When to Visit Kenya

Kenya is a popular East African destination known for its diverse landscape and abundant wildlife. Ideally, the best time to visit Kenya is during the dry season that runs from July to October, when the conditions are optimum for outdoor adventures like hiking and safari. The period coincides with the Great Wildebeest Migration season, the main tourist draw to Maasai Mara. The short dry season from mid-December to March also offers good game viewing and hiking opportunities at cheaper rates. Kenya has two rainy seasons: short (November–December) and long (April–June). These periods offer lower rates, fewer crowds, and greener landscapes, but some roads may be impassable due to rainfall. So, there are a lot of factors to consider when planning a Kenya trip, ranging from weather to personal preferences.Continue reading to find out what a visit to Kenya looks like in each season.

In January, Kenya offers excellent conditions for wildlife safaris, mountain climbing or hiking, and beach activities. Hot and dry weather drives the wildlife of Maasai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park near the watering holes, making them easier to spot. Lack of rainfall also means you can climb Mount Kenya and other peaks or embark on hikes in Mount Longonot and Ngong Hills. And if you crave some coastal fun, you will find stunning beaches in and around Mombasa. Plan a Kenya trip in January to expect a well-rounded vacation with no shortage of fun and adventure.

If you are traveling to Kenya in February, brace yourself for hot weather and tourist crowds. Safaris are in heavy demand and the beach resorts along the Indian Ocean coast are busy during this time. But February is also a great time to stretch out your travel budget by visiting some lesser-known attractions. Kenya has lots of smaller game parks where you can spot all wildlife native to the country without having to jostle with the tourist crowds for a better view.

Monsoon gradually settles across Kenya in March. But every region within the country, from highlands to deserts and the savanna, has a varied climate. For instance, the month is a good time to explore the remote and arid Samburu Reserve. This scenic nature reserve sees low foot traffic during this time, offering visitors a rare opportunity to explore the place without rushing or being distracted. The coastal region of Kenya, including cities like Mombasa, also has plenty of treats, especially at the beginning of March. Steal a few days of clear weather conditions to bask on the beaches of the Indian Ocean and enjoy water activities like scuba diving and snorkeling before heavy rains lash the region.

April lies in the middle of the wet season in Kenya. While prolonged rain, oppressive heat, high humidity, and buzzing mosquitoes may hinder your plans for a perfect holiday, the lush landscape, spectacular skyscapes, and intense wildlife action across the country’s nature reserves make up for the seasonal adversities.Track predators in Maasai Mara as big cats play hide and seek with newborn calves and foals. Get dazzled by migratory birds in Lake Nakuru National Park as they put their mating plumage on a gorgeous display. There are plenty of activities, despite wet conditions, if you tour Kenya in April.

May is a quiet month in Kenya. The tourist season has ended and it is the middle of the three-month-long wet season. The savannas are lush green with fresh grass beds and animals in abundance. Some safari operators and lodges are closed for the rainy season (March-May), but this is hardly a matter as tourist crowds are already low. In fact, the low season offers visitors cheaper hotel and tour rates. With a decent holiday budget, visitors can experience and explore more of Kenya in May than during the high season.

July is part of the dry season in Kenya and one of the best times to visit the country for game-viewing. The rains have gone and the skies are cloud-free, making wildlife-watching against the backdrop of the African savannah and Mount Kilimanjaro unrivaled.Kenya’s beautiful coastline enjoys warm weather with hot temperatures during July, while Nairobi is slightly cooler, which is great for doing some shopping and exploring galleries and museums. The only downside to traveling around Kenya in July is that since it falls in the high season you should expect large crowds of tourists.

Vast, open savannah teeming with wildlife, regal Maasai warriors, powder-soft footprint-free beaches, and once-in-a-lifetime activities. Kenya is unrivaled when it comes to an unforgettable African adventure. The month of August is the perfect time to travel to Kenya for enjoying exhilarating driving and walking safaris, lazing on the beaches along its coast, or summiting Mount Kenya during a thrilling mountain-climbing adventure. With perfect weather conditions, this is the month for exploring!

