When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?

When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya?

When Is the Best Time to Visit Kenya? : Generally, the best time to visit Kenya depends on what you want to see and do, however the best time is June through October is generally the peak season – offering dry weather and cooler temperatures. Also, this is the time of years when massive herds of wildebeests, gazelles and zebras migrate from Tanzania into Masai Mara National Reserve, mainly in August and September.

That being said, every season offers its own perks. In this blog we offer all the information you need to know for an amazing Kenya Safari, including tips for where to go and what to do during every month of the year.

Month by Month Weather Guide

Weather in Kenya varies considerably through 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 throughout the country, although it is usually hotter on the Kenyan coast and cooler in elevated regions such as Chyulu Hills and Laikipia Plateau.

Here is a monthly guide to when is the best time to visit Kenya.

January

January is one of the warmest months in Kenya, with high temperatures ranging from 26–32ºC (79–90ºF) across the country. Also, it is 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. Also, it is a wonderful time to head to Kenya’s coastline.

February

Similar to January in terms of temperatures and weather, February is the second month of the summer dry season, so it can be quite hot, expect highs of around 27ºC (81ºF) in Nairobi City, 30ºC (86ºF) in Masai Mara National Reserve and even higher on the coast.

Popular destinations in Kenya tend to be less busy than they are in the longer dry seasons, so this is a great time to avoid the crowds.

March

In 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 is 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 National Park and the high 20sºC (low 80ºsF) in Masai Mara National Reserve.

April and May

In April, the long rains arrive 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.

June

June is the first month of the main dry season in Kenya, which is considered as 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 National Park 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.

July

In July, temperatures drop a few more degrees and the chance of rain decreases even further. This is the beginning of peak season in the Masai Mara, as the famous river crossings of the Great Migration begin their trek toward to end of the month.

The arrival of the migrating herds attract more visitors to Masai Mara National Reserve, if you are planning to witness this incredible wildlife spectacle we recommend booking your Great Migration Safari in advance.

August

The dry season in Kenya continues into August, with mild temperatures similar to those of the previous months. If you are hoping to see the Great Migration, visiting during this month will maximize 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 vegetation cover.

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 around 27ºC (81ºF) in the main protected wildlife areas and around 25ºC (77ºF) in Nairobi City.

The crowds start to thin out toward the end of the month, while the weather remains ideal.

October

October is the final month of Kenya’s main dry season with average temperatures that are 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.

In October, the migrating herds start returning to Tanzania, bringing the Great Migration in Kenya to an end in Kenya until next July.

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 rainer regions may close in November, particularly on the Laikipia Plateau.

December

Short rains in Kenya continue into December but tend to pour 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.

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 season falling in August or September, although it is difficult to predict exactly when the herds will arrive in the Maasai Mara.

Many tours and safaris in Kenya are focused on the incredible spectacle – the Great Migration which involves 1.5 million migrating wildebeests plus hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles following the rains through the Serengeti and Masai Mara, with predators in constant pursuit.

When is the rainy season in Kenya?

The main rainy season in Kenya is known as the long rains, beginning in March and peaks in April and ends in May. Also, there is 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 are less disruptive to outdoor activities and game drives.