Weather overview
The weather in Исиоло follows a clear seasonal rhythm, shaped by its location in northern Kenya. The year divides into dry and wet periods, with temperatures remaining warm but varying noticeably between day and night. If you prefer steady conditions, the driest months—January, February, and March—offer the most predictable weather, while April and May bring heavier rains.
From June onward, Исиоло enters a cooler, drier phase that lasts until September. Nights can feel crisp, especially in July, when temperatures drop to around +14 °C, but days stay pleasant. The short rains return in November, though they’re usually less intense than the long rains of spring. By December, the weather in Исиоло stabilizes again, making it a good time to visit before the cycle repeats.
Temperature
Daytime temperatures in Исиоло rarely stray far from the +20...+28 °C range, but the difference between seasons is still noticeable. The warmest months—February and March—see highs of +27.7 °C and +28.2 °C, while July and August are the coolest, with afternoons around +21.8...+22.7 °C. Nights cool down year-round, sometimes dropping below +15 °C even in the warmer months.
The biggest temperature swings occur between April and June, when daytime highs fall from +25.7 °C to +23 °C while nights stay mild. By October, the heat returns, with afternoons reaching +27.1 °C before easing slightly in November and December. If you’re sensitive to cold, pack a light jacket for evenings, especially from June to September.
| Month | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| January | 14.1 | 26.2 |
| February | 14.9 | 27.7 |
| March | 15.7 | 28.2 |
| April | 16.4 | 25.7 |
| May | 16.3 | 24.4 |
| June | 14.8 | 23 |
| July | 14 | 21.8 |
| August | 14 | 22.7 |
| September | 15 | 25 |
| October | 15.6 | 27.1 |
| November | 15.4 | 24.8 |
| December | 14.6 | 24.8 |
Precipitation
Rainfall in Исиоло is highly seasonal, with two distinct wet periods. The long rains arrive in April, peaking at 263.9 mm before tapering off in May. These months can bring heavy downpours, though they’re usually short-lived. The short rains in November are less intense, averaging 157.8 mm, but still enough to green the landscape.
The driest months—January, February, and March—see minimal rain, with February recording just 26.7 mm. From June to September, Исиоло stays mostly dry, though occasional showers can occur in July and August. If you’re planning outdoor activities, January through March or June through September offer the most reliable conditions.
| Month | Precipitation |
|---|---|
| January | 43 |
| February | 26.7 |
| March | 52.3 |
| April | 263.9 |
| May | 201.4 |
| June | 65 |
| July | 87 |
| August | 90 |
| September | 72.4 |
| October | 104.2 |
| November | 157.8 |
| December | 59.3 |
What to pack
For a trip to Исиоло in the dry season, light, breathable clothing is ideal. From January to March, daytime temperatures hover around +26...+28 °C, so pack loose layers for sun protection. A wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses will help with the strong equatorial sun, while a light scarf or shawl can shield you from dust during windy spells.
If you’re visiting during the cooler months—June to September—bring a light jacket or sweater for evenings, when temperatures can dip to +14 °C. For the rainy seasons, a compact rain jacket or umbrella is useful, especially in April, May, and November. Waterproof footwear is a good idea if you plan to explore outdoors during these months, as trails can get muddy.
| Month | Wind speed |
|---|---|
| January | 2.7 |
| February | 2.8 |
| March | 2.4 |
| April | 1.6 |
| May | 1.3 |
| June | 1.1 |
| July | 1.1 |
| August | 1.1 |
| September | 1.4 |
| October | 1.8 |
| November | 1.9 |
| December | 2.2 |