The best time to visit Kenya: a month-by-month guide

Kenya offers far more than people realize, from lazy days on balmy beaches to safari encounters and cultural discoveries. Be it witnessing the Great Migration and enjoying the sunset over Lake Nakuru, knowing the best time to visit Kenya can make or break your trip.

Some will say there’s no real best time to go, and that’s true — to a certain extent. Each season offers something unique, and there are definitely optimal times for specific activities. Wildlife viewing is possible year-round in Kenya, but there are certain factors to consider before you decide when to visit. What is the weather like? How busy will it be? Are there any major events that might affect my plans?

If you’re hoping to strike a balance between pleasant weather and prolific game spotting on your Kenya trip, then this guide is for you. We’ve looked at every little detail, showcasing what you can expect to see and do in Kenya for each month of the year. Without further ado, let’s get stuck into the best time to safari in Kenya.

When is the best time to go on safari in Kenya?

If you want to see the Great Migration at its brilliant best, aim to visit between the months of July and October. Your trip will also need to focus on going into the heart of the Masai Mara National Reserve, where thousands of wildebeest and other game migrate.

July to October is the chilly winter season in Kenya, so you’ll want to pack appropriately. Despite the icy mornings, it’s unlikely you’ll get better game viewing than in these months. While the Maasai Mara is the cream of the crop, just about every park in Kenya will provide fantastic wildlife viewing.

If you’re looking for slightly warmer weather that still offers great game drives for safari enthusiasts, consider visiting in January and February. You can expect the occasional rain shower here and there. However, it’s generally a dry time of year that also coincides with the breeding season for many species. These summer months are also the best time of year to visit Kenya for a beach escape, for example on the shores of Watamu.

When is the worst time to go on safari in Kenya?

It feels a bit harsh to say there’s a bad time to go to Kenya, but if we had to pick one, it would be in April and May. The safari wonderland doesn’t have a long rainy season, but these two months are when you can expect the most rain across the year. It’s also the time when the vegetation is at its greenest and fullest. While this is ideal for most destinations, that isn’t the case for Kenya.

Unlike the drier months, where animals congregate near watering holes, the rainy season sees the animals spread out across the African plains. This means you’re less likely to see great numbers of wildlife, plus the thick grass makes it even more difficult to see the animals. Sure, April and May are great times to get a fantastic deal, but it’s definitely not the best time for a Kenya safari.

The best time for a safari in Kenya (month-by-month)

Here’s a lowdown on the best month to visit Kenya for every itinerary, be it a beach or safari vacation. We’ll go into details for each month so you know what to expect no matter what time of year you visit.

Kenya in January: summer high season

January is the peak summer month in Kenya, and despite the occasional rain showers, it’s one of the best times to travel to Kenya. Temperatures tend to reach a pleasant 81 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius), so enjoying Kenya’s coastal delights is also very much on the cards.

You’ll also be missing the historically busy festive season in December, which is an added bonus. Despite the sporadic rains, it’s a pretty dry time of year, meaning wildlife spotting is still great throughout the country.

Kenya in February: scuba diving and quieter safaris

If you want to know when to visit Kenya for scuba diving along its coast, February is arguably the ideal time to go. The high temperatures — 82 degrees Fahrenheit (28 Celsius) — and fantastic underwater visibility make it the perfect combination for a bit of fun in the Indian Ocean.

Plus, the wildlife viewing opportunities inland are still as good as they were in January. It’s also the time of year when you’re most likely to see newborn animals roaming the African savanna.

Kenya in March: short rainy season with lower rates

March is a month of transition towards the wet season, but it can still be a good time to visit if value for money is a priority. The rainy season begins around the end of March, meaning the first half of the month is still great for a Kenyan safari.

You can still expect similar temperatures to February, with the added benefit of lower rates for accommodation and safari tours. Just be sure to book your trip for the first half of the month, as the rains tend to come into full swing by mid-March.

Kenya in April: start of the low, green season

April marks the start of heavy rains that close many of the safari camps across Kenya. This can make transport tricky, and although wildlife viewing is still possible, it’s not the easiest period to explore the country in its entirety.

Despite the obvious drawback, this rainy season does spark the opportunity to see some of Kenya’s lesser-known wildlife. This includes galagos in northern Kenya, and bird species like the lilac-breasted rollers in the grasslands.

Kenya in May: low season

May is the quietest time of year for Kenyan tourism. This month is also part of the ‘long’ rain season, so you can still expect thunderstorms and cloudy skies. Much like in April, many of the national parks bush camps close for the month, making wildlife spotting few and far between.

You can still see elephants, giraffes, the occasional rhino, and a variety of predatory animals, but the thick grasses can make it difficult to see them clearly. In other words, May isn’t the best time to go to Kenya for a safari.

Kenya in June: start of the long dry season

June introduces the start of the long dry season. It’s also the month when you can start to see migratory herds of over 1.2 million wildebeest and 200,000 zebras cross into the Masai Mara National Reserve.

While the months of June to August are technically winter months in Kenya, the weather is still fairly warm. Daytime temperatures generally reach around 73 degrees Fahrenheit (23 Celsius), but it does get chilly at night. With open vehicles and early morning temperatures usually sitting below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 Celsius), it’s a good idea to pack warm clothes for your June safari.

