Diani Beach at a glance
- Where
- Kwale County on Kenya’s south coast, about 30 km south of Mombasa
- Beach
- Roughly 17 km of white sand, sheltered by a coral reef
- Airport
- Ukunda airstrip in Diani, or Moi International Airport in Mombasa
- Known for
- Calm lagoons, kitesurfing, snorkelling, dolphins and colobus monkeys
- Best months
- December to March, and July to October
- Water
- Warm all year, roughly 25 to 29 °C
- Ideal stay
- 3 to 5 nights
- Pairs with
- Tsavo, Amboseli, Masai Mara
Things to do in Diani
Dolphins at Kisite-Mpunguti
A dhow trip from Shimoni into Kisite-Mpunguti Marine National Park, with snorkelling on the reef, dolphins most days and lunch on Wasini Island.
Kitesurfing and the reef
Steady trade winds make Diani one of East Africa’s best kitesurfing spots. Calmer days are perfect for snorkelling, paddleboarding and glass-bottom boats.
Colobus and Shimba Hills
Visit Colobus Conservation, which protects Diani’s black-and-white colobus monkeys, or drive inland to Shimba Hills National Reserve for sable antelope and forest waterfalls.
Tides matter
The Indian Ocean tide here is large. At low tide the lagoon is shallow and warm, at high tide the water reaches far up the beach. We plan snorkelling and boat trips around the tide table.
Best time to visit Diani Beach
- JanHot, dry
- FebHot, dry
- MarHot
- AprHumid
- MayRains
- JunRains
- JulBreezy
- AugDry
- SepDry
- OctDry
- NovShowers
- DecWarm
- December to March. Hot, sunny and calm, with the best visibility for snorkelling. Busy over Christmas and New Year.
- July to October. Slightly cooler, breezy and dry: ideal after a migration safari in the Masai Mara.
- April to June. The long rains. Humid, with heavy showers and some hotels closed or discounted.
Getting there
- From a safari in Tsavo: about 3 to 4 hours by road to Diani.
- From Nairobi by air: about an hour to Ukunda or Mombasa.
- From Nairobi by train: the Madaraka Express runs to Mombasa in about 5 to 6 hours, then a transfer to Diani.
Prefer a car-free island with old Swahili streets? Compare Lamu, or cross to Tanzania for Zanzibar.
Where to stay in Diani
Diani is long, and where you stay changes the feel of your holiday.
- Central Diani. The busiest section, with restaurants, dive centres and kitesurf schools within walking distance.
- Galu and Kinondo, to the south. Quieter, with wide beaches and smaller boutique hotels. Close to Shimoni for dolphin trips.
- Tiwi, to the north. Rocky coves and rock pools, good for a secluded stay.
Diani, Lamu or Zanzibar?
Safari and Diani Beach holidays
- 8daysKenya Safari and Diani BeachFrom US$2,650 pp
- 6daysAmboseli and Tsavo, ending in MombasaFrom US$2,400 pp
Tell us your dates and we will match a beach hotel to your safari.
Sources
- Kenya Wildlife Service: Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park. Marine park facts.
- Colobus Conservation. Diani’s colobus monkeys.
- Kenya Wildlife Service: Shimba Hills National Reserve. Reserve facts.
Seasons and travel times come from our own team. Last reviewed November 2026.
