Kenya Agricultural Calendar
Know exactly when to plant and harvest every crop in Kenya
Interactive farming calendar with long rains, short rains, and regional planting schedules for maximum yields
December 2025
Short Rains Season
Secondary growing season - crucial for marginal agricultural areas
Rainfall: October to December
All Activities
Potatoes (Irish Potatoes)
🌾 Harvesting SeasonCarrots
🌾 Harvesting SeasonMonthly Insights
Key Activities:
- •Harvest highland long-rains maize
- •Final weeding for short-rains crops
- •Year-end crop assessment
- •Planning for next season
Season:
Short Rains End
Expected Weather:
Rainfall: Decreasing
Temperature: Moderate
Understanding Kenya's Agricultural Seasons
Long Rains Season
Period: March to May
Importance: Accounts for 70% of Kenya's annual crop production
Best For: Maize, beans, potatoes, wheat, and most staple crops
Planting Window: March-April (plant as soon as rains start)
Harvest Period: June-September
💡 Pro Tip: March is the busiest planting month. Have your seeds and fertilizer ready!
Short Rains Season
Period: October to December
Importance: Critical for marginal agricultural areas (ASALs)
Best For: Green grams, cowpeas, sorghum, fast-maturing crops
Planting Window: October-November
Harvest Period: December-February
💡 Pro Tip: Short rains are more important than long rains in Eastern Kenya's semi-arid areas!
Kenya's Three Agricultural Climate Zones
Highland Regions (Unimodal)
Counties:
Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Elgeyo-Marakwet, Nandi, Kericho, Laikipia, Meru, Nyeri, Nyandarua, Nakuru
Altitude:
Above 1,500m
Farming Pattern:
Single main planting season (March-April) with harvest in November-December
Medium Altitude Regions (Bimodal)
Counties:
Western, Nyanza, Central, Parts of Eastern
Altitude:
1,000m - 1,500m
Farming Pattern:
Two distinct planting seasons - Long rains (March-April) and Short rains (September-October)
Marginal Agricultural Areas
Counties:
Machakos, Makueni, Kitui, Coastal regions
Altitude:
Below 1,000m or arid/semi-arid
Farming Pattern:
Short rains season is primary - October-November planting
When to Plant Popular Crops in Kenya
Maize (Corn)
4-6 months
Long Rains:
Plant: Mar, Apr | Harvest: Aug, Sep
Short Rains:
Plant: Oct, Nov | Harvest: Jan, Feb
Beans (Common Beans)
2.5-4 months
Long Rains:
Plant: Mar, Apr | Harvest: Jun, Jul
Short Rains:
Plant: Oct, Nov | Harvest: Jan, Feb
Green Grams (Mung Beans)
2.5-3 months
Long Rains:
Plant: Mar, Apr | Harvest: Jun, Jul
Short Rains:
Plant: Oct, Nov | Harvest: Jan, Feb
Potatoes (Irish Potatoes)
3-4 months
Long Rains:
Plant: Mar, Apr | Harvest: Jun, Jul
Short Rains:
Plant: Sep, Oct | Harvest: Dec, Jan
Wheat
4-5 months
Long Rains:
Plant: Mar, Apr | Harvest: Aug, Sep
Short Rains:
Plant: Oct, Nov | Harvest: Feb, Mar
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to plant maize in Kenya?
Plant maize at the start of the long rains (March-April) or short rains (October-November). March is typically the ideal month as it coincides with the beginning of the long rains season, which provides optimal growing conditions. Highland areas may have slightly different timing.
What are long rains and short rains in Kenya?
Long rains occur from March to May and are the main growing season, accounting for 70% of Kenya's crop production. Short rains occur from October to December and are especially important for eastern and marginal agricultural areas. These two rainy seasons define Kenya's bimodal agricultural calendar.
Which crops grow best during short rains in Kenya?
Short rains are ideal for fast-maturing and drought-tolerant crops like green grams (mung beans), cowpeas, beans, and sorghum. These crops mature in 2.5-4 months, perfect for the shorter rainy period. Eastern Kenya counties (Machakos, Makueni, Kitui) particularly rely on short rains crops.
What is the difference between unimodal and bimodal farming in Kenya?
Bimodal farming (medium altitude areas) has two distinct planting seasons per year - long rains and short rains. Unimodal farming (highland areas above 1,500m like Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu) has one main planting season during long rains with harvest extending to December.
When should I plant potatoes in Kenya?
Plant potatoes at the start of the long rains (March-April) for harvest in June-July, or during short rains (September-October) for harvest in December-January. Potatoes thrive in cooler highland areas like Nyandarua, Meru, and Nyeri counties. They take 3-4 months to mature.
