The climate and weather of Shimba Hills National Reserve
The climate and weather of Shimba Hills National Reserve: Shimba Hills National Reserve is one of the small national reserves situated in the coast region of Kenya in Kwale County. The national reserve is about 33 kilomates from Mombasa and 15 kilometers from the coast. Shimba Hills National Reserve is managed by the Kenya Wildlife Service and was gazetted as a national reserve in 1968. The reserve is characterized by an area of coastal rainforest, woodlands, and grasslands.
Shimba Hills National Reserve is a unique coastal forest and nature reserve, home to the endangered sable antelopes, with 1,100 plant species in the reserve, around 280 of which are endemic to Shimba Hills and nearly one-fifth of which are considered globally rare.
The reserve is also famous for its large population of elephants, with an estimated 700 individuals residing in the reserve alone. More so the reserve is also home to the last breeding herd of Sable Antelope in Kenya, and at the same time, you should keep a lookout for these large ebony-coloured antelope with their scimitar-shaped horns.
Shimba Hills National Reserve experiences a warm and sticky coastal climate, even though it gets a nice break from the heat thanks to cool breezes and the occasional misty morning. During the day, temperatures usually hit about 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), making it quite toasty. At night, things get a bit more comfortable, cooling down to around 21 degrees Celsius (70 degrees Fahrenheit), but it’s still on the warm side. Rain happens throughout the year, with the heaviest downpours occurring during the short rainy season from October to November and the long rainy season from April to May.
Drier Seasons–December to March & June to September Drier Seasons–December to March & June to September
Shimba Hills National Reserve experiences two main dry seasons each year. The first one runs from December to March, and the second from June to September. During these times, rainfall is scarce, and the landscape tends to become drier. This change affects the plants and animals that live in the area, as they adapt to the reduced water supply. Many visitors to the reserve might notice how the environment transforms during these months, with some areas looking parched and others still managing to thrive despite the lack of rainfall.
December, February, and March
The dry season in Shimba Hills National Reserve typically sets in during the months of December, January, February, and March. While there may still be some occasional rain, these months are usually the warmest of the year. You can expect daytime temperatures to hover around 30 degrees Celsius, which is about 86 degrees Fahrenheit.
June, July, August and September
From June to September, the Shimba Hills National Reserve enjoys plenty of sunshine, making it the perfect time to explore the area. While it’s mostly dry during these months, you might still encounter a few rainy days. This period is also the coolest of the year, with daytime temperatures hovering around 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit), so it’s comfortable for outdoor activities and enjoying the beautiful scenery.
Wet Seasons–April to May & October to November
April and May
In April and May, the Shimba Hills National Reserve experiences its wettest season, known as the ‘long rains.’ During these months, you can expect a lot of rainfall. While it’s possible to have showers at any time, the heaviest storms usually occur in the afternoon. Daytime temperatures typically hover around 29 degrees Celsius, or about 84 degrees Fahrenheit, making it warm despite the rain.
October and November
In October and November, Shimba Hills experiences what is known as the “short rains.” While it doesn’t rain as much as during the main rainy season, November often feels quite wet, especially when the rainfall hits its highest point. You’ll find that many days are cloudy, and storms tend to roll in during the afternoon. However, there are still moments when the sun breaks through and shines down on the hills.
This concludes the climate and weather of Shimba Hills National Reserve.