Kenya in July: peak migration season

By early July, the iconic migration synonymous with this country in East Africa will be in full swing. Massive herds will be grazing across the grasslands, while prides of lions will regularly be seen looking for opportunities to hunt.

July is, without a doubt, the best time for a safari in Kenya, as its vast ecosystem will be peppered with wildlife. During this month, you’ll be joining a winter tour in Kenya and can expect weather very similar to May, so be sure to pack some warm clothes. This is also a splendid chance to see powerful displays as wildebeest rut for mating rights.

Kenya in August: peak migration season

August is another fantastic opportunity to witness the Great Migration. What makes this such a unique time of the year to visit? During the start of the month, massive herds of wildebeest and zebra can be seen crossing the treacherous waters of the Mara River.

It’s one of the most iconic parts of this mass migration, and is one of the main reasons Kenya is one of the best African destinations for a safari. You can expect very similar weather to July, but you can also expect to pay premium prices for tours and accommodation.

Kenya in September: peak migration season continues

The opportunity to see animals gather across Kenya’s great plains continues into September. Prices are still at their highest during this month, as there’s an abundance of wildlife to enjoy. The mornings will begin to warm up in September, so slightly lighter layers will work well for those early morning game drives.

Kenya in October: end of the high season

October may mark the end of the high tourist season, but it still has loads of things to enjoy. During this month, you can expect to see loads of migratory bird species arrive. These include flamingos at Lake Nakuru, while Nairobi National Park welcomes European bee-eaters and the red-backed shrike.

Bird lovers may be in heaven, but if you’re visiting for the large game, aim to visit earlier in the month. It’s also best to go to the southern regions of the country, and northern Kenya starts to see heavy rainfall in October.

Kenya in November: start of the short rainy season

As the rains begin to roll in, November marks the start of a short off-season. Some camps in the northernmost parks of Kenya close during this period, but generally speaking, the southern parks like the Masai Mara are still open.

This is also when you can see herds of wildebeest crossing back over the Mara River into Tanzania. The weather will be intensely hot, and there won’t be as many large game, but you’ll still be able to see plenty. November is still a good time to visit Kenya for affordable prices and lower tourist numbers.

Kenya in December: End of rainy season and festive peak season begins

December is a surprisingly dry month in Kenya as the short rains of November peter out. Not only is it a great opportunity to join a summer safari, but it’s also ideal for spending some time along the Kenyan coast.

Mombasa is well-known for its stunning beaches and relaxed vibe, but Lamu also offers some historical intrigue, while Watamu is the go-to destination for water sports. The festive season from 20th December to New Year tends to push up the prices. Despite this, who could say no to ending their year with game drives in the Masai Mara and relaxing on sun-kissed beaches in Kenya?

The best time to go to Kenya: practical tips

Before you go off and book your trip to Kenya, here are a few more things to keep in mind.

How to stay warm on a Kenya safari

You’re almost guaranteed to be in an open vehicle during your game drives in Kenya. While day temperatures are generally very warm and pleasant, early morning and night temperatures can get chilly. As such, remember to bring a few essentials along in order to keep warm as you’re out on those game drives:

• Warm down or puffer jacket
• Lightweight sweatshirt
• Windbreaker
• Scarf, beanie or warm hat, and gloves
• Thermal underwear
• Fleece pajamas
• Warm socks

The last thing you want to do is not enjoy your trip all because the cold got the better of you. Just be sure to wear layers that you can take off and put on as the day goes on.

When to visit the seaside resorts in Kenya

Anywhere from November to February will work well. During this time, the Indian Ocean is at its warmest, and you can expect warm sunny days, with a few rainy days here and there.

For many, December marks the holiday season. This is perfect for a family vacation to Kenya — and just about everyone knows the coast is always a good choice for families. If you want slightly more affordable prices, then look to visit Kenya’s seaside resorts in February.

What to expect from the great wildebeest migration

Don’t expect the herds of wildebeest to be well-behaved and sit there patiently while you try to snap the perfect wildlife photo. Rather, prepare yourself for spectacular scenes of mass confusion, as the herds often get spooked, resulting in large stampedes across the vast plains.

You can expect to see more than just wildebeest and zebra, though, as there will be more than 35 species of plain animals. These great numbers of prey also draw in iconic predators, such as lions, leopards, hyenas, and cheetahs.

How to stay safe when you visit Kenya

Being a fantastic safari destination, Kenya is teeming with natural wildlife. But this can also spark some safety concerns as, after all, these animals are wild. As such, here are some quick tips for staying safe during your safari in Kenya’s national parks:

• Always stay in the van or truck during a game drive
• Always listen to your tour guides and follow their instructions
• Never turn your back on a wild animal and start running; if you’re on a walking tour, this is extremely important to remember for your safety
• Remember to zip up your tents if camping
• Don’t take food to your tent or leave any food nearby
• Bring malaria medication, use nets, and pack insect repellent

Make it happen

Kenya is calling. Give in to the temptation and make this the year that your dream trip becomes reality. Contact our handpicked local partners to find out how they can tailor-make your trip to Kenya so it’s perfect for you.