Weather in Mombasa in October

How October compares

October is the 7th warmest month of the year in Mombasa and ranks 19th of 134 destinations we compare for October - see where else is hot in October. Against London's average high of 14.6°C in October, Mombasa is 13.9°C warmer by day and 14.9°C warmer at night.

Daytime and night-time in October

The typical October day in Mombasa peaks at 28.5°C, but that is an average: the warmest 10% of days reach 29.9°C or more. About 100% of days top 25°C and 1 in 12 pass 30°C. Nights average 23.3°C; one night in ten drops to 22.4°C or lower, so pack a layer for evenings. Between 1991 and 2020 the hottest October day here reached 32.0°C (2001-10-31) and the coldest night 19.7°C (2011-10-25).

Rain in October

Wet (more than 8 rainy days): about 16 days with 1 mm or more, 73 mm in total. Year to year it varies a lot - the wettest October was 2019 with 300 mm, the driest 2016 with 15 mm. Humidity averages 79%, which makes the heat feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.

Sea temperature in October

The sea averages 26.4°C - warm enough to swim (22°c+). Depending on the year it ranges from 25.8°C to 27.0°C. For the warmest sea here, come in April (28.8°C).

Sunshine and daylight

Around 5.6 hours of sunshine a day (estimated from cloud cover), 12.1 hours of daylight: the sun rises about 06:01 and sets about 18:13 local time in mid-October. Average cloud cover is 54%.

Is October 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.

Hot days without much cooling after dark

Mombasa feels much warmer than London in October, where the average daytime high is 14.6°C. Here, the heat is dependable: days reach 25°C throughout the month, although only 8% reach 30°C. That suits travellers who want warmth without needing exceptionally high temperatures. Humidity of 79% is the more important catch, making light, loose clothing a sensible choice and a slower pace around midday appealing. Evenings remain warm rather than offering much relief, so breathable nightwear and accommodation with cooling are worth prioritising. Pack mainly for heat, with sun protection for time outdoors rather than treating cloud as a reason to go without it.

Allow for rain rather than expecting clear skies

Rain is a regular part of October, with about 16 rainy days, so this is not the month to choose for the best chance of dry weather. That does not mean every wet day is a write-off, but the figures do not tell you when rain will arrive or how long it will last. Keep swimming and other outdoor plans movable, and carry a light waterproof that will not feel too heavy in the humidity. Sunshine averages about 5.6 hours within 12.1 hours of daylight: there is scope for sunny spells, but expecting clear skies throughout the day would set the wrong expectations.