The best time to visit Kenya is from June to October when there’s virtually no rain and daytime temperatures are not too hot. However, with a diverse geography and a moderate climate, Kenya is considered a great year-round safari and beach holiday destination.
Most Kenya safari destinations are also at their best between January and the end of March; the climate is mild, mostly dry, and game viewing is fantastic. A rainy season visit – between mid-March to June and again between November and December – is well worth considering. You’ll avoid the peak-season crowds and take advantage of lower, off-season rates for safari lodges in Kenya.
The best time to visit Kenya’s renowned beach destinations is a moot point: Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline is hot and very humid all year round and rainfall can occur at any time.
Month-by-Month Guide for Travelling to Kenya:
Visiting Kenya in January & February
January is a great time to visit Kenya for game viewing and is the height of the summer season. January lies outside of the two notable ‘long’ and ‘short’ rain periods and is a good time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, but the temperatures are high.
February is another great month for a Kenya safari, the central highlands are warm in the day and cool in the evening, while the coast is extremely hot in the daytime and temperatures follow suit in the evening. February experiences the lowest levels of precipitation in the Masai Mara, compared to the rest of the year, and the chances of encountering wild species at watering holes are higher. February is where to go in Kenya to conquer Africa’s second-highest peak, Mount Kenya.
Traveling to Kenya from March to May
In March, the weather transitions quite quickly from ‘hot and dry’ to ‘wet and rainy’. Rain is commonplace throughout large parts of the country, and the savannah often becomes a muddy landscape – with some areas difficult to visit due to impassible roads. The silver lining to the less-than-ideal weather is that crowds are absent and costs are lower.
April is one of the wettest and rainiest months in Kenya. Nairobi and the central highlands are hot in the day and comfortable at night, while Mombasa is hot both in the day and at night. Game drives can be challenging on muddy roads this month, but it’s a fantastic time for photographers to go on safari. There is no dust, the landscape is lush and beautifully green, and the skies provide moody backdrops for incredible wildlife images. Just be sure to protect your equipment from the elements!
In May the long rains have settled in to quench the African plains, and along the coastline, the beaches are no longer a sunshine paradise. It’s not an ideal time for a powder-soft sand, ocean escape.
Travelling to Kenya from June to October
The months of June through to October mark the start of the long dry season, which is regarded as the best time to go to Kenya for a truly ‘Out of Africa’ safari experience. The weather is at its best in these dry months, wildlife congregates around water sources, and there is an air of anticipation for the arrival of the Great Migration’s mega-herds into the Masai Mara.
Towards the end of July is when the herds of Mother Nature’s greatest spectacle start arriving in the Masai Mara and when you could have a front-row seat to dramatic river crossings. The weather is temperate and dry but not too dusty, and occasional bouts of showers are still possible.
In August, the Great Migration is at its height. Temperatures are pleasant, and awe-inspiring action can be witnessed when thousands of zebras and wildebeest perform their death-defying river crossings, with hungry crocodiles in wait. The weather is generally dry in September and the game-viewing action continues.
In October, the migratory herds usually start leaving the Masai Mara, but Kenya has no shortage of resident wildlife that will keep safari enthusiasts delighted in the Big 5 country.
Visiting Kenya between November & December
November is the start of the short rainy season and most of the parks and camps remain open, while some camps close on the Laikipia Plateau. Despite the rain, this is a good time to take the opportunity to enjoy a less crowded Kenya safari at lower prices.
The last month of the year can be very hot with potential rain, but viewing the local wildlife is – as it always is – spectacular. December is also great for birdwatchers as bird numbers increase greatly at this time of the year.
Ready to Start Planning Your Visit to Kenya?
Chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our African Safari Experts to help tailor-make a trip that’s right for you.
