gowhereandwhen.comGo 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 booking links earn us a commission, at no extra cost to you.
The steadiest weather, peaking around Jan.
Other months to compare; prices and crowds depend on your destination and dates.
Rainy season.
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.
Kenya month by month
Highs, lows, rainfall and the rating, for Nairobi.
JanuaryWarm and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 25°C / 77°F
- Overnight low
- 12°C / 54°F
- Rainfall
- 40 mm
Warm and dry.
FebruaryWarm and dry.Ideal 98
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall
- 50 mm
Warm and dry.
MarchWarm with a little rain.Ideal 82
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 14°C / 57°F
- Rainfall
- 90 mm
Warm with a little rain.
AprilWarm and wet.Good 51
- Daytime high
- 24°C / 75°F
- Overnight low
- 14°C / 57°F
- Rainfall
- 200 mm
Warm and wet.
MayWarm and wet.Good 57
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall
- 160 mm
Warm and wet.
JuneMild and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 22°C / 72°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 40 mm
Mild and dry.
JulyMild and dryIdeal 100
- Daytime high
- 21°C / 70°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 18 mm
Mild and dry.
AugustMild and dry.Ideal 100
- Daytime high
- 22°C / 72°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 20 mm
Mild and dry.
SeptemberWarm and dry.Ideal 100
- Daytime high
- 25°C / 77°F
- Overnight low
- 11°C / 52°F
- Rainfall
- 30 mm
Warm and dry.
OctoberWarm with a little rain.Ideal 90
- Daytime high
- 26°C / 79°F
- Overnight low
- 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall
- 70 mm
Warm with a little rain.
NovemberWarm and wet.Great 58
- Daytime high
- 24°C / 75°F
- Overnight low
- 14°C / 57°F
- Rainfall
- 150 mm
Warm and wet.
DecemberWarm with a little rain.Ideal 82
- Daytime high
- 23°C / 73°F
- Overnight low
- 13°C / 55°F
- Rainfall
- 90 mm
Warm with a little rain.
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.
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.
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.
Watch out
Rainy season
Apr to May, Nov.
Where to stay in Kenya
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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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