Mild weather and clear skies await you on your Kenya trip in September. The month falls in the middle of the dry winter season. This is when the Kenyan wildlife is most active, and the savannas are full of migrating herds. The balmy weather conditions is just perfect for spending time on the beaches of the Indian Ocean or going on a hiking trip through inland mountains. Although Kenya can be a bit expensive in September, the chance to witness the great wildebeest migrations of the Maasai Mara is worth the extra cost.

Kenya in October is a month of seasonal change. It is when the country’s weather shifts from dry to wet while the famous animal migration across its savanna reaches its climax. School holidays are over by this time of year and the beaches along the Indian Ocean coast become more relaxed and sparsely populated.By October, wildlife will be harder to spot as the undergrowth starts to grow taller and thicker, but for most of the month, this is the best time for a safari experience in Massai Mara and other parks across the country. The savanna grasslands are still at their shortest and many watering holes are dry, which means you will have a better chance of spotting the country's rich wildlife that congregates at the remaining water sources on your trip to Kenya during October.

Kenya bids farewell to the dry winter season in November. As the country transitions into summer, sporadic rainfall is common during this time of year. But holidaymakers can take heart, for rain showers usually occur in the afternoon or evening, which means that morning safaris and tours are rarely affected. Plus, the country is brimming with adventures of all kinds this month.Visiting Kenya in November is also a good idea for those travelers who wish to avoid large tourist crowds. The month falls in the shoulder season, so there are fewer visitors to the country. Besides relatively crowd-free attractions, travelers can also find good deals on flights and accommodations during this month. Take this opportunity to spot the Big Five during an African safari experience in Maasai Mara National Reserve, or swim among the marine life in the Indian Ocean.

From pleasant river valleys and exotic mountains to dense jungles and rare wildlife, visiting Kenya in December introduces you to all the charms of nature you can imagine. Embark on a trek to the laps of Mount Kilimanjaro or venture into the vast Kinangop Grassland. December is one of the best times to enjoy these activities, as the visitor numbers are low and accommodations are cheaper during this month.

Kenya in summer promises a complete holiday experience that goes beyond safari tours in sprawling savannahs and wetlands of Maasai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park. Besides offering the best conditions for spotting wildlife, including the big five, a trip to Kenya is an excellent option to take advantage of its spectacular coastline along the Indian Ocean.In Mombasa, you will find plenty of idyllic beaches where you can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and other fun water sports. Or head to Lamu Island for a relaxing beach getaway and a dose of culture and history. The island is home to the oldest Swahili settlement in East Africa. So, whether it is wildlife, beaches, history, or culture you are after, Kenya delivers it all if you visit the country in summer.

Iconic savannah wildlife, stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, white sand beaches, and bustling Nairobi markets will all be had in Kenya in winter. Located near the equator, Kenya faces cooler and drier conditions from June to September (winter), making it the perfect time to visit this unique and exciting destination.One of the biggest draws of visiting Kenya in winter is the incredible wildlife sightings. With less vegetation, animals are easier to spot and tend to gather around water sources, making for unforgettable safari experiences. It is also prime time for the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra. But it's not just about the wildlife—winter in Kenya also offers the chance to explore its incredible landscapes, from the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. And if you're looking for a little adventure, Kenya has plenty to offer—from hiking and mountain biking to snorkeling and diving. So, if you're looking for a winter escape that's a little off the beaten path, why not consider a trip to Kenya? With its unique blend of natural beauty, exciting activities, and unforgettable experiences, it's a destination that's sure to leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

June marks the transition from rainy to dry season in Kenya. A trip to Kenya in June makes for an excellent time for wildlife viewing as the vegetation starts thinning and water sources become scarce. While the typical timing for the Great Wildebeest Migration to enter Kenya is in July, in recent years, the first groups have been witnessed in the country as early as late June. The country experiences the onset of peak tourist season only towards the ending days of June, offering a perfect balance of favorable weather and manageable tourist traffic.