ClickCeaseWhen to Go to Kenya - Natural World Safaris
  • Settings:
Menu

When to Go to Kenya

You can go to Kenya all year round, with the best months being January, February and July to October. Kenya enjoys year-round warm weather and relatively low annual rainfall due to Kenya’s equatorial setting. 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.

Dry Season - June to October in Kenya

The best time to visit Kenya is during the dry season between June and October. During this time, there are fantastic possibilities to see the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, when millions of wildebeests and zebras travel over the savannah.

Wet Season - November to May in Kenya

Known as the low season, this period of rain brings about beautiful green scenery, ideal for wildlife photography. This can be one of our favourite times due to the quieter parks, the green back drop and plentiful game and birdlife.

St Kenya Elephant Unsplash Aj Robbie
Scenicair Duncanwilletts Lake Magadi

Talk to a Kenya Destination Specialist

When to Go to Kenya


January

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 77°F, Lows - 55°F
  • Average Rainfall: 0.5

January is generally a warm and dry month in Kenya, with hot temperatures and low humidity. January is a great time to go on safari in Kenya, as wildlife is abundant and easily visible in the dry, open plains. Expect to see incredible birdlife and newborn animals during this period. It's also a great time to visit Kenya's beaches and coastal areas, as the weather is sunny and warm, and the sea is calm.

February

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 79°F, Lows - 57°F
  • Average Rainfall: 0.4

February is a great time to visit Kenya, as it's still a dry and sunny month with warm temperatures and low humidity. February is a great time to go on safari in Kenya, as wildlife is still abundant and easily visible in the dry, open plains. It's also a great time to visit the Kenyan Coast with good conditions for diving and snorkeling.

March

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 80°F, Lows - 59°F
  • Average Rainfall: 0.6

March is one of the warmest months in Kenya, with increasingly hot and humid weather. It's still a relatively dry month, although some areas may experience brief showers as the long rains begin. March is a low season for tourism in Kenya, which means that prices for accommodations and tours may be lower, and popular destinations may be less crowded.

April - Long Rains

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 77°F, Lows - 60°F
  • Average Rainfall: 3″

April marks the start of the long rains season in Kenya, which typically lasts until June. The weather can be unpredictable, with heavy rainfall in some areas, although other areas may still experience dry and sunny weather. April can still be a good time to go on safari in Kenya, as wildlife is still present, and the scenery can be lush and green. However, it's important to note that some parks and reserves may be closed due to heavy rainfall and flooding, and wildlife may be harder to spot due to the dense vegetation.

May - Long Rains

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 77°F, Lows - 60°F
  • Average Rainfall: 1.7″

May is the second month of the long rains season in Kenya, and the weather can be wet and unpredictable. The rainfall intensity may vary between regions, but most parts of the country experience significant amounts of rain, especially towards the beginning of the month. Due to the heavy rainfall, some dirt roads may become impassable, and some parks and reserves may be closed or difficult to access. However, the scenery can be lush and green, and there are still opportunities for wildlife viewing.

June - High Season

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 71°F, Lows - 59°F
  • Average Rainfall: 0

June marks the end of the long rains season in Kenya, and the temperatures begins to cool down as the weather transition towards the dry season. The weather in Kenya during June is generally sunny and dry, making it a good time to go on safari as scenery can still be lush and green, and there are good opportunities for wildlife viewing.

July - High Season

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 70°F, Lows - 57°F
  • Average Rainfall: 0.1

July is one of the driest and coolest months in Kenya, making it a popular time for tourism and outdoor activities. The weather in Kenya during July is generally sunny and dry, which provides excellent conditions for safari and wildlife viewing. The annual wildebeest migration also typically occurs during this time. July is a popular time to go to Kenya, so prices for accommodations and tours may be higher, and popular destinations can be crowded.

