The best time to visit Kenya is arguably from July to September during the dry season, which coincides with the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra – a major highlight for many safari tours in Kenya. During this time wildlife viewing is excellent and the weather is perfect for outdoor pursuits, making it an extremely popular time to take a holiday in Kenya.
However, when to go to Kenya also depends on what you want to see and do. The rainy seasons offer lower tourist numbers and lush, emerald landscapes, and December offers a fantastic time to see newborn animals and migratory birds. The long rains in April and May can be heavy, but the shoulder months can still offer rewarding safari experiences, especially for travellers wanting to have a more intimate experience and respite from the many other travellers visiting at that time.
The summer season is seen by many as the best time to visit Kenya for excellent wildlife spotting, both on land and in the air. It is hot, but there are sometimes showers that will help cool things down. The landscape is lush – the grass is still tall from the short rains of November and December. Coastwise, the days are sunny and warm with clear seaside vistas and sea. So it's a great season to experience all of the diversity of Kenya.
Another great time to spot wildlife both on the ground and in the air, with high temperatures and occasional showers. The landscape remains covered in long grass from the short rains of November and December, making it one of the best time to go to Kenya for an unforgettable safari experience.
The ‘long rains’ of April and May often turn park tracks into muddy quagmires and make the beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline hot and very wet, making this period not the best time to travel to Kenya.
The rains have mostly ended, with only light showers possible and cool nights at higher altitudes. As the long dry season approaches, grasses remain tall, sometimes making game spotting a bit challenging, but it’s still a beautiful time and the best month to visit Kenya for those eager to witness the anticipation of the Great Migration arriving in the Masai Mara.
The weather is temperate and dry, with occasional showers still possible, making this the best season to visit Kenya overall. The first herds begin arriving into the Masai Mara from Tanzania, signalling that peak travel and game-viewing season is just around the corner.
With pleasant temperatures and mostly dry conditions, this period is one of the best time to visit Kenya. Fantastic game viewing awaits as the Great Migration reaches its peak in the Masai Mara, offering thrilling scenes at the river crossings where countless wildebeest and zebra gather and cross the Mara and Talek Rivers.
The weather is generally dry, making it one of the best times to go to Kenya. Game viewing continues to be exceptional in the Mara and remains excellent across the country for wildlife lovers.
As temperatures begin to rise, occasional showers are possible, but this remains one of the best times to travel to Kenya for those looking to avoid the crowds while still enjoying excellent game viewing. Although the migratory herds are leaving the Mara, abundant resident wildlife ensures a great safari experience, and other Kenya destinations are also fantastic during this period.
The short rains begin and temperatures rise, but the Mara and most other destinations remain open, making this a good choice for the best month to visit Kenya. While many camps on the Laikipia Plateau close, game viewing stays rewarding under the heavier skies, activities continue, crowds thin out, and you can often find excellent deals.
The end of the year marks the middle of the short rains, making it a warmer and potentially wet period, so it’s not always the best season to visit Kenya. Some camps, especially in the north, may be closed, but where open, wildlife viewing remains excellent with abundant birdlife to enjoy.
We’re nominated for the British Travel Awards. If you’ve enjoyed our journeys, please vote for us.
Vote Now