Can I plant crops year-round in Kenya?
Yes! Vegetables like kale (sukuma wiki), cabbage, spinach, and tomatoes can be planted year-round with irrigation. However, yields are best when planted during rainy seasons (March-April or October-November). Major staple crops like maize and beans are seasonal and depend on rainfall.
What crops should farmers in Eastern Kenya focus on?
Eastern Kenya (Machakos, Makueni, Kitui) is semi-arid, so focus on drought-tolerant crops: green grams, cowpeas, sorghum, millet, and pigeon peas. These crops perform better during the short rains season, which is more reliable than long rains in these marginal agricultural areas.
How accurate is this agricultural calendar?
This calendar is based on KALRO (Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization) data, historical weather patterns, and decades of farming experience across Kenya. However, climate variability means you should also monitor local weather forecasts and consult county agricultural extension officers for the most current recommendations for your specific location.
Ready to Maximize Your Farm Yields?
Use our agricultural calculators to plan your planting, estimate yields, and calculate costs
Related Calculators
How Many Bags of Maize Per Acre in Kenya 2025 | Maize Yield Calculator
Calculate exact maize yield per acre in Kenya. Get accurate estimates for bags of maize per acre based on region, variety, fertilizer use, and farming practices. Free calculator with 2025 KNBS data.
How Many Bags of Beans Per Acre in Kenya 2025 | Bean Yield Calculator
Calculate exact bean yield per acre in Kenya. Get accurate estimates for bags of beans per acre based on region, variety, fertilizer, and farming practices. Free calculator with 2025 KNBS data.
How Many Bags of Potatoes Per Acre in Kenya 2025 | Potato Yield Calculator
Calculate exact potato yield per acre in Kenya. Get accurate estimates for bags of Irish potatoes per acre based on region, variety, fertilizer, and farming practices. Free calculator with 2025 KNBS data.
How Many Bags of Wheat Per Acre in Kenya 2025 | Wheat Yield Calculator
Calculate exact wheat yield per acre in Kenya. Regional data for Rift Valley, Central Kenya wheat production. Free calculator with 2025 data.
How Many Bags of Green Grams Per Acre in Kenya 2025 | Ndengu Yield Calculator
Calculate green gram (ndengu) yield per acre in Kenya. Drought-tolerant crop for Eastern Kenya and arid areas. Free calculator with 2025 data.
Fertilizer Top Calculator 2025 | NPK, DAP, CAN & Manure Calculator
Free fertilizer calculator for Kenya farmers. Calculate DAP, CAN, NPK, and manure requirements per acre/hectare for maize, beans, wheat, vegetables, and tea.
Why You Need Kenya's Agricultural Calendar
Kenya's agricultural success depends on timing. With 98% of farming being rain-fed, knowing exactly when to plant and harvest can mean the difference between bumper yields and crop failure. This interactive agricultural calendar combines traditional farming knowledge with modern meteorological data to give you precise planting and harvesting schedules.
Benefits of Following the Agricultural Calendar
- Maximize Yields: Plant at optimal times when soil moisture and temperatures are ideal
- Reduce Crop Losses: Avoid planting too early (before rains) or too late (after rains end)
- Plan Resources: Know when to purchase seeds, fertilizer, and arrange labor
- Manage Cash Flow: Predict harvest times for better market planning
- Climate Adaptation: Understand regional variations and adjust accordingly
- Educational Tool: Learn traditional farming cycles and seasonal patterns
Understanding Kenya's Rainfall Patterns
Kenya experiences a bimodal rainfall pattern in most agricultural areas, with two distinct wet seasons. The long rains (March-May) are heavier and more reliable, making them ideal for staple crops like maize and wheat. The short rains (October-December) are lighter but crucial for eastern and coastal regions where they're the primary growing season.
Regional Farming Differences
Kenya's diverse geography creates three main agricultural zones. Highland regions (above 1,500m) like Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu follow a unimodal pattern with one main season. Medium altitude areas (1,000-1,500m) in Western, Nyanza, and Central Kenya utilize both rainy seasons. Marginal areas (below 1,000m or arid zones) in Eastern Kenya rely heavily on short rains and drought-resistant crops.
Climate Change Considerations
While this calendar provides reliable historical patterns, climate variability is increasing. Always supplement this calendar with current seasonal forecasts from Kenya Meteorological Department, ICPAC (IGAD Climate Prediction and Applications Centre), and local agricultural extension services. Consider climate-smart agriculture practices and drought-tolerant crop varieties where appropriate.