Due to Kenya’s equatorial setting, the country enjoys year-round warm weather and relatively low annual rainfall. However, with a range of altitudes and the country’s two rainy seasons, it is possible you will experience some variation depending on when and where you visit. The temperatures vary greatly from Nairobi to Laikipia, and from Nakuru to the coastal regions.
We are experts in creating Kenyan safari and beach journeys, and find we often get asked the same questions from people planning their adventures. To help out, we’ve put together some practical planning FAQs to help you. If your question isn’t covered, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
This is a guide for the country as a whole, indicating good times to plan a holiday, taking into account popular places to visit, wildlife encounters and overall weather. Please remember that where in the country will vary depending on month of travel.
Kenya has two rainy seasons. The ‘short rains’ from November to December usually last around five weeks, while the ‘long rains’ occur between March and May; these include frequent downpours, cloud coverage and high humidity. Although temperatures will still be warm during this time and rains usually occur overnight, this is when visitor numbers are at their lowest (which may be a plus for some travellers).
Read more about each month on the following pages:
Plains game often give birth after the short rains, as they know food will be more plentiful for their young. Travel between December and February to see the calves.
These iconic predators can be seen year-round, but it is best to avoid April, May and November as the heavy rains and long grasses make wildlife-viewing difficult.
Vast herds of wildebeest and other accompanying herbivores can usually be seen between July and October in the Masai Mara, although the exact timing depends on weather conditions.
14% of Kenya's rhinos live in the Lewa Conservancy, where rangers protect the large mammals from poachers. It is best to avoid the months of April, May and November, as rain and mud can make travelling difficult.
There are two painted dog packs in Laikipia, both of which have members with radio collars, which makes it much easier to track these rare animals. They can be seen year-round, but it is best to avoid the rainy months of April, May and November.
This region of Kenya enjoys the most idyllic climate in the country, with temperatures averaging 20 °C. There are two rainy seasons, with the long rains falling from March to May and the short rains from mid-October to November, when you may see monthly rainfall top 200mm. Mount Kenya has its own climate, receiving the most amount of rainfall of anywhere in the country at up to 300mm. Average temperatures here decrease with altitude, lowering to 4 °C. Early mornings tend to be sunnier, with clouds forming around the mountains once the afternoon rolls around. It is easier to spot game during the dry seasons, as animals congregate around lakes, rivers and waterholes.
In contrast to the inland areas, the coastal strip of Kenya is perennially humid, with a higher average temperature of up to 30 °C. The optimum time to travel here is December to March when the weather is drier. Monsoon rains occur from April to June and again from October to November. The ocean breeze that sweeps the coastline here tempers the constant heat, making it far more comfortable.
The exact timing of this renowned natural event can never be guaranteed, as it is ultimately up to the whims of the wildebeest. The animals' movements can be estimated to a fair degree of accuracy however: they can arrive in the Masai Mara as early as July, but as a general rule they can be found in abundance between August and September, beginning their journey back to the Serengeti around October.
There are many cultural events throughout the year that ignite the whole country. Visitors are welcome to join in with festivities but should always observe religious and private gatherings from a respectful distance, unless otherwise invited of course! Of particular note are the Mombasa Carnival in November and the Ramadan celebrations of May/June.
Talk to one of our specialists for further details on travelling to Kenya.