Best time to visit Kenya
Kenya is a year-round destination with many drawcards depending on the activities you want to do, the animals you'd like to see and the type of weather you'd prefer to experience.
Most safari destinations are at their best during the dry season from June to October or December to March when it's not too hot, rainfall is low and vegetation is thinner (making it easier to view wildlife). These periods coincide with the high tourist season, particularly in December and January, so expect larger crowds and higher accommodation rates.
When to witness the wildebeest migration
Every year, around two million wildebeest, zebra and gazelle gather up their young and migrate from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara in search of food and water. Predators also follow closely, so you can imagine there's a lot going on!
In the Maasai Mara, you can expect the wildebeest to arrive as early as July, but they generally arrive between August and September and remain in the Mara between October and November before returning to the Serengeti.
When to skip the crowds
If big crowds aren't your thing, you could visit during the low/rainy seasons in November, (early to mid-December, April or May. Okay, you'll probably experience a few torrential downpours, but it's less crowded, the parks are extra lush and green, and hotels have more rooms available. You may also benefit from off-season flight and hotel prices.
Kenya by month
Best for: wildlife spotting and national parks
January lies outside of Kenya's ‘long’ and ‘short’ rain seasons and is one of the best times to go on safari and see large game. The national parks are particularly green and gorgeous thanks to the recent rains, creating prime habitats for wildlife. You could also go to the coast to enjoy palm-lined beaches and warm swims in the Indian Ocean.
It's a busy time of year due to great weather and sun-seekers from the northern hemisphere, so be sure to book in advance.
Best for: hiking Kenya’s mountains and lounging on the beach
February is one of the hottest and driest months. The daytime temperature is around 27°C, while nights are a mild 14°C, which is perfect for spending long periods outside on safari or hiking through the country’s mountain ranges.
The dry weather is prime for game drives, wildlife sightings and photography. If you find it too hot, head to the coast to relax on the beach and enjoy watersports.
Best for: beaches and water-based activities
We won't beat around the bush; March isn’t the best month to visit Kenya as it marks the start of monsoon season. It can be hard to move around the country easily (think flash flooding, storms and road closures), so you might not get the ‘classic’ safari experience. However, with some flexibility and an intrepid attitude, you can still have a great holiday.
Daytime highs still average 27°C, so relaxing at a beachside destination along the eastern coast is a popular choice. As it’s not peak season, accommodation prices are usually lower.
Best for: dining out and exploring city streets
The weather in April is similar to March with high temperatures and lots of rainfall. Humidity levels can also make it uncomfortable to spend long periods outside. In fact, April is one of the rainiest months, and some national parks and campsites may close.
While the rain can make spotting wildlife tricky, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Nairobi and other urban areas, as well as destinations along the southeast coast, where the weather is warm and rainfall primarily occurs in the afternoon – did someone say morning excursion?
Best for: boat trips in Naivasha, national parks and water-based activities on the southeastern coast
Temperatures start dropping in May, but rainfall is still at a year-round high until the end of the month when it dwindles. It’s not the best month for safaris as some lodges close and visibility can be reduced. However, with an expert local guide who knows where to look, you may be lucky to spot adorable newborn animals in Naivasha and Mount Kenya National Park.
The rain is also a good excuse to take part in cultural experiences and get to know the locals while crowds are thin.
Best for: hiking, biking and water sports
Say goodbye to the monsoon season and hello to the dry weather. Going on safari returns to the top of the ‘best things to do in Kenya’ list as animals frequent rivers, lakes and watering holes in need of hydration after the long rains of the monsoon season.
Temperatures are at a manageable 22°C on average and destinations such as Nairobi, Diani Beach, Malindi and Watamu experience plenty of sunshine. So, leave the umbrella at your hotel and head outside to explore the great African outdoors.
Best for: scuba diving and bird watching
The dry season is well underway in July, bringing clear skies and cooler temperatures. But don’t let that deceive you. The sun is incredibly strong in Kenya so even if the average temperature is only 22°C, you'll still need plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
July is a popular month to visit Kenya for scuba diving enthusiasts as there’s good water visibility in the Indian Ocean due to minimal rainfall. Bird watching is also a popular activity in July as various species migrate to the lakes of the Rift Valley.
Best for: dry weather, the wildebeest migration and outdoor activities
August is a dry month across the country. The mild to warm weather lends itself to safaris and outdoor activities such as hiking and beach-going.
It's also one of the best months to see the annual wildebeest migration. As incredible as this event is, it (unsurprisingly) draws in many tourists, so plan ahead and be prepared for larger crowds.
Best for: the wildebeest migration and hot air balloon rides
September is one of the driest months. The average temperature is a comfortable 24°C so you don’t have to worry about sweatin’ it out on the savannah. In short, the weather is about as good as it gets.
It's also the last month to witness the wildebeest migration so safaris are extremely popular. But just like the big animals, the smaller animals (read: insects) come out to play in September, with mosquitos in full force around large bodies of water. Wear loose, light-coloured clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and lashings of repellant.
Best for: museums and beachside escapades
The weather starts changing in October as Kenya’s shorter rainy season approaches. Humidity levels climb and the air feels stickier, which is all the more reason to head to the coast to relax on the beach and cool down in the ocean. Wandering around Nairobi’s museums and markets is also a good idea if you want to stay out of the heat.
Best for: indoor cooking classes, snorkelling and scuba diving
The ‘short rains’ season starts in November with about a month of showers that typically fall in the afternoon or early evening. While this isn't ideal for wildlife spotting endeavours, it's a good month to enjoy a less crowded Kenya safari.
Despite November holding the title of ‘third rainiest month’, there are plenty of places that receive little to no rainfall such as the southeast coastal areas. But avoid Mount Kenya and the highland region if you don’t want to get washed out.
Best for: safaris, bird watching and Christmas celebrations
If you’re trying to escape the North American or European winter, a Kenya trip in December won't go amiss. The average temperature is a pleasant 24°C and the rain isn't too disruptive, particularly towards the end of the month as the dry season settles in.
Wildlife viewing is fantastic in December with the opportunity to see newborn animals and various migratory bird species. There are also lively Christmas celebrations across the county.
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