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.
Talk to a Kenya Destination Specialist
When to Go to Kenya
- JAN
- FEB
- MAR
- APR
- MAY
- JUN
- JUL
- AUG
- SEP
- OCT
- NOV
- DEC
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.
Kenya climate guide
| Destination | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amboseli National Park |  | 30°C | 31°C | 30°C | 28°C | 26°C | 25°C | 24°C | 25°C | 27°C | 29°C | 29°C | 28°C |
 | 45mm | 56mm | 87mm | 146mm | 68mm | 13mm | 4mm | 5mm | 7mm | 31mm | 103mm | 80mm | |
| Masai Mara National Reserve | | 28°C | 28°C | 28°C | 27°C | 26°C | 26°C | 25°C | 26°C | 27°C | 28°C | 27°C | 27°C |
| 82mm | 95mm | 124mm | 166mm | 110mm | 59mm | 28mm | 44mm | 52mm | 56mm | 100mm | 111mm | |
| Nairobi | | 26°C | 27°C | 27°C | 25°C | 24°C | 23°C | 22°C | 23°C | 25°C | 26°C | 24°C | 25°C |
| 48mm | 49mm | 95mm | 200mm | 151mm | 37mm | 15mm | 21mm | 22mm | 52mm | 132mm | 83mm | |
| Samburu National Reserve | | 32°C | 34°C | 33°C | 32°C | 32°C | 32°C | 31°C | 31°C | 33°C | 33°C | 31°C | 31°C |
| 15mm | 21mm | 58mm | 113mm | 47mm | 4mm | 5mm | 5mm | 5mm | 53mm | 140mm | 57mm | |
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.