Weather in Mombasa in August

How August compares

August is the 11th warmest month of the year in Mombasa and ranks 110th of 134 destinations we compare for August - see where else is hot in August. Against London's average high of 21.4°C in August, Mombasa is 5.2°C warmer by day and 8.8°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in August

The typical August day in Mombasa peaks at 26.6°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 27.6°C or more. About 99% of days top 25°C. Nights average 22.3°C; one night in ten drops to 21.4°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest August day here reached 29.0°C (2011-08-27) and the coldest night 20.3°C (1996-08-27).

Rain in August

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 16 days with 1 mm or more, 45 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest August was 2017 with 113 mm, the driest 2001 with 23 mm. Humidity averages 79%.

Sea temperature in August

The sea averages 25.4°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 24.9°C to 25.8°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (28.8°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.7 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 11.9 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:26 and sets about 18:25 local time in mid-August. Average cloud cover is 52%.

Is August a good time to visit Mombasa?

It is a reasonable choice: hot days but expect showers. The best months for Mombasa on our scoring are February, January, September; months averaging 25°C or more: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec.

Warm rather than fiercely hot, with humid evenings

Mombasa is noticeably warmer than London in August, with average daytime highs 5.2°C higher. It is still among Mombasa's cooler months, which makes it a sensible option if you dislike intense heat. Days reach 25°C on 98% of occasions, while the share reaching 30°C is 0% - a useful indication of typical conditions, not a guarantee for your trip. Humidity of 79% is the catch: even moderate heat can feel sticky, so loose, breathable clothing is more useful than heavy layers. Average night lows of 22.3°C mean little relief from cooler air after dark. Check for air conditioning if warm bedrooms tend to disrupt your sleep.

Plan around rain, not a full day of sunshine

Rain is frequent enough to shape your plans, with about 16 rainy days during the month. That does not mean those days are complete washouts, but it does make a rigid schedule less appealing. Keep outdoor time flexible and carry a light waterproof that will not feel too heavy in humid weather. Sunshine averages about 5.7 hours within 11.9 hours of daylight, so daylight should not be mistaken for clear skies. August suits travellers who are happy to swim or relax between wetter spells. If your holiday depends on consistently sunny days, the combination of regular rain and limited sunshine is a meaningful drawback.