As the long rains begin to ease their grip on the country, Kenyans are transitioning into a new climatic chapter — one defined by chilly mornings, cold nights, and unpredictable afternoon showers. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) has released its official weekend weather forecast valid from Friday, May 23 to Tuesday, May 27, 2026, and the outlook paints a vivid picture of a country on the edge of the cold season.
What Is the Kenya Met Forecast for This Weekend?
According to the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority, several regions across Kenya are expected to receive rainfall between May 23 and May 27, 2026, while other areas will enjoy sunny and dry conditions. The forecast covers five key regions: Central Kenya, Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, the Rift Valley, and the Coastal Strip.
The weather department also issued an important cold weather advisory, warning residents — particularly in high-altitude areas — to prepare for very cold night temperatures that could drop as low as 7°C in some counties.
Regional Kenya Weather Forecast Breakdown
1. Western Kenya, Lake Victoria Basin & Rift Valley — Showers and Thunderstorms Expected
Counties in Western Kenya, the Lake Victoria Basin, and the Rift Valley are in for a wet Saturday. The Kenya Met forecast indicates that areas including Kisumu and Nakuru counties will experience afternoon showers and thunderstorms in a few places.
If you live in or are traveling through Kisumu, Kakamega, Siaya, Busia, Vihiga, or Nakuru, expect rain to develop during the afternoon hours on Saturday. Residents are advised to carry rain gear and exercise caution on roads that may become slippery or prone to flash flooding during heavy downpours.
2. Central Kenya & Nairobi — Cloudy Mornings, Afternoon and Night Showers
Residents of Central Kenya — including the counties of Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, Murang'a, Embu, Meru, and Nyandarua — should prepare for a classic cold-season weather pattern this weekend.
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority forecasts cloudy mornings followed by afternoon and night showers across these counties. For Nairobi residents, this means gloomy start-of-day conditions with the likelihood of rainfall picking up as the day progresses into the evening.
This pattern is consistent with the early cold season, where overcast skies dominate the morning hours and rain develops later in the day, often persisting into the night.
3. Kenya Coast — Morning Showers, Then Sunny Intervals
Coastal counties including Mombasa, Kilifi, Kwale, and Lamu will experience a mixed weather weekend. The Kenya Met forecast shows early morning showers on Saturday, which will gradually give way to sunny intervals later in the day.
However, coastal residents should note that wet conditions are expected to return from Tuesday through Wednesday, as another round of showers is likely across the region. Beachgoers and travelers heading to the Coast this weekend may want to plan outdoor activities for the afternoon hours to make the most of the clearing skies.
4. North-Eastern, North-Western & South-Eastern Lowlands — Dry and Sunny Conditions
Not all of Kenya is getting wet this weekend. The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority projects generally dry and sunny conditions across the North-Eastern, North-Western, and South-Eastern lowland regions. Counties expected to remain dry include:
- Turkana
- Garissa
- Wajir
- Kitui
- Machakos
- Kajiado
These arid and semi-arid regions will largely escape the weekend rains, with daytime temperatures projected to soar as high as 30°C in the coastal and northern zones. Residents in these areas should stay hydrated and take precautions against heat-related discomfort during peak afternoon hours.
Cold Night Temperatures: Which Counties Will Experience the Coldest Nights?
One of the most significant highlights of this weekend's Kenya weather forecast is the cold night temperature advisory issued by the Kenya Met department. Several high-altitude counties are expected to record temperatures between 7°C and 13°C during the forecast period.
The counties identified as likely to experience the coldest nights in Kenya this weekend include:
- Nyandarua — coldest county, temperatures as low as 7°C
- Nyeri
- Laikipia
- Nairobi
- Nakuru
- Kericho
- Nandi
- Parts of Uasin Gishu
These temperatures are significantly low and can pose health risks — especially for children, the elderly, and individuals with respiratory conditions. Residents are strongly advised to dress warmly, use extra blankets, and avoid prolonged exposure to cold outdoor conditions during the night and early morning hours.
Kenya Cold Season 2026: What Does It Mean?
The Kenya Meteorological Service Authority has confirmed that the gradual reduction in rainfall currently being experienced across many parts of the country is a clear indicator that the cold season is officially setting in.
Kenya's cold season — locally known as the "cold dry season" — typically runs from June through August and is characterised by:
- Chilly mornings that often feel below freezing in highland areas
- Cold nights with temperatures dipping to single digits in counties like Nyandarua and Nyeri
- Reduced daytime temperatures across the country
- Minimal or no rainfall in most parts of Kenya
- Strong southerly winds that amplify the cold feeling
However, this year's transition into the cold season appears to be accompanied by some residual rainfall, particularly in the highlands, Western Kenya, and the Coast — a pattern not uncommon during the changeover period from the long rains to the cold dry spell.
Conclusion: Stay Ahead of Kenya's Changing Weather
This weekend's Kenya weather forecast is a reminder of the country's remarkable climatic diversity — from sub-zero-feeling nights in Nyandarua to scorching 30°C afternoons in Garissa, all within the same few days. As Kenya transitions from the long rains into the cold season, staying informed and prepared is the best strategy.
Bookmark this page and follow the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) for real-time updates, daily forecasts, and weather advisories throughout the cold season.