Why low season is great in watamu

By the Discover Watamu team

While most travelers flock to Watamu during the high season, the low season offers an array of unique benefits that can make your trip even more enjoyable. In this blog, we'll explore why visiting Watamu during the low season is a fantastic idea! 

Fewer Crowds, More Tranquility

One of the most significant advantages of visiting Watamu during the low season is the absence of people! Popular attractions, beaches, and restaurants are less crowded, allowing you to enjoy a more relaxed and tranquil vacation.

Peaceful Beaches

During the high season, Watamu's beaches can be bustling with tourists. In contrast, the low season offers a more serene experience. You can find quiet spots on the beach where you can unwind, sunbathe, and take leisurely walks without so much hustle and bustle. Discover Watamu's beachfront properties provide easy access to these peaceful beaches, ensuring a relaxing stay. 

Exclusive Experiences

With fewer visitors around, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy more exclusive and personalised experiences. Whether it's a guided tour of the Gede Ruins or a snorkeling adventure in Watamu Marine National Park, you'll receive more attention and care from guides and service providers. Make sure to keep an eye out for Discover Watamu’s glass bottom boats 🙂

Lower Prices and Great Deals

Traveling during the low season often means lower prices for accommodations, flights, and activities. This can make your trip to Watamu more affordable and allow you to enjoy luxury experiences at a fraction of the cost.

Accommodation Discounts

Many hotels, resorts, and holiday rentals offer significant discounts during the low season to attract visitors. This means you can stay in our Beautiful Properties, at reduced rates. Imagine enjoying a beachfront house with a stunning pool for a fraction of the cost in the high season!

Flight and Activity Savings

Airlines and tour operators also lower their prices during the low season. You can find cheaper flights to Malindi or Mombasa, making it more significantly more economical to reach Watamu. Additionally, activities such as diving, snorkeling, and safaris often come with discounts, allowing you to make the most of your budget.

Ideal Weather for Exploration

While the high season is characterised by hot and dry weather, the low season in Watamu, typically between April to June, brings more moderate temperatures and occasional rains. This weather can be ideal for various outdoor activities and exploration.

Comfortable Temperatures

The slightly cooler temperatures during the low season make it comfortable to explore Watamu's natural attractions, such as the Arabuko Sokoke Forest and Mida Creek. You can enjoy nature walks, bird watching, and other outdoor activities without the intense heat of the high season. Have a look at our other blogs on Arabuko Sokoke, or things to do in Watamu to learn more about these activities. And trust us when we say it is a lot more comfortable exploring Arabuko Sokoke in the cooler weather!

Refreshing Rains

The occasional rains during the low season bring a refreshing change to the landscape. The rains help cool down the atmosphere, making it pleasant for sightseeing and activities. Plus, the rains often come in short bursts, allowing plenty of time for sunshine and outdoor fun. 

Rich Wildlife and Bird Watching

Watamu's diverse ecosystems come alive during the low season, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife and bird watching. The lush greenery and water sources attract various species, making it a prime time for nature enthusiasts.

Bird Watching

The low season coincides with the migration period for many bird species. Watamu and the surrounding areas, such as Arabuko Sokoke Forest, become a haven for bird watchers. You can spot rare and exotic birds, including the Sokoke Scops Owl, Clarke's Weaver, and the Malindi Pipit. Discover Watamu's eco-friendly lodges provide the perfect base for bird-watching excursions.

Marine Life

The cooler waters and less crowded marine parks during the low season provide a thriving environment for marine life. Snorkeling and diving trips can be particularly rewarding, with better chances of encountering dolphins, turtles, and a variety of fish species in their natural habitat.

Authentic Local Experiences

With fewer tourists around, you can immerse yourself in more authentic local experiences. Interacting with locals and participating in cultural activities can provide deeper insights into the life and traditions of Watamu.

Cultural Immersion

Visiting local markets, attending traditional ceremonies, and exploring nearby villages can be more intimate and meaningful during the low season. The locals are more relaxed and have more time to share their stories and traditions with you. 

Community Support

Traveling during the low season helps support the local economy when it needs it the most. Your visit can make a significant impact on local businesses, artisans, and service providers, contributing to the community's well-being.Single Person Stays

For solo travelers or individuals looking for a peaceful retreat, Discover Watamu offers properties that cater specifically to single-person stays. These accommodations provide a comfortable and serene environment with all the necessary amenities. Look at this brand new one just uploaded to our website;

Unique Festivals and Events

Watamu hosts several festivals and events throughout the year, some of which occur during the low season. These events can provide unique and enriching experiences for visitors.

Watamu Cultural Festival

Held annually, the Watamu Cultural Festival showcases the rich heritage and traditions of the coastal communities. The festival features music, dance, art, and cuisine, offering a vibrant and immersive cultural experience. Discover Watamu can help you plan your visit around this event for an unforgettable experience.

Turtle Release Programs

The low season is an excellent time to participate in turtle release programs organised by local conservation groups, such as Local Ocean Co. These programs allow you to witness and support the conservation efforts for endangered sea turtles, providing a rewarding and educational experience.

Ideal Conditions for Kitesurfing

Watamu's low season is a fantastic time for kitesurfing enthusiasts. The consistent winds and less crowded beaches create perfect conditions to learn and practice water sports.

Perfect Winds

The low season, especially from April to June, brings steady winds that are ideal for kitesurfing. These winds create excellent conditions for both beginners and experienced kitesurfers to enjoy the waves and perfect their skills.

Less Crowded Beaches

With fewer tourists around, the beaches are less crowded, providing ample space for kitesurfing. You can enjoy uninterrupted sessions on the water without the high-season crowds.

Expert Guidance

Tribe Watersports, a renowned kitesurfing school in Watamu, offers professional lessons and equipment rentals. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or an experienced kitesurfer aiming to improve your techniques, Tribe Watersports provides expert guidance to help you make the most of your kitesurfing experience. Check out Tribe Watersports for more information and to book your sessions.

Relaxation and Wellness

The tranquil environment and slower pace of the low season make it an excellent time for relaxation and wellness. Watamu offers various options for rejuvenating your mind and body.

Spa and Wellness Retreats

Many resorts and hotels in Watamu offer spa and wellness services. During the low season, you can enjoy these treatments without the high season rush, ensuring a more personalized and relaxing experience. Discover Watamu can recommend and book the best wellness retreats for you.

Yoga and Meditation

Join yoga and meditation sessions on the beach or in serene natural settings. The peaceful atmosphere of the low season enhances the benefits of these practices, helping you to unwind and find inner peace.

Peaceful Living for Homeowners

For those who own homes in Watamu, the low season is a particularly wonderful time. The quieter atmosphere allows homeowners to fully enjoy their properties in peace and tranquility. The serene environment is perfect for unwinding, making improvements to your property, or simply enjoying the natural beauty without the influx of tourists.

Considering a Property Purchase?

If you're considering purchasing a property in Watamu, the low season is an excellent time to explore the market. With less competition from other buyers, you can take your time to find the perfect home. Discover Watamu offers a variety of properties for sale to suit different preferences and budgets. Have a look at them here.

Conclusion

There’s so many good reasons to come down to Watamu in the low season; it’s perfect for those who love a quieter and more tranquil environment. It’s a completely different experience when you compare it to peak high season, and many people we know prefer it. Please have a look at some of our rentals available and consider coming down to Watamu in April, May and June and experience it for yourself! Have a look at our houses for rent here, or houses for sale here.