When to visit Kenya

February is one of the hottest and driest months in Kenya. There is less rainfall than in January, which means humidity is lower, so days feel more pleasant and slightly less muggy.

Seasonal rates will apply from December to February, coinciding with higher traveller numbers.

March is the beginning of the wet season in Kenya. Heavy, persistent rainfall begins in March, although intermittent and tends to increase in frequency as you get closer to April.

The conditions usually hold up for safaris, so visiting in March is perfectly fine if that’s your only window of opportunity.

April has high temperatures and lots of rainfall. Humidity levels can also make it uncomfortable to spend long periods outside. While the rain can make spotting wildlife tricky, there’s plenty to keep you occupied in Nairobi and other urban areas and destinations along the southeast coast, where the weather is warm and rainfall primarily occurs in the afternoon.

Temperatures start dropping in May, but rainfall is still at a year-round high until the end of the month when it dwindles. It’s not the best month for safaris, but with an expert local guide who knows where to look, you may be lucky to spot adorable newborn animals in the National Park. The rain is also a good excuse to participate in cultural experiences and get to know the locals while crowds are thin.

June is the tail end of the rainy season, and after two months of heavy rain, the showers begin to taper off. June offers a good amount of sunshine and blue skies.

One benefit of visiting immediately after the rainy season is that the country is most beautiful. All flowers are in bloom, and the country is verdant.

The dry season is underway in July, bringing clear skies and cooler temperatures. July is a popular month for scuba diving enthusiasts to visit Kenya as there’s good water visibility in the Indian Ocean due to minimal rainfall. Bird watching is also a popular activity in July as various species migrate to the lakes of the Rift Valley.

August is a dry month across the country. The mild to warm weather provides safaris and outdoor activities such as hiking and beach-going.  It’s also one of the best months to see the annual wildebeest migration in the Masai Mara. As incredible as this event is, it (unsurprisingly) draws in many tourists, so plan and be prepared for larger crowds.

September is one of the driest months. The average temperature is a comfortable 24°C, so you don’t have to worry about sweatin’ it out on the savannah. In short, the weather is about as good as it gets.

It’s also the last month to witness the wildebeest migration, so safaris are extremely popular.

The weather starts changing in October as Kenya’s shorter rainy season approaches. Humidity levels climb, and the air feels stickier, which is why you should head to the coast to relax on the beach and cool down in the ocean. Wandering around Nairobi’s museums and markets is also a good idea if you want to stay out of the heat.

The ‘short rains’ season starts in November with about a month of showers that typically fall in the afternoon or early evening. While this isn’t ideal for wildlife spotting endeavours, it’s a good month to enjoy a less crowded Kenya safari. Despite November holding the title of ‘third rainiest month’, plenty of places receive little to no rainfall, such as the southeast coastal areas.

If you’re trying to escape the North American or European winter, a December trip to Kenya won’t go amiss. The average temperature is a pleasant 24°C, and the rain isn’t too disruptive, particularly towards the end of the month as the dry season settles in. Wildlife viewing is fantastic in December, with the opportunity to see newborn animals and various migratory bird species. There are also lively Christmas celebrations across the county.