experience rainfall, including afternoon showers and thunderstorms in some locations.
The pattern is expected to remain localised rather than producing widespread rainfall across the entire region.
The Lake Victoria Basin is also experiencing a mixture of sunny intervals and isolated showers. Kisumu, Siaya and Homa Bay are among counties where weather conditions can change during the day.
Western Kenya has already recorded pockets of rainfall in recent days, although amounts have varied significantly between locations.
Coastal counties are another area to watch. Mombasa, Kwale and Lamu are expected to experience morning sunny intervals with chances of light showers in some places.
Kilifi is also among counties included in the current weather outlook, with the Coast expected to experience a mixture of sunshine and occasional rainfall.
Central and eastern highland areas could also receive isolated showers. Nyandarua and Meru are among the counties highlighted in the latest daily forecast, with some areas expected to experience afternoon rainfall.
Nairobi residents can expect a mixture of sunny intervals and occasional cloudy conditions, although the capital is not currently among the areas facing widespread rainfall.
The capital is expected to experience temperatures ranging from around 12°C at night to approximately 27°C during the day.
Strong Wind Warning Across Northern and Coastal Counties
Strong winds remain one of the major weather concerns in the current forecast.
KMD has warned of strong southerly to southeasterly winds exceeding 25 knots in parts of Turkana, Marsabit, Isiolo, Garissa, Mandera, Wajir, Tana River, Taita Taveta, Kwale, Kilifi, Lamu and Kitui counties.
The warning is significant for residents, motorists, farmers, fishermen and people living in areas with unsecured structures.
Turkana and Marsabit are among the northern counties repeatedly affected by strong wind conditions in KMD forecasts. Coastal counties can also experience stronger winds because of prevailing seasonal wind patterns.
People travelling through exposed areas should exercise caution, particularly where strong winds can affect visibility, road conditions or temporary structures.
Residents should also secure loose roofing materials, outdoor equipment, signs and other objects that could be blown away by strong winds.
Fishing and other marine activities require additional caution along the Coast. Windy conditions can create difficult conditions for small boats and other vessels operating close to shore.
Temperature Guide Across Kenya
Kenya’s temperatures will continue to show significant regional differences during September.
Northern Kenya remains among the hottest areas. Turkana is expected to record daytime highs of up to 37°C, while Mandera could reach approximately 36°C and Garissa around 35°C.
The combination of high temperatures and strong winds means residents in northern counties may experience challenging daytime conditions, particularly in exposed areas.
Garissa and surrounding northeastern counties should therefore prepare for hot afternoons while also monitoring wind advisories.
Nairobi will experience considerably cooler conditions compared with northern Kenya. Temperatures in the capital are expected to reach about 27°C during the day and fall to around 12°C at night.
Nakuru is expected to record daytime temperatures of approximately 28°C, while Kisumu could reach around 30°C.
Coastal areas will remain warmer, with Mombasa expected to record temperatures of about 29°C during the day and around 23°C at night.
Nyandarua is among the colder areas, particularly at night. Minimum temperatures could fall to around 8°C, requiring residents and travellers to prepare for chilly early mornings and evenings.
Narok is also expected to experience relatively cool nights, with temperatures dropping to approximately 10°C.
What September Weather Means for Farmers
September is an important transition period for farmers because weather conditions gradually begin shifting towards the October–December short-rains season.
KMD’s seasonal outlook indicates that the upcoming OND 2026 season is expected to bring above-average rainfall across much of Kenya, with rainfall forecast to be fairly to well distributed in several areas. The department has also warned of prolonged wet spells and occasional isolated storms during the season.
The forecast is particularly important in counties where the short rains contribute significantly to annual rainfall.
Farmers should therefore begin preparing their farms before widespread rains arrive. Activities can include repairing water channels, clearing drainage systems, preparing land and ensuring farm inputs are available before rainfall becomes more consistent.
Farmers should also avoid planting solely on the basis of one rainfall event.
September showers can be localised and intermittent, meaning rainfall in one location does not necessarily indicate that the short-rains season has fully begun across an entire county.
Agricultural decisions should instead be guided by updated county forecasts, seasonal outlooks and local observations.
KMD provides county-specific weather forecasts that can help farmers make more informed decisions about planting, harvesting and other agricultural activities.
El Niño and the 2026 Short-Rains Season
Kenya is also heading into an important period linked to the anticipated El Niño conditions.
KMD announced earlier in 2026 that it was closely monitoring forecasts pointing to the development of El Niño conditions and their possible influence on Kenya’s weather through the year.
The latest OND outlook has subsequently projected enhanced rainfall across much of the country.
The forecast does not mean every part of Kenya will receive the same amount of rain. Turkana and Samburu, for example, are expected to have poorer to fair rainfall distribution compared with several other regions.
Residents should therefore distinguish between a seasonal outlook and a daily weather forecast.
Seasonal forecasts provide an indication of likely rainfall and temperature patterns over several months, while daily forecasts are more useful when planning specific activities such as travel, farming or outdoor events.
How Urban Residents Can Prepare
Urban residents should also prepare for the possibility of heavier rainfall once the short-rains season becomes established.
Households can begin by clearing drainage channels around homes and ensuring rainwater has a clear path away from buildings.
Motorists should remain alert whenever rainfall begins, particularly in areas that are prone to flooding or poor visibility.
People living in informal settlements and other low-lying areas should pay close attention to official weather and flood warnings.
Loose outdoor objects should also be secured before periods of strong winds.
Businesses can similarly inspect roofs, drainage systems, outdoor signs and temporary structures to reduce the risk of weather-related damage.
Counties Need to Monitor Daily Updates
The wide variation in weather conditions across Kenya means residents should not rely on a single national forecast when making important decisions.
KMD’s daily forecast provides regular updates covering rainfall, wind and temperature conditions. The department also publishes county forecasts to provide more detailed information at local level.
The latest daily forecast confirms that most parts of the country are generally dry, while selected counties experience localised rainfall and several areas face strong winds.
Weather conditions can change quickly, particularly during a transition towards a wetter season.
Farmers, motorists, businesses and households should therefore continue checking the latest official updates instead of relying on forecasts issued several days earlier.
September will consequently remain a month of contrasting weather across Kenya, with rainfall concentrated in selected western, central and coastal areas, strong winds affecting northern and coastal counties, and high temperatures continuing across parts of northern Kenya.
The bigger weather story, however, is the approach of the October–December short-rains season.
With KMD forecasting enhanced rainfall across much of the country, early preparation will be important for farmers, households, businesses and county governments.
Keeping drainage systems clear, securing property, planning agricultural activities and monitoring official county forecasts can help communities reduce the risks associated with changing weather conditions.
Kenyans should continue relying on the Kenya Meteorological Department for the latest daily, weekly and seasonal updates as September progresses and the country moves closer to the main short-rains season.
