When is the best time of year to visit Kenya?
Kenya is a year-round destination with many drawcards depending on the activities you'd like to do, the animals you'd like to see and the type of weather you'd prefer to experience. Most safari destinations like Lake Nakuru National Park and Samburu National Reserve are at their best from June to October, and from December through February. The weather during these periods is mild and mostly dry with warm daytime temperatures, which makes for excellent conditions to go on a safari and view wildlife. The good weather also coincides with the high tourist season (January to February) so expect bigger crowds and higher peak season rates. If big crowds aren't your thing, you could visit during the low/rainy seasons between November and December or late March and May (however, this is when the weather is at its worst). During this time tourist sites are less crowded, hotels have more rooms available and prices are usually cheaper. However, this might not be such a good idea if you don't fancy torrential downpours every day.
July through September is also considered one of the best times to do a safari to witness the annual Maasai Mara wildebeest migration. If you're in the Maasai Mara you can expect the wildebeest to make their arrival 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 in Tanzania.
Read more about East Africa's wildebeest migration
Climate & weather in Kenya
Kenya is located on the equator and experiences three climate zones due to the diversity of the landscapes ranging from high altitude areas like the Maasai Mara to coastal cities fringed by the Indian Ocean. It's hot and humid along the coast, temperate and subtropical in the mountainous and plateau regions of the west and south-west (where Nairobi and Masai Mara National Reserve are located), and hot and dry in the north and east. Due to its location, Kenya experiences only two distinct seasons: dry (June to October) and wet (November to May). The dry season sees clear skies and cooler temperatures, although the sun is always strong in Kenya so make sure you bring sun protection. The wet season starts in November with about a month of 'short rains' which typically fall in the afternoon or early evening. There's then a two-month dry spell in January and February before the 'long rains' arrive in March through May. This is when humidity and rainfall are at their peak. Mosquitos are also out in full force, so it's best to head to higher ground if you want to avoid pesky bites.
Visiting Kenya during the dry season (June-October)
Pros:
- This is the best time for bird watching as birds migrate to the lakes of the Rift Valley in large numbers
- It's a great time for diving in the Indian Ocean along the coast as water visibility and diving conditions are excellent with low runoff
- June is a great time to see an abundance of animals by waterholes and river banks following the long rains
- If you're lucky you'll get to see the Maasai Mara wildebeest migration from July to September
Cons:
- It's busier and more crowded in popular tourist spots
- Bigger crowds drive prices up
Visiting Kenya during the wet season (November-May)
Pros:
- The rainfall turns the landscapes lush shades of green and creates prime habitats for wildlife
- December is a great time to see gorgeous newborn wildlife in the national parks
- Watch magnificent flocks of birds between September and April during the European and Northern African bird migration
- Aside from March-May during the long rains, rainfall isn't too bad with short showers or heavier downpours in the afternoon or early evening only
Cons:
- The humidity and rain can make it difficult to see wildlife in some parks and reserves
- Some hotels and campsites close during the rainy season which may require more careful trip planning
Our Kenya tours
8 Days
From
2349
Roam the Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater, camp beside Lake Victoria and spot Africa's...
7 Days
From
4935
Embark on a seven-day Premium journey through Kenya’s wild grasslands and vast plains...
16 Days
From
4740
Encounter the wildlife of Kenya and Uganda on this 16-day adventure including a gorilla...
15 Days
From
17080
Embark on a 15-day Premium Adventure through Kenya, South Africa, Zimbabwe and Botswana...
15 Days
From
13647
Discover the best of Kenya and Tanzania on a Premium adventure through the Masai Mara,...
31 Days
From
34135
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa on a 31-day Premium journey,...
12 Days
From
3332
Experience the beauty of the Ngorongoro and Serengeti, Usambara Mountains and Zanzibar...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
27 Days
From
8730
Go deep in East Africa on this 27-day trip including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Zanzibar.
13 Days
From
14305
Search for Gorillas in Uganda, uncover the history of Rwanda, and explore the wild...
8 Days
From
1774
Experience Kenyan wildlife on an eight day trip travelling from Nairobi to Lake...
15 Days
From
4272
Uncover Kenya and Tanzania on a 15-day trip with Serengeti safaris, Ngorongoro, Nakuru,...
10 Days
From
4734
Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...
15 Days
From
6300
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...
63 Days
From
16537
Set out on a mighty African adventure through Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe...
10 Days
From
2472
Hit the (dirt) road through Kenya and Tanzania. Safari in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro...
20 Days
From
5402
Step out onto the Serengeti and keep your eyes out for rhinos, lions, leopards and a...
13 Days
From
3165
Explore the wildlife-rich plains of Kenya and Tanzania and then unwind in Zanzibar....
42 Days
From
11365
Explore Kenya, Malawi, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe on a 42-day trip including a...
12 Days
From
2839
Get a true taste of eastern Africa on a 12-day trip to Zanzibar, the Serengeti,...
48 Days
From
10064
Tour Africa's best from Kenya to Cape Town through Tanzania, Zanzibar, Malawi, Zimbabwe...
28 Days
From
6959
Discover East African wilderness and the animals that call it home on an adventure...
43 Days
From
12990
Take a 43-day trip through eastern Africa, via Victoria Falls, the Serengeti and...
27 Days
From
6448
Explore the wilds of East Africa on this 27-day trip from Nairobi to the Serengeti,...
9 Days
From
2742
Explore Tanzania on this nine-day trip travelling to Nairobi via the Serengeti and the...
18 Days
From
12540
This 18-day tour hits Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania for tracking gorillas in...
27 Days
From
9575
Spend 27 days exploring the wonders, wildlife and tribal cultures of East Africa to...
49 Days
From
9818
Experience the ultimate African adventure on this 49-day tour including Kenya, Botswana...
16 Days
From
8058
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...
52 Days
From
15320
The waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar, the savannahs of the Serengeti and...
15 Days
From
7264
Explore the wonders of Tanzania and Kenya including a trek to the summit of Mt...
31 Days
From
9925
Take a 32-day tour through Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and...
8 Days
From
2382
Track your way across the plains of Kenya on this thrilling safari, covering Nairobi,...
8 Days
From
2912
Experience the people, culture and wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania on a small group...
13 Days
From
5805
Travel through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania, stopping at the Masai Mara, the...
9 Days
From
2876
Marvel at East Africa from Nairobi to Stone Town on a nine-day trip with safaris, hikes...
3 Days
From
1875
Travel to Kenya and visit Nairobi. Embark on a journey across the Great Rift Valley to...
64 Days
From
17635
This 64-day journey with explores Southern Africa in detail including Botswana, Kenya,...
21 Days
From
21483
Search for Gorillas in Uganda, uncover the history of Rwanda, explore the wild plains...
16 Days
From
5877
Experience the people, culture and wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania on a small group...
37 Days
From
9296
Travel the waterways of Botswana, the beaches of Zanzibar and the savannahs of the...
37 Days
From
39580
Set off on the adventure of a lifetime through Africa on a 37-day Premium journey,...