Mombasa in December

In December, Mombasa averages 30°C (86°F) during the day and 25°C (77°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 25 days of the month see precipitation (89 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

December is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Mombasa. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

30°C
Avg high
25°C
Avg low
25
Rain days
89 mm
Rainfall

How December compares to the rest of the year in Mombasa

4th
warmest month of the 12
10th
wettest month of the 12
7%
of yearly rainfall falls in December
12 h 21 min
daylight on the 15th

December is in the middle of the year for warmth in Mombasa (4th of 12) and one of the driest months (10th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 2°C above the annual average (29°C). December runs 1°C warmer than November (29°C) and stays flat into January.

December sunrise & sunset in Mombasa

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:05 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:26 PM
Day length
12 h 21 min

Times shown for Mombasa local time (Africa/Nairobi), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Mombasa — December

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Mombasa's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:05 AM – 5:45 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:45 AM – 6:45 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:46 PM – 6:46 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:46 PM – 7:26 PM

📅 When to book — Mombasa in December

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Shoulder) and Mombasa's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.
⚠ Christmas / New Year travel is a global premium-pricing event — many destinations 30-50% above normal. Book 4+ months ahead if your dates are Dec 20 - Jan 2.

Crowds & pricing — December in Mombasa

Shoulder

Mombasa is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — December in Mombasa

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
12.1
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●●●
Severe
Severe mosquito season with active disease transmission risk. DEET 30%+, picaridin 20%, long sleeves day and night, treated nets, and check CDC/WHO travel advisories before going.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

Sea temperature in Mombasa — December

29.1°C (84°F)
bath-warm
tropical and comfortable for hours

Across the year Mombasa's sea swings from 26.3°C (August) to 29.5°C (March) — December sits at 29.1°C.

Mombasa in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 30°C / 87°F 25°C / 77°F 23 mm 18
February 31°C / 87°F 25°C / 77°F 16 mm 18
March 31°C / 87°F 26°C / 78°F 79 mm 25
April 29°C / 85°F 25°C / 77°F 230 mm 30
May 28°C / 82°F 24°C / 76°F 251 mm 29
June 27°C / 80°F 24°C / 75°F 93 mm 27
July 26°C / 79°F 23°C / 73°F 79 mm 29
August 27°C / 80°F 23°C / 73°F 59 mm 29
September 27°C / 81°F 23°C / 74°F 69 mm 27
October 28°C / 83°F 24°C / 75°F 94 mm 28
November 29°C / 84°F 24°C / 76°F 126 mm 29
December 30°C / 86°F 25°C / 77°F 89 mm 25

Other cities with similar December weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Mombasa in December →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Mombasa in December?

In December, Mombasa averages a high of 30°C (86°F) and a low of 25°C (77°F) — generally hot.

Does it rain a lot in Mombasa in December?

December is quite rainy in Mombasa, with about 25 rainy days on average.

Is December a good time to visit Mombasa?

December is hot but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Mombasa in December?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full December packing list for Mombasa for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Mombasa on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.