When planning a safari to Kenya, timing is everything. Kenya is a year–round destination with many breathtaking attractions and thrilling safari experiences. The best time to visit Kenya for a safari solely depends on the activities, the animals you would like to see, and the type of weather you would prefer to experience.
Most safari destinations in Kenya are at their best during the dry season from June to October or December to March when it is not too hot, rainfall is low, and vegetation is thinner (making it easier to view wildlife). These periods coincide with the high tourist season, particularly in December and January, so expect larger crowds and higher accommodation rates.
When to Visit Kenya for a Safari based on safari experiences
When to witness the wildebeest migration
Every year, around two million wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles embark on an annual journey, migrating from Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park to Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve in search of food and water. These herds are followed closely by predators, so expect to witness nerve-wracking predator – prey action.
In the Masai Mara, you can expect the wildebeest to arrive as early as July, but generally they arrive between August and September and remain in the Mara between October and November before returning to the Serengeti.
When to skip the crowds
If you are not a big fan of big crowds, the best time to visit Kenya for a safari is during the low/rain seasons in November, that is early to mid-December, April, or May. You will probably experience a few torrential downpours, but it’s less crowded, the parks are extra lush and green, and hotels have more rooms available. Also, you may benefit from off-season flight and hotel prices.
Best Time to Visit Kenya for a Safari – Month By Month
January
Best for wildlife spotting and national parks
January lies outside of the long and short rain season in Kenya and is one of the best times to go on safari and see large game. The national parks are particularly green and gorgeous thanks to the recent rains, creating prime habitats for wildlife. Also, you could go to the coast to enjoy palm-lined beaches and warm swims in the Indian Ocean.
Due to great weather and sun-seekers from the northern hemisphere, January is a busy time, so be sure to book in advance.
February
Best for hiking and beach holidays
February is one of the hottest and driest months in Kenya with daytime temperatures around 27°C, while nights are a mild 14°C, which is perfect for spending long periods outside on Kenya safari or hiking through the country’s magnificent mountain ranges.
The dry weather is prime for game drives, wildlife sightings and photography. If you find it too hot, head to the coast to relax on the beach and enjoy watersports.
March
Best for beaches and water-based experiences
March is not the best time to explore Kenya’s bush as it marks the start of monsoon season. It can be very hard to move around the country, think of flash flooding, storms and road closures. So you might not get the classic safari experience. Still, with some flexibility and an intrepid attitude, you can still have a great holiday.
Daytime highs still average 27°C, making relaxing at a beachside destination along the eastern coast a popular choice. Since it is not a peak season, accommodation prices are usually lower.
April
Best for dining out and exploring city streets
Similar to March, April experiences high temperatures and lots of rainfall. Humidity levels can also make it uncomfortable to spend long periods outside. April is one of the rainiest months, and due to heavy downpours, some national parks and campsites may close.
While the rain can make wildlife spotting tricky, there is plenty to keep you occupied in Nairobi and other urban areas, as well as destinations along the southeast coast, where the weather is warm, and rainfall primarily occurs in the afternoon, making morning excursions possible.
May
Best for boat trips and water – based activities on the southeastern coast
In May, temperatures start to drop, but rainfall is still at a year-round high until the end of the month when it dwindles. It is not the best month for safari as some lodges close and visibility can be reduced. However, with an expert local guide who knows where to look, you may be lucky to spot newborn animals in Masai Mara and Amboseli National Park.
Also, the rain is a good excuse to take part in cultural experiences and get to know the locals while the crowds are thin.
June
Best for hiking, biking and water sports
The monsoon season comes to an end and the dry season arrives. Going on safari returns to the top of the best things to do in Kenya as animals frequent rivers, lakes and watering holes in need of hydration after the long rains of the monsoon season.
Temperatures are at a manageable 22°C on average, and destinations such as Nairobi, Diani Beach, Malindi and Watamu experience plenty of sunshine. So, leave the umbrella at your safari lodge and head outside to explore the great African outdoors.
July
Best for scuba diving and bird watching
The dry season is well underway in July, bringing clear skies and cooler temperatures. But don’t let that deceive you. The sun is incredibly strong in Kenya, so even if the average temperature is only 22°C, you still need plenty of sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses.
July is a popular month to visit Kenya for scuba diving enthusiasts as there is good water visibility in the Indian Ocean due to minimal rainfall. Birding is also a popular experience in July as various species migrate to the lakes of the Rift Valley.
August
Best for dry weather, the wildebeest migration and outdoor activities
August is a dry month across the country. The mild to warm weather lends itself to safaris and outdoor activities such as hiking and beach–going.
Also, it is one of the best months to see the annual wildebeest migration. As incredible as this event is, it unsurprisingly draws in many tours, so plan and be prepared for larger crowds.
September
Best for witnessing the wildebeest migration and hot air balloon rides
September is one of the driest months in Kenya. The average temperature is a comfortable 24°C, so you don’t have to worry about as good as it gets.
Also, it is the last month to witness the wildebeest migration, so safaris are extremely popular. But just like the big animals, the small animals, including insects, come out to play in September, with mosquitoes in full force around large bodies of water. We recommend you wear loose, light – colored clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and lashings of repellent.
October
Best for museum visits and beachside escapades
In October, the weather starts changing as Kenya’s shorter rainy season approaches. Humidity levels climb, and the air feels stickier, which is all the more reason to head to the Kenyan coast to relax on the beach and cool down in the ocean. Wandering around Nairobi’s Museums and markets, it is also a good idea if you want to stay out of the heat.
November
Best for indoor cooking classes, snorkeling and scuba diving
In November, the short rains start with about a month of showers that typically fall in the afternoon or early evening. While this isn’t ideal for wildlife spotting adventures, it is a good month to enjoy a less crowded Kenya safari.
Despite November being the third rainiest month, there are plenty of places that receive little to no rainfall, such as the southeast coastal areas. But avoid Mount Kenya and the highland region if you don’t want to get washed out.
December
Best for safaris, bird watching and Christmas celebrations
If you are trying to escape the North American or European winter, a Kenya trip in December 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.
In December, wildlife viewing is fantastic with the opportunity to see newborn animals and various migratory bird species. Also, there are lively Christmas celebrations across the country.
In conclusion: Kenya is a year–round safari destination. It is busy during the dry season from June to October, when the sparse vegetation and limited water cause game to gather around water, making them easy to find and to view. However, this is the most crowded and busy time to go on safari, especially in the Masai Mara from the latter half of August to October, when the Great Wildebeest Migration usually arrives.
