Climate and Weather of Meru National Park: Meru National Park is a Kenyan national park located east of Meru, 350 kilometers from Nairobi. Covering an area of 870 square kilometers, it is one of best best-known national parks in Kenya. The was established in 1966 and is administered by the Kenya Wildlife Service. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife animals such as elephants, Grevy’s zebra, lions, cheetahs, leopards, hartebeest, hippos, buffalo and the reticulated giraffe among others.
Meru was one of the two areas in which conservationists George Adamson and Joy Adamson raised Elsa the Lioness made famous in the best-selling book and award-winning movie Born Free. Elsa the Lioness is buried in this park and part of Joy’s ashes were scattered on her gravesite.
The weather in Meru National Park is characterized by a steady average temperature throughout the year. It maintains moderate precipitation patterns
Meru National Park, located in a dry region, experiences a warm climate throughout the year. In Meru National Park temperatures are generally consistent throughout the year. Typically, daytime temperatures range from a very warm 34 degrees Celsius in March to a very warm 31 degrees Celsius in the coolest month, January. Nights are cooler, with temperatures generally dropping to 21 degrees Celsius, particularly during the colder months. The park has a wet season that lasts from November to May, marked by two distinct rainy periods. The first rainfall generally occurs in November, known as the short rains, while the longer rains peak around April.
On average, Meru National Park receives a reasonable amount of rainfall, with an annual precipitation of 505 mm. The climate in Meru National Park shows significant variation throughout the year. Expect high rainfall in November, with an average of 135 mm of precipitation over 16 rainy days. In contrast, July offers drier and sunnier days, with around 3.5 mm of rainfall over 4 rainy days.
Dry Season–June to October
It’s really hot and sunny outside, with very little rain and low humidity. The highest temperatures usually occur in October, but when the first rains come, they provide a welcome break from the intense heat.
- June, July, August and September
During the months of June, July, August, and September, the weather is typically bright and dry, with little to no rain. The afternoons can get quite warm, often hitting around 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit). However, the evenings and early mornings bring a refreshing coolness, with temperatures dropping to about 18°C (64 degrees Fahrenheit).
- October
In October, the temperatures rise sharply, making it feel quite sweltering. The afternoons usually reach around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), but often soar much higher, as October is known for being one of the hottest months in Meru. When the rain finally arrives, it brings a huge sense of relief after the long, dry spell that precedes it.
Wet Season–November to May
Meru National Park experiences three main phases during its wet season. First, there are the short rains that occur between November and December. Next comes the long rains, which last from March to May. In between these two periods, there is a dry spell. Generally, except for the months of April and November, the amount of rain isn’t particularly high.
- November and December
In Meru National Park, the months of November and December bring what’s called the “short rains.” This rainy season can begin as early as October, but November typically sees the heaviest downpours. In the days leading up to the rains, the heat can really build up, with afternoon temperatures soaring to around 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit). However, once the rain starts, there’s a noticeable drop in temperature, bringing some relief from the heat.
- January and February
In Meru National Park, the months of January and February mark a bit of a dry phase during the typically damp season. During this time, the weather is pleasantly warm, with daytime temperatures averaging around 30 degrees Celsius, or 86 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes it a comfortable period for visitors exploring the park’s unique landscapes and diverse wildlife.
- March, April and May
In Meru National Park, the months of March, April, and May are known for their long rains. April is especially rainy, making some of the roads difficult to drive on. By May, the rain starts to lessen, but the road conditions might still be rough until the end of the month. During the afternoons, temperatures can reach about 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), with March being the hottest month before the rains arrive.
