Kenya
The best time to visit
When to go to Kenya
Go in the dry seasons, June to October and January to February, for the best safari game viewing, with the Great Migration reaching the Masai Mara from July to October. The long rains fall March to May, with shorter rains in November.
A 0 to 100 comfort rating from daytime heat, overnight chill, rainfall and storm risk, for Nairobi. Higher is better. Some links on this page are affiliate links, at no cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jan.
Either side of peak, with thinner crowds and better rates.
Rainy season.
In short
The year at a glance
Kenya is a year-round safari country near the equator, with seasons set by rain rather than temperature, and Nairobi sets the ratings below. The dry months, from June to October and again in January and February, concentrate wildlife around the water and make for the best game viewing.
The headline event is the Great Migration, when vast wildebeest herds cross from the Serengeti into the Masai Mara from roughly July to October. The long rains in March to May green the land but soften the roads, and the coast around Mombasa and Diani runs warm and humid year round.
Month by month
Kenya month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Nairobi.
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Rating | What it is like |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25°C / 77°F | 12°C / 54°F | 40 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. Nairobi hotels in January |
| February | 26°C / 79°F | 13°C / 55°F | 50 mm | Ideal 98 | Warm and dry. |
| March | 26°C / 79°F | 14°C / 57°F | 90 mm | Ideal 82 | Warm with a little rain. |
| April | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 200 mm | Good 51 | Warm and wet. |
| May | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | 160 mm | Good 57 | Warm and wet. |
| June | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 52°F | 40 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. Nairobi hotels in June |
| July | 21°C / 70°F | 11°C / 52°F | 18 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. Nairobi hotels in July |
| August | 22°C / 72°F | 11°C / 52°F | 20 mm | Ideal 100 | Mild and dry. |
| September | 25°C / 77°F | 11°C / 52°F | 30 mm | Ideal 100 | Warm and dry. |
| October | 26°C / 79°F | 13°C / 55°F | 70 mm | Ideal 90 | Warm with a little rain. |
| November | 24°C / 75°F | 14°C / 57°F | 150 mm | Great 58 | Warm and wet. |
| December | 23°C / 73°F | 13°C / 55°F | 90 mm | Ideal 82 | Warm with a little rain. |
By region
Where you go changes when you go
The Masai Mara and the safari parks
Best in the dry seasons, June to October and January to February, with the Migration in the Mara from July to October.
Nairobi and the highlands
Mild year round thanks to the altitude, with clearer, drier spells in the dry seasons.
Mombasa and the coast
Warm and humid year round, sunniest and driest from roughly December to March and again midyear.
Go for
Best time to visit Kenya for
The Great Migration
July to October in the Masai Mara, when the wildebeest herds and dramatic river crossings arrive.
General safari
The dry seasons, June to October and January to February, for the easiest game viewing across the parks.
Beaches
December to March on the coast around Diani and Mombasa, the sunniest, driest stretch.
Birding and green season
The wet months, when migratory birds arrive and the landscapes are green, in exchange for muddier roads.
On the calendar
What is on, and when
Great Migration, Jul to Oct
Wildebeest pour into the Masai Mara and brave the crocodile-filled river crossings.
Coast season, Dec to Mar
The Indian Ocean beaches around Diani are at their sunniest and calmest.
Rainy season
Apr to May, Nov.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Kenya
Compare hotels and rentals around Nairobi, then book the month you want.
Ready to book?
Rates climb in peak season, so the best-weather months pay to book early. Shoulder and low months are the value windows.
Prefer to sort flights first? Compare flights
Questions
Good to know
What is the best time to visit Kenya?
When is the Great Migration in Kenya?
When are the rains in Kenya?
Where else, and when
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