The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has explained why Nairobi and other regions usually experience cold weather in July. In a statement on July 28, Kenya Met said July in Kenya’s central highlands, including Nairobi, is shaped by a unique geography and regional circulation.
The Weatherman explained that the chilly, grey days are due to southerly continental winds from the Southern Hemisphere winter, bringing in cool, dry air.
“Combined with our high altitude, this leads to cold, overcast days with minimal sunshine—even when it doesn’t rain,” Kenya Met said.
Kenya Met mentioned that the conditions also affect parts of Western Kenya, Central and Southern Rift, and the Southeastern lowlands.
Meanwhile, Western, Nyanza, Rift Valley, and Coastal regions tend to get rainfall during this season.
“Unlike northern winters that may be colder but sunny, ours come with clouds, chill, and no snow,” added the Weatherman.
Kenya Met Gives Reasons for Cold Weather
Additionally, Kenya Met said the real drivers of Kenya’s cold and cloudy July conditions are terrestrial and atmospheric factors.
One of the factors listed is cloud cover.
The Agency explained that widespread stratified clouds dominate skies over the central highlands, Nairobi, parts of the Rift Valley and southeastern Kenya, limiting sunshine and surface heating.
Kenya Met also listed high-pressure systems as another factor contributing to the cold weather.
Also Read: Kenya Met Lists Areas Set to Receive Rainfall as July Ends
“These influence atmospheric stability, supporting the formation of cloud ‘blankets” that trap cold air and suppress warming,” Kenya met said.
Further, the Weatherman stated that areas like Nairobi and much of the central highlands are over 1,500m above sea level, making them naturally cooler.
Kenya Met also highlighted the southern hemisphere winter as another contributing factor.
According to Kenya Met, cool, dry continental air masses from the south affect Kenya during this season, enhancing the chill.
Also Read: Kenya Met Releases Rainfall and Weather Outlook for June-August 2025 Season
How the Cold July Weather Discussion Started
Kenya Met was responding to an X (formerly Twitter) user who had inquired about the differences in sunny winters in Kenya and the northern hemisphere.
The user named Mumbi’s Rallykam said the July winter in Kenya is defined by cloudy and grey days even without the rain.
“KMD for those of us that have witnessed sunny winters in the north, where it’s colder than this our winter, why is our July winter defined by cloudy and ugly grey days even with no rain? Get me the sun and keep the warmth, it’s too ugly today!” Mumbi’s Rallykam wrote on X.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
