Wondering when is the best time to go to Kenya? The good news is that Kenya is a year-round safari destination, with something unique to offer in every season. Thanks to its equatorial location, the country enjoys consistently warm temperatures and moderate rainfall throughout the year. However, the best time to visit Kenya for a classic safari holiday is during the dry seasons, particularly from January to February and July to October, when wildlife viewing is at its peak. These months offer excellent conditions for spotting the Big Five, witnessing the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, and enjoying clear skies and pleasant weather. That said, even during the wetter months, Kenya's landscapes are lush and vibrant, birdlife is abundant, and safari parks are quieter, making it an appealing time for photographers and seasoned travellers alike.
Different regions of Kenya offer unique experiences depending on the time of year. The Masai Mara is world-renowned for hosting the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration, best witnessed between July and October. For those looking to explore beyond the Mara, Amboseli National Park is spectacular in the drier months, with clear views of Mount Kilimanjaro and large herds of elephants congregating around shrinking water sources. If you’re planning a more relaxed Kenya safari holiday that includes time on the coast, the best time to visit Kenya’s beaches, such as Diani, Watamu, and Lamu, is between December and March, when the Indian Ocean is warm and calm. Whether you’re tracking wildlife on the savannah or snorkelling along coral reefs, knowing when to go to Kenya ensures your safari is timed for the best possible experiences.
January
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
The dry season from June to October is widely regarded as the best time to visit Kenya for a safari holiday. With minimal rainfall and sparse vegetation, wildlife is easier to spot as animals gather around the remaining water sources, making this a prime period for game viewing across Kenya’s national parks and reserves. This season also coincides with the legendary Great Migration in the Masai Mara, where over two million wildebeest, zebras and gazelles cross the plains in search of fresh grazing, often resulting in dramatic predator encounters and thrilling river crossings. The dry months offer comfortable daytime temperatures, low humidity, and clear skies, creating ideal conditions for both first-time travellers and seasoned safari-goers seeking unforgettable wildlife experiences. If you're planning a Kenya safari holiday focused on the Big Five or the Great Migration, this is the time to go.
The wet season in Kenya, which runs from November to May, is often referred to as the green or low season. While there may be occasional heavy showers, particularly during the long rains of March to May, this time of year brings a lush, vibrant transformation to the landscape. It’s a particularly rewarding period for wildlife photography in Kenya, with dramatic skies, rich colours, and flourishing vegetation creating stunning backdrops for your images. Birdwatching is also exceptional, with migratory species arriving in large numbers. Additionally, this is the calving season for many herbivores, offering the chance to witness newborn animals and predator activity in quieter parks. Fewer visitors mean more intimate wildlife encounters, better value on luxury lodges, and a more peaceful atmosphere overall. For those seeking a more exclusive, immersive safari, the green season can be one of the most rewarding times for a Kenya safari holiday.
The perfect balance of world class wildlife viewing and total relaxation as you traverse the exclusive Mara Triangle on safari and lie by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean in your exclusive private villa.
From 15500 per person
Start your adventure with a stay at the iconic Giraffe Manor hotel, a chance to feed endangered Rothschild Giraffe right from your breakfast table!
From 14000 per person
Take in the best of Kenya in ultimate luxury. Head up to the Laikipia Plateau for exclusivity and adventure, spending your days exploring the vast terrain on game drives, nature walks, camel safaris or on horseback. Finally head to the iconic Masai Mara and stay here or in one of the surrounding private conservancies.
From 21500 per person| 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 | |
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.
Enjoy the warm coastal weather on the Kenyan coast 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.
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.
Wildlife Specialists
Wildlife remains our primary focus. We ensure your accommodation is carefully selected as the very best place to stay for front-row wildlife spectacles for the time of the year you are travelling. We want you to experience wild Kenya at its very best, listening out at night for the saw-like grunt of a leopard, or the deep bone trembling roar of lions.
Wealth of Experience
Natural World Safaris has a long-established pedigree in Africa, starting in 2005 after our CEO and Founder Will Bolsover had spent many years guiding on the continent. We maintain close relationships with our partners on the ground, from lodge owners to frontline conservationists, affording you access and opportunities that nobody else can match.
Tailored Safaris
Share your interests with our Destination Specialists and we will match you with our in-country experts, providing you with nothing but the best access and highly experienced wildlife trackers and guides. Our Kenya safari vacations are meticulously planned to be seamless in terms of quality and service, with private transfers available throughout.
