Best Time To Visit Kenya : Let me be straight with you – I almost cancelled my Kenya trip because I couldn’t figure out when to go. All those weather charts and migration maps made my head spin! But after three amazing trips there, I’ve finally cracked the code, and I’m going to share everything I learned the hard way.
Kenya’s Weather Made Simple
Here’s what nobody tells you – Kenya doesn’t do regular seasons. Instead, they have dry times and rainy times, and that’s what really matters for your safari. The weather changes crazy amounts between the beach areas, safari parks, and mountains. I learned this when I packed only t-shirts for my first trip and nearly froze during morning game drives!
Dry Months: January-February and June-October
My best safari ever was during the dry season. I’ll never forget my June week in Masai Mara – blue skies every day, animals everywhere, and photos that looked like they came from National Geographic.
January to February: Perfect Safari Weather
These months give you amazing weather. Days are warm (around 25-28°C) and sunny, while nights are cool and comfortable. The bushes aren’t too thick, so you can easily spot animals hanging around water holes. I love this time because there aren’t as many tourists as during migration season.
June to October: Migration Madness
This is when the famous wildebeest crossing usually happens in Masai Mara (mostly July through October). I saw the river crossing in August and it literally brought tears to my eyes! The weather is dry and perfect, with temperatures around 23-25°C. But warning – this is super popular, so you need to book your camp way ahead.
Rainy Seasons: March-May and November-December
Don’t fear the rain – my November trip turned out incredible! Everything was green and beautiful, birds were everywhere, and I saved good money with lower prices.
Long Rains: March to May
This is the main rainy time, with April being the wettest. Some park roads get muddy, but the upside is everything turns super green. Lots of lodges offer big discounts during this time, which is great if you’re watching your budget.
Short Rains: November to December
These rains are much lighter – usually just afternoon showers that clear up fast. I actually enjoyed these quick rains – they made everything fresh and gave me amazing photos with dramatic skies. It’s also fantastic for bird watching.
Wildlife Through the Year
From what I’ve seen, here’s the wildlife story:
Great Migration Timing
The migration keeps moving all year, but the crazy river crossings usually happen between July and October in Masai Mara. I learned you need to be flexible because the exact timing changes each year based on rains.
Bird Watching Seasons
November through April is insane for bird watching. That’s when birds from Europe and North Africa come to visit. I’m not even a big bird person, but I was blown away by what I saw in November.
General Animal Viewing
Truth time – you can see animals any time in Kenya. During dry months, they gather around water, making them easier to spot. In wet seasons, the plants are thicker, but you get to see cute baby animals that were just born.
Different Areas, Different Weather
This is important – Kenya’s weather changes a lot by region:
Beach Areas (Mombasa, Malindi)
Hot and humid all year (25-30°C). Best beach time is during dry seasons (January-February and June-October) when it’s less sticky.
Mountain Areas (Nairobi, Mount Kenya)
Nice temperatures all year (15-25°C). Nights get chilly, so bring layers. I always pack a warm jacket for those early morning game drives.
Safari Parks (Masai Mara, Amboseli)
These follow the dry/wet pattern. Masai Mara tends to be cooler than other parks because it’s higher up.
Month-by-Month Guide
Here’s my personal monthly breakdown from my trips:
- January: Great weather, good for general safari
- February: Perfect for photos and beach time
- March: Rains start, prices drop
- April: Wettest month, but super green
- May: Rains ending, everything fresh
- June: Dry season begins, migration building
- July: Migration gets serious, weather perfect
- August: Peak migration, parks get busy
- September: Migration still going strong
- October: Migration continues, short rains begin
- November: Short rains, great for birds
- December: Good weather returns, festive season
What I Learned the Hard Way
Here’s my real advice from experience:
Booking Tips
Book 6-9 months early for July-October peak season. For other times, 3-4 months is usually enough. The best camps and guides get booked crazy early during migration.
What to Pack
Bring neutral-colored clothes for safari, warm layers for morning drives, good binoculars, and strong sunscreen. Don’t forget a power bank like I did – charging can be limited in some camps.
Money Tips
Dry seasons (especially July-October) are most expensive. You can save good money by going during shoulder seasons (January-February or November-December). I found November gives the best value.
So When Should You Go? Best Time To Visit Kenya
After all my trips, I think the best time to visit Kenya depends on what you want:
- For migration: July to October
- For general safari: January to February or June
- For saving money: April-May or November
- For photos: January-February (clear skies) or November (green landscapes)
- For beach and safari: January-March or August-October
Remember – there’s no bad time to visit Kenya. Animals are always there, the landscapes are always beautiful, and Kenyan people are always welcoming.
Just pick the time that works for you, pack right, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime
