Why July Is Cold, More Than Any Other Month: Kenya Met

The Kenya Meteorological Department has responded to public queries about why July tends to be colder than other months.

In a statement released on Monday, July 28, the agency explained that four key terrestrial and atmospheric factors contribute to the drop in temperatures during this period.

"The real drivers of our cold and cloudy July conditions are terrestrial and atmospheric factors," part of the statement read.

Kenya Met pointed out that the persistent cloud cover over regions such as the central highlands, Nairobi, parts of the Rift Valley, and southeastern Kenya is a major reason for the chilly conditions.

Aerial view of Nairobi CBD. /WESTEND61

These thick cloud layers reduce direct sunlight and limit surface warming, leading to colder days compared to periods with clearer skies.

The department also cited high-pressure systems, which stabilise the atmosphere and encourage the formation of cloud “blankets” that trap cold air and inhibit heat buildup.

Another contributing factor is altitude—areas like Nairobi and the central highlands sit at elevations above 1,500 meters, making them naturally cooler.

Lastly, the department explained that July falls during the Southern Hemisphere's winter, when cold, dry air masses from the south sweep into Kenya, intensifying the chill.

Kenya Met was replying to a query from a Kenyan who had asked why the country’s cold season is marked by gloomy, overcast skies, unlike northern hemisphere winters, which can still be sunny.

"For those of us who have witnessed sunny winters in the north, where it’s colder than our winter, why is our July winter defined by cloudy and ugly grey days even with no rain?" the Kenyan posed.

In its latest weekly weather update issued on Friday, July 25, the Kenya Meteorological Department cautioned that chilly conditions would persist across several regions, including the Highlands both East and West of the Rift Valley, the Southeastern Lowlands, and parts of the Rift Valley.

Temperatures in these areas were forecasted to drop to between 10°C and 12°C. Counties in the Highlands East most likely to be affected include Nyandarua, Laikipia, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Murang'a, Kiambu, Meru, Embu, Tharaka Nithi, and Nairobi.

In the Rift Valley and its western regions, affected counties were listed as Migori, Kisii, Nyamira, Trans Nzoia, Baringo, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Nakuru, Narok, and Kericho.

The Southeastern counties of Kitui, Makueni, Machakos, Kajiado, Taita Taveta, along with inland parts of Tana River County, were also expected to experience similarly cold conditions.