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Zebra and wildebeest  migration

When is the best time to visit Kenya?

Zebra and wildebeest migration

One of the best times to visit Kenya is from July to September, during the country’s dry season, which also coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra.

The rainy seasons are also good times to travel, as there are fewer visitors and you can admire the striking emerald vegetation. December in particular is a great time to travel to Kenya, since the rains are short and you have the chance to see newborn animals and migratory bird species. Only the peak of the ‘long rains’ in March, April and May are very wet.

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Month-by-month guide for traveling in Kenya

Lion in Amboseli National Park

Visiting Kenya in January

The height of summer is an excellent time to spot wildlife, both on the ground and in the air. Temperatures are hot but there will be the odd shower to cool things down, while the landscape is lush with long grass from the 'short rains' that fall in November and December. Down on the coast, the days are hot and sunny and the sea is at its clearest.

Elephant enjoying a mud bath

Visiting Kenya in February

Another great month for spotting wildlife, both on the ground and in the air. Temperatures remain high and the odd shower may fall, while there should still be long grass covering the landscape from the 'short rains' that fall in November and December.

Lewa Wilderness Conservancy, Kenya

Visiting Kenya in March

The weather gets wetter as Kenya approaches the 'long rains', but game viewing is still good.

Goliath heron, Meru National Park

Visiting Kenya in April

The 'long rains' of April and May can turn the tracks through the parks into quagmires and make the beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline hot and very wet, so this isn't the best time to travel.

Mombasa beach

Visiting Kenya in May

The 'long rains' of April and May can turn the tracks through the parks into quagmires and the beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline hot and very wet, so this isn't the best time to travel.

Water Buck, Masai Mara

Visiting Kenya in June

The rains have finished for the most part, although some light showers are still possible, and the nights can be cool at altitude. The long dry season is on the horizon, and while grasses are high, making game harder to spot at times, it is a beautiful time to visit. People start anticipating the arrival of the Great Migration into the Masai Mara.

Wildebeest in the Masai Mara

Visiting Kenya in July

The weather is temperate and dry but not too dusty, with occasional showers still possible, making this a good time to visit overall. The first herds arrive into the Masai Mara from Tanzania and peak travel and game viewing season is just around the corner.

Zebra & wildebeest crossing the Mara River

Visiting Kenya in August

The temperatures are pleasant and it's mostly dry, making it one of the peak times to visit. Fantastic game viewing can be enjoyed now, with the Great Migration at its height in the Masai Mara providing lots of action at the river crossings as countless wildebeest and zebra gather and cross the Mara and Talek Rivers.

Game-viewing in Lewa Wilderness Conservancy

Visiting Kenya in September

The weather is generally dry. The game viewing action continues in the Mara, and it is still excellent throughout Kenya for wildlife.

White Rhino, Lewa Wilderness Conservancy, Kenya

Visiting Kenya in October

As the mercury slowly starts to rise, a few showers are possible. However, it's a lovely time to travel if you want to avoid the crowds but still have excellent game viewing opportunities. The migratory herds are leaving the Mara now, but excellent resident populations remain. All other Kenya destinations are great at this time of year.

Elephant, Masai Mara

Visiting Kenya in November

The short rains are starting and the temperature is hotter, but the Mara, along with most other destinations, remains open. However, on the Laikipia Plateau many camps are closed. There is still good game viewing under the heavier skies and activities continue. Crowds dissipate and you can often make the most of some good deals.

Lesser Flamingos at Lake Nakuru

Visiting Kenya in December

The end of the year can be hot and potentially wet — it's the middle of the short rains, with some camps closed (particularly in the north) and some open. Where camps are open, wildlife viewing remains very good, with high bird numbers present.

Kenya Climate Guide

Destination Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
Amboseli National Park 86°F 2" 88°F 2" 86°F 3" 82°F 6" 79°F 3" 77°F 1" 75°F 0" 77°F 0" 81°F 0" 84°F 1" 84°F 4" 82°F 3"
Lamu Archipelago 86°F 0" 88°F 0" 88°F 1" 88°F 5" 86°F 12" 86°F 6" 84°F 3" 84°F 2" 84°F 2" 86°F 2" 86°F 2" 86°F 1"
Masai Mara National Reserve 82°F 3" 82°F 4" 82°F 5" 81°F 7" 79°F 4" 79°F 2" 77°F 1" 79°F 2" 81°F 2" 82°F 2" 81°F 4" 81°F 4"
Nairobi 79°F 2" 81°F 2" 81°F 4" 77°F 8" 75°F 6" 73°F 1" 72°F 1" 73°F 1" 77°F 1" 79°F 2" 75°F 5" 77°F 3"
Samburu National Reserve 90°F 1" 93°F 1" 91°F 2" 90°F 4" 90°F 2" 90°F 0" 88°F 0" 88°F 0" 91°F 0" 91°F 2" 88°F 6" 88°F 2"
Watamu 88°F 1" 88°F 0" 90°F 1" 88°F 7" 84°F 11" 82°F 6" 82°F 4" 82°F 3" 84°F 2" 86°F 3" 88°F 3" 88°F 2"

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Travel advice

Practical tips for traveling to Kenya, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest US State Department travel advice.

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