August - High Season

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 71°F, Lows - 57°F
  • Average Rainfall: 0.1

August is one of the driest and coolest months in Kenya, and the weather is generally sunny and dry, providing excellent conditions for safari and wildlife viewing. The Masai Mara may be crowded because of the peak holiday season and the annual wildebeest migration. Prices for accommodation may be higher and it is advisable to book well in advance.

September

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 77°F, Lows - 59°F
  • Average Rainfall: 0.6

September is a transitional month in Kenya, marking the end of the dry season and the start of the short rains season towards the end of the month. September is still a popular time for tourism in Kenya, especially for wildlife viewing, as the wildlife congregates around water sources. The second half of the month is a quieter time for safari.

October - Short Rains

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 77°F, Lows - 60°F
  • Average Rainfall: 1.4

October is the start of the short rains season in Kenya, and temperatures start to rise as the country moves towards the hot and humid season. The weather in Kenya during October can be unpredictable with occasional thunderstorms and showers. The vegetation starts to green up after the dry season, and there is a good balance of sunny and rainy weather.

November - Short Rains

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 73°F, Lows - 60°F
  • Average Rainfall: 5

November marks the height of the short rains season in Kenya, and the rains can be heavy and prolonged at times, especially in the coastal areas and highlands. Wildlife is active and the vegetation is lush and green. November is a good time for bird watching, as many species migrate to Kenya during this time.

December - Short Rains

  • Average Temperature: Highs - 75°F, Lows - 57°F
  • Average Rainfall – 1.3

December marks the end of the short rains season in Kenya, and temperatures continue to rise as the country moves towards the hot and humid season. The weather in Kenya during December is generally warm and dry, with occasional showers towards the end of the month. The vegetation is lush and green after the rains, expect newborn animals and incredible bird life. December is a popular time for tourism in Kenya, as it coincides with the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Kenya climate guide

DestinationJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Amboseli National Parktemperature30°C31°C30°C28°C26°C25°C24°C25°C27°C29°C29°C28°C
rainfall45mm56mm87mm146mm68mm13mm4mm5mm7mm31mm103mm80mm
Masai Mara National Reservetemperature28°C28°C28°C27°C26°C26°C25°C26°C27°C28°C27°C27°C
rainfall82mm95mm124mm166mm110mm59mm28mm44mm52mm56mm100mm111mm
Nairobitemperature26°C27°C27°C25°C24°C23°C22°C23°C25°C26°C24°C25°C
rainfall48mm49mm95mm200mm151mm37mm15mm21mm22mm52mm132mm83mm
Samburu National Reservetemperature32°C34°C33°C32°C32°C32°C31°C31°C33°C33°C31°C31°C
rainfall15mm21mm58mm113mm47mm4mm5mm5mm5mm53mm140mm57mm

What to Do, When in Kenya

Experience the Great Migration - June to October in Kenya

This long dry season coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, a great time to visit Kenya. The exact timing of this renowned natural event can never be guaranteed, as it is ultimately up to the whims of the wildebeest, but it goes without saying that this is one of the best times to visit Kenya if you are wanting impactful wildlife events! The animals' movements can be estimated to a fair degree of accuracy, however: they can arrive in the Masai Mara as early as July, and generally can be found in abundance between August and September, beginning their journey back to the Serengeti around October. This is a spectacular event where you can witness river crossings and predator-prey interactions.

Kenyan Coast – December to March in Kenya

Enjoy the warm coastal weather with fewer crowds. Relax on the white sandy beaches of Diani Beach, ideal for snorkeling and kite surfing. Watamu is perfect for exploring the coral reefs and marine life, with excellent conditions for diving and snorkeling.

Experience Kenyan Culture

There are many cultural events throughout the year that ignite the whole country. Ramadan celebrations are in May and June, and the Mombasa Carnival is in November. June is also a popular time for cultural events in Kenya, including the annual Lamu Cultural Festival and the Madaraka Day celebrations.

Contact a Kenya Safari Specialist Today

Contact our experts to determine the best time for you to visit Kenya based on your own preferences of where you would like to visit. We can tailor a unique itinerary that avoids the crowds during your chosen travel period.