When Is The Best Time To Visit Kenya For Safari?
People often mistakenly believe that the best months for visiting Kenya (and the best time for wildlife viewing) are during specific months including the great migration safari, but practically there’s not exactly a single best time to visit Kenya, and our take remains the same – Kenya wildlife safaris is good year-round and only differs from one safari park to another based on the weather patterns and the Kenya safari seasons.
But when is the best time to visit Kenya, you ask? It simply understanding the Kenya’s climate, and well – you’ve come to the right place!
Whatever draws you, plan the perfect time for your visit with this guide to Kenya’s safari seasons and events.
Month-By-Month Guide On When To Go To Kenya
In this guide, we explain further about the best time of the year to visit Kenya for a safari by month, and apart from sharing with you insights to Kenya’s best safari months, our listed Kenya climate guide is designed to assist you plan your ultimate holiday trips to Kenya.
Travelling to Kenya from Late June to October – During the dry season are the best wildlife viewing months.
Travelling to Kenya from July to October – Usually the best time for the Great Wildebeest Migration safari, especially when predators move in for an easy kill.
Travelling to Kenya from November to May – Best time to avoid crowds – take advantage of low season prices.
Summary – All year-round, Kenya is great for wildlife viewing, but can differ for some parks.
Best Weather – June to October
Travelling for Kenya safari in January?
Kenya in January is generally a warm and dry month with hot temperatures and low humidity, this is a great time to go on safari in Kenya, as wildlife is abundant and easily visible in the dry open plains, meaning the bush and grass are all quite short, a good advantage for game viewing, with Maasai Mara leading the way.
It’s the dry season in Kenya and the climate is mild and dry, expect to see incredible birdlife and newborn animals during this period.
Travelling for Kenya safari in February?
Kenya in February is another good month for a safari tour, with temperatures in Nairobi typically ranging from 12°C to 28°C (54°F to 82°F). Coastal areas are warmer, with temperatures averaging between 25°C and 34°C (77°F to 93°F) the weather is good since it’s a hot and dry time that will bring out big game and birds in places like Maasai Mara and Laikipia. The game viewing drives will take you to these animals’ favourite water spots where they love to hang out as they quench their thirst. February is where to go in Kenya to conquer Africa’s second highest peak, Mount Kenya.
February is also a good time for beach holidays tours at the Kenyan coast, though daytime temperatures can get very high.
Travelling for Kenya safari in March?
Kenya safari in March, marks the end of the long dry season and the start of the long rainy season in Kenya as well as the neighboring East Africa countries.
Rain is commonplace throughout large parts of the country, and the vegetation will become lusher. Game viewing action continues well in the early part of March all the way to the last week of March. By then, the grass will have grown tall.
Advantage: During the rainy season the animals in many parks will come out from hiding and spread as the rain starts in the later stages of the month,
Another advantage in March is that the crowds are absent and safari costs are much lower.
Travelling for Kenya safari in April?
Kenya safari in April is considered as one of the wettest month. Nairobi and the central highlands are hot in the day and comfortable at night, while Mombasa is hot both in the day and at night. Game viewing drives can be challenging and at the same time fun on these muddy roads, it’s a fantastic time for photographers to go on safari.
While the rain can make spotting wildlife tricky, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Nairobi and other urban areas, as well as other Kenyan destinations.
Visiting the Masai Mara for Safari in April you will find a landscape that is lush and beautifully green providing some scenic backdrops for incredible wildlife images.
Travelling for Kenya safari in May?
Kenya in May is also one of the wettest months, the Rift Valley and western side are hot by day, cool at night, and receive high rainfall. However, the prices are a bit lower and with an expert local guide who knows where to look, you may be lucky to spot adorable newborn animals in Naivasha and Mount Kenya National Park.
If you are the type of traveler who loves such challenging weather, you will enjoy the game viewing drives on muddy tracks, dispersed wildlife game viewing, and thick vegetation. May is not an ideal time for a powder-soft sand, along the Kenyan beaches.
Travelling for Kenya safari in June?
Kenya safari in June through to October mark the start of the long dry season, and game viewing in most safari destinations in Kenya is good in June. This is the best time visit Kenya for a truly immersive safari experience.
