When is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?
Last updated: December 18th, 2024
Kenya is a country of remarkable diversity, from its vastly varied landscapes to its dozens of Indigenous cultures and languages. Across its savannahs, rainforests, mountain ranges and coastlines, an endless array of wonders await. Wildlife seekers are drawn here to spot the Big Five and witness the Great Migration, one of the world’s most astonishing natural spectacles.
The best time to visit Kenya depends on what you want to see and do, but June through October is generally considered the peak season. Offering dry weather and cooler temperatures, this is also the time of year when massive herds of wildebeests, zebras and gazelles migrate from Tanzania into the Maasai Mara, mainly in August and September.
That said, every season offers its own perks. We’ve collected some insider knowledge from our expert travel designers to create this detailed climate guide to Kenya, including tips for where to go and what to do during every month of the year.
Kenya Month-by-Month Weather Guide
The weather in Kenya varies considerably throughout the year. There are two dry seasons, one longer than the other, as well as two wet seasons: the long rains and the short rains. Temperatures are relatively consistent across the country, although it’s usually hotter on the Kenyan coast and cooler in elevated regions such as Laikipia and Chyulu Hills. Here’s a monthly guide to help you know what to expect.
Kenya in January
January is one of the warmest months in Kenya, with high temperatures ranging from 26–32ºC (79–90ºF) across the country. It’s also the beginning of the shorter dry season, which coincides with summer (December to March) and only lasts for a couple of months. The lack of rainfall makes this a great time for safaris and wildlife viewing. It’s also a wonderful time to head to the country’s coastline.
Kenya in February
February is similar to January in terms of temperatures and weather. It’s the second month of the summer dry season, so it can be quite hot; expect highs of around 27ºC (81ºF) in Nairobi, 30ºC (86ºF) in the Maasai Mara and even higher on the coast. Popular destinations tend to be less busy than they are in the longer dry season, so this is a great time to avoid the crowds.
Kenya in March
By March, Kenya’s short summer dry season is starting to give way to rainy weather. The long rains often begin in this month, so it’s not ideal for safaris and outdoor exploration – although it is still possible to see wildlife, especially early in the month. Temperatures remain warm, with highs around 31ºC (88ºF) in Amboseli and the high 20sºC (low 80ºsF) in the Maasai Mara.
Kenya in April and May
The long rains arrive in earnest in April and continue through May. This isn’t the best time for safaris, as roads can be very muddy and even inaccessible. On the other hand, the relentless rain showers turn the landscapes bright green. The weather is hot and humid, though it starts to cool down a bit in May. Keep in mind that some camps and lodges close down in these months.
Kenya in June
June is the first month of the main dry season, which is the best time to visit Kenya for safaris. Temperatures start to drop, though average highs remain in the mid-20sºC (upper 70sºF) in both Amboseli and the Maasai Mara. Rain showers are rare but not unheard of and the foliage has yet to thin out after the long rains. June is usually a bit less crowded than the following months.
Kenya in July
Temperatures drop a few more degrees in July and the chance of rain decreases even further. This is the beginning of peak season in the Maasai Mara, as the famous river crossings of the Great Migration begin toward the end of the month. The arrival of the migrating herds also attracts more visitors; we recommend speaking with your travel designer to explore the many incredible alternative wildlife activities.
Kenya in August
The dry season continues into August, with mild temperatures similar to those of the previous months. If you’re hoping to see the Great Migration, visiting during this month will maximise your chances of witnessing a river crossing. Rainfall is unlikely and the landscapes are dry, meaning animals tend to converge on water sources and are easier to spot through the sparse foliage.
Kenya in September
September is a fantastic month to visit Kenya for safaris. The dry season is still in full swing, with temperatures rising just slightly as the month goes on. Expect average highs around 27ºC (81ºF) in the main wildlife areas and around 25ºC (77ºF) in Nairobi. The crowds start to thin out toward the end of the month, while the weather remains ideal.
Kenya in October
October is the final month of Kenya’s main dry season. Average temperatures may be just a couple of degrees higher than those of September and the chance of rain is still low, although showers are possible as the season of the short rains approaches. This is when the migrating herds start returning to Tanzania, bringing the Great Migration in Kenya to a close in Kenya until next July.
Kenya in November
November marks the start of a second, shorter rainy season in Kenya, known as the short rains. Although the chance of rainfall increases, the showers themselves tend to be shorter than those of the long rains, so safaris are still possible. The only thing to keep in mind is that some camps in rainier regions may close in November, particularly on the Laikipia Plateau.
Kenya in December
Kenya’s short rains continue into December but tend to peter out around the middle of the month. Temperatures are warm but bearable, with highs around 27–31ºC (81–88ºF) across the country. This can be a good time to avoid peak season crowds – although it does get busy again around Christmas – and experience the green season without intense rainfall.
The Best Things to Do in Kenya by Season
Although the wildlife is what attracts most travellers to Kenya, there’s plenty to do here besides game viewing. Some months offer better conditions for certain activities, whether you’re hoping to spot rare bird species, snap spectacular photos or dive into the Indian Ocean. Here are the best things to do in Kenya by season – including safaris, of course.
Spectacular safaris
The best time to go on safari in Kenya is from June to October, during the main dry season. The combination of high visibility and relatively scarce water sources makes it much easier to spot wildlife. This is also when the Great Migration comes to Kenya with the migrating herds crossing the Mara River from July to October, with the peak in August and September.
Brilliant birdwatching
Beyond the Big Five and majestic mammals, Kenya is also home to more than a thousand bird species. You can go birdwatching year round, but October to April is the best season to spot migratory birds and many different species at once. If you’re hoping to see the famous flamingos of Lake Nakuru, plan for the drier months of December–February or July–September.
Coastal adventures
The southeastern side of Kenya boasts a gorgeous coastline that perfectly combines with the classic safari experience. The best time to visit coastal destinations like the Lamu Archipelago is during the hot dry season from mid-December to early March, although the main dry season is also a good choice. You can snorkel, scuba dive or simply relax in the sun.
Phenomenal photo opportunities
Although we don’t generally recommend visiting Kenya during the wet season, avid photographers will appreciate the dramatic skies and lush landscapes that the rain brings. If you’re willing to brave the long rains, April and May promise beautiful scenery. But November or December may be a slightly drier choice, offering similarly gorgeous scenes and usually lighter rainfall.
When is the best time to see the Great Migration in Kenya?
The best time to see the Great Migration in Kenya is from July to October, with the peak falling in August or September – although it’s difficult to predict exactly when the herds will arrive in the Maasai Mara. Many tours and safaris in Kenya are focused on this staggering spectacle, which involves 1.5 million migrating wildebeests (plus hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles) following the rains through the Serengeti and Maasai Mara, with predators in constant pursuit.
Jacada are committed to offering our guests exceptional wildlife experiences while caring for the regions we travel to. Speak with our experienced travel designers and discuss alternative ways to witness the migration, away from the huge crowds that visit during July and August. You can also discover a multitude of lesser-known wildlife experiences in Kenya and beyond, which leave a lighter footprint.
When is the rainy season in Kenya?
Kenya’s main rainy season, known as the long rains, begins in March and peaks in April and ends in May. There’s also a second rainy season – the short rains – in November and December. The long rains are more intense and continuous, making this time of year less than ideal for a classic African safari in Kenya (although it does boast beautifully verdant scenery). The short rains tend to be more sporadic, which means they’re less disruptive to outdoor activities and game drives.
Whatever you want from your trip to Kenya, our team of expert travel designers are ready to help.
