Weather and Climate of Shaba National Reserve: Shaba National Reserve is a protected area in Isiolo County in northern Kenya to the east of the Samburu and Buffalo Springs national reserves. Shaba National Reserve was gazetted in 1974. It is administered by the Isiolo County Council. The reserve is home to an incredible array of wildlife species such as Maasai giraffes, hyrax, warthogs, impalas, zebras, Grant’s gazelle, and common elands. The reserve is also well known for its large population of lions. Besides the animals, the reserve is also home to different colorful bird species such as Somali ostrich, white-headed vulture, and martial eagle among others
Shaba National Reserve experiences a hot and dry climate throughout the year. During the day, temperatures often reach around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), while at night, they drop to about 18 degrees Celsius (64 degrees Fahrenheit). The area doesn’t get much rain overall, and when it does, it usually comes in brief, intense bursts. The main rainy season runs from mid-March to mid-May, known as the long rains, and there’s a shorter rainy period from mid-October to mid-December. The months with the highest rainfall are typically April and November.
Dry Season–June to September
The dry season lasts from June to September and is characterized by very little rainfall. During this time, you can expect hot weather and plenty of sunshine. It’s a period when the land dries out, and everything feels quite warm. People often find it necessary to stay hydrated and take precautions against the heat if they are spending time outdoors.
June and July
June and July are known for their bright, sunny days. During this time, you can expect the afternoon temperatures to be pleasantly warm, typically hovering around 30 degrees Celsius or 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s the perfect weather for outdoor activities, whether you’re heading to the beach, having a picnic, or just enjoying some time in your backyard.
August and September
In August and September, the weather starts to heat up as we get ready for the rainy season. During the day in September, you can expect temperatures to average around 31 degrees Celsius, which is about 88 degrees Fahrenheit. However, it’s important to note that there will be days when the temperature goes even higher than that.
Wet Season–October to May
In the region, the weather features two main rainy seasons known as the short rains and the long rains. Between these two periods, there’s a little break in the rain during January and February, which is the dry season.
October, November, and December
In October, the weather starts to change as the “short rains” usually begin. These rains can come unexpectedly, and by November, we’re often in one of the rainiest months of the year. This month often brings heavy afternoon storms. The temperatures during this time average around 30 degrees Celsius (or 86 degrees Fahrenheit), but they can get hotter right before the rain starts and then become cooler once the rain passes.
January and February
January and February mark a transition period between the short and long rainy seasons, but it’s tough to predict when this dry spell will actually start or how long it will last. February tends to be the hottest month of the year, with average afternoon temperatures around 31 degrees Celsius (88 degrees Fahrenheit), and it can often get even hotter than that.
March, April and May
In March, Shaba National Reserve usually starts to see the beginning of the long rainy season, which typically kicks off in the middle or late part of the month. Although it doesn’t rain continuously, short afternoon downpours are quite frequent. When April comes around, it’s the rainiest month of the season. This means that roads can get pretty slippery, making driving a bit tricky. On top of that, the temperatures in the afternoons hover around a warm 31-degree Celsius or 88-degree Fahrenheit.
