The Best Time to Visit Kenya

The best time to visit Kenya is during the dry season from late June to October because the lack of rain forces the animals to congregate at water holes, making them easier to spot. This is the high season for safaris in Kenya. The annual wildebeest migration usually reaches the Masai Mara sometime in July and stays there until October when the wildebeest circle back to the Serengeti in Tanzania.

If you want to be certain you see the migration, plan to be in the Mara in late July. Natural World Kenya Safaris’ experienced guides will track the migration and make sure you experience the full spectacle – one of the greatest wildlife events on the planet.

If cost is a consideration, however, keep in mind that it is much less expensive to go to Kenya in March, April, and May, during the period known as the “long rains.” There are benefits, too: fewer crowds and typically ideal light for photography.

Kenya’s climate is excellent year-round with sunny, dry days and temperatures averaging between 68° and 77°. However, the mountainous regions can get very cold – don’t forget Ernest Hemingway’s “Snows of Kilimanjaro” – and the coastal resorts can be humid, though the Indian Ocean breeze cools things down.

Generally-speaking, the seasons are hot and dry from January – March; warm and wet from April – June during the “long rains;” warm and dry from July – October; and warm and wet from mid-November to early December during the “short rains.”

Why visit Kenya during the Dry Season – June to October

• Wildlife is easy to see because the bush is sparse, and animals gather around water
• Rain is infrequent with sunshine and clear skies during the day
• All lodges and safari camps are open to guests
• There are fewer mosquitoes
• July to October are the best months to witness the annual wildebeest migration

Why visit Kenya during the Wet Season – October  -December and from April to June

• The landscape is scenic and lush
• Rates drop because it’s the low season
• Newborn animals are abundant
• The most popular parks are less crowded
• Migratory birds can be seen from September to April
• Except for March to May, rains are typically short afternoon showers
• November and March offer clear waters for snorkeling and diving at the beach resorts along the coast

Best Time to Visit Kenya by Month

January
In January, Kenya experiences long, hot days. The grasses yellow and low river levels lure large mammals out into the open. You’ll spot unlikely neighbors as both predator and prey congregate at the watering holes. The coast is at its most serene with sunny days and blue skies.

February
February is one of the hottest months in Kenya and wildlife is plentiful near the watering holes. close to any available water sources. The Kenyan coast remains sunny and less crowded, ideal for sunbathers, divers, and boaters.

March
March brings pregnant mothers calving and hungry predators lurking. With the plains at their driest, the short grass means they must hunt exposed and out in the open bush. Towards the end of the month, storms alter the horizon but even in the wet months, it rarely rains for more than a day.

April
April’s rain brings with it lush grasses and verdant forest, with colorful rainbows sweeping the horizon. Safari-goers can spot calves trotting along with large herds, and lions are looming nearby. April is also an exciting month for birders, with hundreds of species flitting about.

May
Evening rains become more frequent in May and budding vegetation provides camouflage to predators. Butterfly enthusiasts will find May to be the perfect time to see the African monarch through their camera lens.

June
June marks the return of a dry climate to Kenya. There’s ample supply of food and water for predators and prey which makes for exciting game drives. The lack of dust in the June air also means clearer photographs.

July
July marks the onset of the wildebeest migration, one of Kenya’s most magnificent sights. Wildebeest moving north from the Serengeti in Tanzania arrive in a slow trickle, followed by an influx of thousands. Lions circle the plains and vultures fly overhead as predators relish the abundance.

August
As wildebeest trek across the Masai Mara, crocodiles feed on those unlucky enough not to make it across the rivers. August is also an excellent month for wildlife-viewing in the parks in Northern Kenya, such as Samburu National Reserve where the decreasing water sources create a magnet for game.

September
As the days get warmer, the Masai Mara teems with wildlife. Exploring the landscape with your guide and all its trails and back routes is an exciting adventure as you follow the animals along their course.

October
In October, the wildebeest turn southward again, braving the perilous waters with predators nearby. The sky becomes a dusky yellow as the wind swirls dust across the Kenyan plains. In contrast, the clear waters of the Indian Ocean make it an ideal time for divers at the beach resorts along the coast.

November
The onset of the short rains brings lush greenery to the country. The rivers attract abundant birdlife and Kenya’s parks are peaceful and pleasantly less crowded during this time.

December
The short rains trail off in December and temperatures rise slightly. The country is at its most spectacular during this period with verdant plains and flowering trees as far as the eye can see.