Say goodbye to the rainy season and hello to the dry weather.
The weather is at its best in these dry months, and forces the wildlife to gather around water sources which will increase your chances of wildlife viewings.
Travelling to Kenya in June is also the best time as we expect the arrival of the Great Migration’s mega-herds into the Masai Mara.
We also recommend visiting the Meru National Park at this time. The first rainy season will also leave the Amboseli National Park full of greenery. Although the area will be increasingly hot, the drying period will attract giant elephants to rivers and watering holes.
Mombasa and the Kenyan beaches will remain hot by day and relatively calm by night.
Travelling for Kenya safari in July?
July is a popular month to visit Kenya, and is also widely regarded as the best time to go on Kenya safari because it happens to be Great Wildebeest Migration season. It is an amazing time and totally busy safari days in Kenya. Towards the end of July is when the herd’s wildebeest’s start arriving in the Masai Mara and when you could have a front-row seat to dramatic river crossings.
The great migration safari is almost at its peak during this time and will truly blow your mind. There’s a high chance of witnessing lions making a kill or the massive Mara river crocodiles catching their prey.
The dry season ushers clear skies and cooler temperatures.
Travelling for Kenya safari in August?
A Kenya safari in August is one of the coolest months of the year, expect a mild to warm weather which is perfect with wildlife safaris and outdoor activities such as Mount Kenya Hiking and Kenyan beach-safaris. August is also one of the best Kenya safari months to see the Great Wildebeest Migration which is at its height.
The days are generally sunny and hot, temperatures are pleasant particularly in regions with higher altitudes.
Be prepared because action can be witnessed when thousands of zebras and wildebeest perform river crossings, with hungry crocodiles, lions and cheetahs in wait.
Travelling for Kenya safari in September?
September is the ideal month to go on a safari in Kenya, the weather is generally dry and the temperatures comfortable, in short the weather is about as good as it gets. The game-viewing action continues and the crowds slowly reduce.
It’s also the last month to witness the wildebeest migration so safaris to Masai Mara are still extremely popular, and you may if lucky catch a glimpse of the Migration.
When you want to get away from the tourist crowds, check out the quieter regions of the northern Kenya. You can enjoy sightings at other Kenyan parks such as Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru, Ol Pejeta, etc. Game viewing is equally impressive up there.
In general, Kenya, Tanzania, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia are all great choices for a safari in September. Wildlife viewing is generally superb throughout East and southern Africa.
Travelling for Kenya safari in October?
October is considered to be the peak safari season in Kenya, this will still be an excellent time to visit the country. During this time, prices are lower than usual while the wildlife viewing is still active and animals are more visible.
If you are looking for rock climbing tours, this is also the recommended time to do a Mount Kenya trekking safari. Both wildlife enthusiasts and photographers, in particular, should take advantage of the excellent wildlife sightings in parks and conservancies.
If you are looking for a budget safari option, October is the month for you. Kenya has no shortage of wildlife and will keep safari lovers happy in Big 5 country.
Travelling for Kenya safari in November?
Kenya in November is the start of the short rainy season and most of the parks and camps remain open. This is a month of tropical showers that typically fall in the afternoon or early evening. While this isn’t ideal for wildlife spotting activities, it’s a good month to enjoy a less crowded Big Five Kenya safari.
The country’s rift valley and western interior parts become hot by day, cool at night, and may receive moderate showers, this means that the temperature is high enough to wear light clothes, but waterproof options can save you from getting caught in unexpected showers.
Despite the short showers, this is a good time to take the opportunity to enjoy a less crowded Kenya safari at lower prices.
Travelling for Kenya safari in December?
Kenya in December can be very hot with fantastic wildlife viewing, and great for birdwatchers as bird numbers increase greatly at this time of the year. If you’re trying to escape the North American or European winter, a Kenya trip in December won’t disappoint.
The temperatures across the country are just perfect if you are looking to celebrate the festival in various parts of the country, especially if you want to head to Mombasa or similar Kenyan parks.
Ready to Start Planning Your Visit to Kenya?
Not yet close to finding your best time to travel to Kenya? Worry not, chat with someone who’s been there. Get in touch with one of our African safari experts to help tailor-make a trip that’s right for you.
