Kenya captivates with its iconic wildlife safaris, pristine beaches, and vibrant culture. From the Great Migration in Maasai Mara to the bustling streets of Nairobi, this East African gem offers unforgettable adventures. Discover diverse landscapes ranging from snow-capped Mount Kenya to the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean.
Kenya straddles the equator and has diverse climates — the coast is hot and humid year-round while the highlands around Nairobi and Mount Kenya are temperate and cooler. The country has two rainy seasons: the long rains (March-May) and short rains (October-November). The driest and most popular months for wildlife are July-October and January-March, when sparse vegetation improves game viewing and dirt roads are passable.
Best time to visit
Best: July-October (Great Migration), December-March (dry season)
Peak Season: July-October (Great Migration), December-March (dry season)
Shoulder Season: January-February, June-July
Avoid: April-May, November (long rains, green season)
Best Reason:
Avoid Reason:
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
25C/77F (Nairobi 22C/72F)
Dry season, excellent visibility and wildlife viewing. Amboseli at its best with clear Kilimanjaro views in the morning. Busy but manageable tourism levels.
February
26C/79F (Nairobi 23C/73F)
Best dry season month with great weather everywhere, fewer tourists than January, and excellent wildlife. Underrated gem of the Kenyan travel calendar.
March
27C/81F (Nairobi 22C/72F)
Long rains begin, typically mid-month. First two weeks are still excellent. Park tracks starting to get muddy by end of month. Coastal beaches still good.
April
26C/79F (Nairobi 19C/66F)
Peak long rains — heavy afternoon showers most days. Cheapest month for accommodation. Parks are lush and green but some access roads flood. Not recommended for first-time safari visitors.
May
25C/77F (Nairobi 18C/64F)
Heavy rains continue with some days of clear weather. Budget prices throughout. Wildlife concentrated at water sources and easier to spot despite vegetation. Coastal diving excellent with good visibility.
June
22C/72F (Nairobi 17C/63F)
Long rains end and dry season begins. Wildlife starts concentrating as vegetation dries. Great time to visit before July peak prices kick in. Mara wildebeest herds begin building.
July
20C/68F (Nairobi 15C/59F)
Peak dry season and start of Great Migration river crossings in Maasai Mara. Coolest month of the year in highlands. Busiest tourist month — book well ahead. Kitesurfing season begins on the coast.
August
21C/70F (Nairobi 16C/61F)
Peak of Great Migration with dramatic river crossings at Mara River. Most popular month in Kenya — expect full lodges and premium prices. Spectacular wildlife viewing everywhere.
September
24C/75F (Nairobi 18C/64F)
Great Migration continues before wildebeest return to Tanzania. Shoulder season prices beginning. All parks excellent with dry conditions and concentrated wildlife. Short rains haven't begun.
October
26C/79F (Nairobi 20C/68F)
Short rains begin mid-month with brief afternoon showers. Wildlife dispersing after Migration. Parks still excellent and significantly cheaper. Coastal areas good despite occasional rain.
November
25C/77F (Nairobi 19C/66F)
Short rains peak — afternoon showers but usually clear mornings. Good for landscape photography with dramatic clouds. Budget prices and few tourists. Not recommended for first-time park visitors.
December
26C/79F (Nairobi 21C/70F)
Short rains end and dry season resumes. Christmas and New Year are very busy and expensive on the coast and in Nairobi. Second week onwards is excellent for all destinations. Book well ahead.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: Mar-May
Long rains season with heavy afternoon and overnight showers. Nairobi and highlands experience cool, green conditions. Maasai Mara and coastal parks can become muddy. Lowest tourist numbers and significantly cheaper accommodation.
Summer
Months: Jun-Aug
Cool dry season in the highlands and peak wildlife viewing period. The Great Migration peaks August-September in Maasai Mara. Southeast trade winds make the coast breezy and perfect for kitesurfing. This is Kenya's busiest tourist period.
Fall
Months: Sep-Nov
Short rains arrive in October-November bringing brief afternoon showers. September is still peak season for the Mara. October sees wildlife disperse after Migration but parks remain beautiful. Short rains are less severe than long rains.
Winter
Months: Dec-Feb
Long dry season and second peak tourist period. Christmas and New Year are very busy. January-February offer excellent dry weather, clear skies, and great wildlife (especially Amboseli). Nairobi and highlands are dry and slightly cooler.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Jul-Oct (Great Migration peak) and Dec-Jan (Christmas/New Year)
- Shoulder Season
- Jan-Mar (dry season, moderate numbers) and Jun (pre-peak)
- Low Season
- Apr-May (long rains) and Nov (short rains)
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
Great Migration River Crossings
Millions of wildebeest and zebras cross Mara River in Maasai Mara. Most spectacular wildlife event on earth. Exact timing varies yearly based on rains.
Lamu Cultural Festival
Three-day celebration of Swahili culture with dhow races, donkey races, traditional dances, henna painting, and poetry. Showcases coastal Islamic heritage.
Rhino Charge
Off-road motorsport fundraiser for conservation. 4x4 vehicles race across rough terrain to reach checkpoints. Huge social event attracting thousands.
Maralal Camel Derby
Amateur camel races in northern Kenya desert town. Colorful festival with cultural performances, attracting international participants. Proceeds support local education.
Nairobi Restaurant Week
Top restaurants offer prix-fixe menus at discounted prices. Opportunity to try fine dining at affordable rates. Book in advance.
Kenya Music Festival
National music and drama competition showcasing talent from schools and groups. Culminates in national finals with diverse performances.
Magical Kenya Travel Expo
East Africa's largest travel trade show in Nairobi. B2B event but sometimes has public days. Best time to book safari deals directly with operators.
Mombasa Carnival
Vibrant street parade with music, dance, and cultural displays celebrating coastal diversity. Floats, costumes, and street parties throughout Mombasa.
Jamhuri Day (Independence Day)
National holiday celebrating independence from Britain (1963). Parades, speeches, cultural performances. Main events at Nyayo Stadium Nairobi.
Safari Rally Kenya
WRC World Rally Championship returns to Kenya. High-speed rally racing through diverse terrain. Based in Naivasha with stages in Rift Valley.
Tusker Safari Sevens
Premier rugby sevens tournament at RFUEA Grounds Nairobi. International teams compete. Known for vibrant fan atmosphere and party vibe.
Lake Turkana Cultural Festival
Remote festival celebrating 14 ethnic communities around Lake Turkana. Traditional dances, crafts, and cultural exchange. Very off-the-beaten-path.