Mombasa holidays

When to go to Mombasa

Mombasa’s rainy season is split in two, with the heaviest downpours in April and May (the ‘big’ rainy season), and shorter-lived heavy spells in November and late December (the ‘small’ rainy season). And while Mombasa still has year-round sunshine and balmy temperatures up to 31C, if you’re after a beach break, it pays to choose your holiday dates outside the rainy months.

Late December, January and February tend to be the driest months in Mombasa, with highs of 31C. But with the sunny skies comes flocks of tourists, making this one of the pricier times for a holiday to Mombasa. August, when the Great Wildebeest Migration fills Kenya’s Maasai Mara plains, is also an expensive time to visit.

Temperatures are coolest between May and October, with an average of 24C. Kenya’s coldest month is July – if you’re looking for a cheap holiday to Mombasa without compromising on the weather, this is a good time to go. Whale-watching season also runs from July to September.

What to do in Mombasa

Looking for a city break experience that’s a little different from the norm? Or how about a classic fly and flop holiday? Maybe you’re after an African adventure with an Indian and Arabian twist? Well, a holiday to Mombasa brings you all that and more.

Fort Jesus

Perched on the waterfront overlooking the ocean, the 16th-century Fort Jesus was built by the Portuguese in 1593 to put a stamp on this tiny corner of Africa. In recent history, the British used the fort as a jail until it became a museum in the sixties.

Roam the fort's crumbling rooms with walls graffitied by Portuguese sailors and pop into the Oman House, which was added to the fort in the 18th century and features an exhibition of Omani jewellery and weaponry.

Spice Market

You'll smell the Spice Market before you’ll see it. Located in the Old Town, the atmospheric marketplace gives visitors a real sense of this vibrant African trading port.

“Smelling is for free” is the market’s motto, and you’ll hear traders shout the phrase as you peruse stalls packed with of cardamom pods, gold turmeric or scented curry powders. Hungry? Sample a hot bhajia (vegetable fritter) with coconut chutney or viazi karanga (spicy fried potatoes) from one of the street food stalls on Langoni Road.

Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple

Another must-see is the Shree Cutch Satsang Swaminarayan Temple on Haile Selassie Road. Also a cultural centre, the temple is a riot of colour and famous for its ornately carved, rainbow coloured doors.

It's a working temple so don't expect guided tours. Still, it's free to enter and very welcoming. Respect the space and the religion, and enjoy spending an hour in the temple's quiet serenity.

Nguuni Nature Sanctuary

Set in Mombasa's Nguu Tatu Hills just outside Bamburi, the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary gets you up close to some of Kenya's native wildlife. Less like a safari and more of a thriving reserve, the sanctuary is home to everything from hippos to owls.

In addition to seeing the animals up close, highlights of a trip to the sanctuary include spending time by a campfire and enjoying a sunset picnic under the watchful eye of giraffes.

Nyali Beach

Swaying palm trees, powdery white sands and warm turquoise seas, Nyali Beach is the perfect antidote to the hustle and bustle of Mombasa city centre.

One of the city's most popular beach suburbs, Nyali is the closest beach to Mombasa Island. Home to a golf course and numerous beach bars and restaurants, it’s also a popular spot for windsurfing and snorkelling, as well as being a launch point for sailing and dolphin-spotting trips.