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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 travelling 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 30°C 45mm 31°C 56mm 30°C 87mm 28°C 146mm 26°C 68mm 25°C 13mm 24°C 4mm 25°C 5mm 27°C 7mm 29°C 31mm 29°C 103mm 28°C 80mm
Lamu Archipelago 30°C 7mm 31°C 3mm 31°C 28mm 31°C 134mm 30°C 307mm 30°C 157mm 29°C 87mm 29°C 44mm 29°C 47mm 30°C 43mm 30°C 51mm 30°C 31mm
Masai Mara National Reserve 28°C 82mm 28°C 95mm 28°C 124mm 27°C 166mm 26°C 110mm 26°C 59mm 25°C 28mm 26°C 44mm 27°C 52mm 28°C 56mm 27°C 100mm 27°C 111mm
Nairobi 26°C 48mm 27°C 49mm 27°C 95mm 25°C 200mm 24°C 151mm 23°C 37mm 22°C 15mm 23°C 21mm 25°C 22mm 26°C 52mm 24°C 132mm 25°C 83mm
Samburu National Reserve 32°C 15mm 34°C 21mm 33°C 58mm 32°C 113mm 32°C 47mm 32°C 4mm 31°C 5mm 31°C 5mm 33°C 5mm 33°C 53mm 31°C 140mm 31°C 57mm
Watamu 31°C 14mm 31°C 10mm 32°C 34mm 31°C 170mm 29°C 286mm 28°C 141mm 28°C 96mm 28°C 70mm 29°C 61mm 30°C 76mm 31°C 80mm 31°C 47mm

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Travel advice

Practical tips for travelling to Kenya, from social protocols to guidance on money matters, with a link to the latest FCDO travel advice.

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