Best time to visit Kenya

When is the dry season?

The dry season in Kenya occurs from June to October. During this normally rainless period, wildlife congregates near permanent water sources, and vegetation is sparse. This combination creates exceptional conditions for seeing a diversity of wildlife.

As the herds gather near the last remaining water, high concentrations of predators and prey inevitably occur. Consequently, the chance of seeing a hunt unfold is higher, as the big cats seize the opportunity to target the young and the weak.

The wildebeest migration arrives in the Masai Mara National Reserve from around August to October, completing a circuit of Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park. Unsurprisingly, this astonishing phenomenon attracts many visitors.

The dry season weather is perfect for a safari, beach retreat, or trek of Mount Kenya. Temperatures are mild, with low humidity and a minimal chance of rain. At high altitudes, temperatures are cooler during the day, and frosts can occur overnight.

When is the rainy season?

Kenya’s position on the equator results in a tropical climate with consistent daylight hours and temperatures, two dry and two rainy seasons.

The short rains occur unpredictably from November to December. If it does rain, it usually transpires in passing afternoon or nighttime thunderstorms. Consequently, early morning game drives, the best time to see the wildlife, are rarely affected by rain.

At the coast, the weather is excellent with a chance of rain. A highlight during this season is the return of the Palearctic-African migratory birds.

The long rains occur from April to May. Temperatures are high, but morning game drives are pleasant. Heavy daily downpours often make some areas of the parks inaccessible. Don’t let this put you off; this season is an underrated time of year to visit.

Below, we explain where to go during the low season to experience Kenya’s incredible parks with fewer people and at lower prices.

Amboseli National Park

Amboseli National Park has incredible scenery, with Mount Kilimanjaro providing a stunning backdrop to the vast open plains where herds of resident elephants move through the grasslands.

It is an excellent park to see elephants, four out of the Big Five, remarkable birdlife, and cheetahs year-round.

Amboseli National Park is situated on an ancient Pleistocene lakebed, which is the reason for the expansive plains. The region is drought-prone; however, the landscape has a saving grace. Snowmelt from Mount Kilimanjaro supplies several swamps, creating a year-round water source without which nothing would survive on the plains.

The dry season from June to October is a superb time to see abundant wildlife congregating near the swamps. However, it can be dusty. Consequently, crisp photography is not always possible; views of Mount Kilimanjaro can be obscured, and the park can feel busy.

Therefore, the best time to visit Kenya’s Amboseli is during the shoulder and low seasons when visitor numbers are lower.

The short rains transform the dusty plains into green grasslands, clearing the air of dust and allowing for views of Mount Kilimanjaro. January to February is a dry period with hot temperatures. During the long rains in April and May, parts of the park become inaccessible. However, the landscape is at its most beautiful.

Tsavo West and Tsavo East National Parks

Tsavo East and Tsavo West National Parks offer incredible year-round wildlife viewing in a landscape humans have inhabited since the Stone Age.

These parks are home to Kenya’s highest population of elephants, the Big Five, rare animals, and numerous other species.

The best thing about visiting Tsavo East and Tsavo West is that you can stop en route at Amboseli before arriving at Tsavo. Once you have experienced the myriad of wonders of Tsavo, you can continue to the coast to conclude your safari with a relaxing tropical beach retreat.

Tsavo East offers an all-around experience, while Tsavo West is a must-visit for lovers of scenery and landscapes. At the latter, dense vegetation can make wildlife viewing challenging, but the volcanically sculpted landscapes are stunning.

The best time to visit Kenya’s Tsavo national parks for wildlife viewing is from June to March, which encompasses two dry periods and the short rains. Game drives near the Tsavo, Voi, and Galana Rivers are rewarding places to see a range of wildlife.

Thanks to the enormous size of both parks, it will never feel crowded, even during the high season. The short and long rains bring new life to semi-arid landscapes, making them ideal for nature lovers and landscape photographers.

Northern Kenya: Laikipia, Samburu Game Reserve

Kenya’s northern parks and conservancies offer an authentic and exclusive safari experience with world-class wildlife viewing in stunning landscapes.

Wildlife faced severe threats due to poaching in the past. However, species populations are rising thanks to multiple anti-poaching measures and the establishment of private conservancies to safeguard endangered animals.

Today, you can visit pioneering conservancies such as the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and Ol Pejeta Conservancy.

These conservancies protect vast areas and channel funds from tourism into community projects, motivating all Kenyans to value and protect wildlife.

Samburu National Reserve is a beautiful park with its inselbergs, views of Mount Kenya, and the fig and doum palm-lined Ewaso Nyiro River – a fantastic place to see elephants and big cats. Another hidden gem is Meru National Park.

The best time to visit Northern Kenya is from June to December, while January to May can be very hot. However, November and December are the best months, as they are the shoulder seasons.

Mt Kenya Trekking

If you’re planning on trekking Mount Kenya, it’s essential to be aware of the different seasons and how they can impact your experience.

Due to the drier weather, June to October and January to March are the best months to climb Mt Kenya. Temperatures are milder from June to October, while January to March experiences warmer temperatures. However, when trekking at higher altitudes, it’s possible to experience four seasons in a day, so it’s advisable to pack accordingly.

Conversely, the weather is more unpredictable from November to December and April to May, with a higher likelihood of persistent rainfall. This means, the trails may become slippery, and navigation can be more challenging.

It’s best to avoid trekking during these months as it is not considered the best time to visit Kenya for a hiking trip.

Beach Holiday on the North & South Coast: Diani Beach and Watamu

In Kenya, you have the chance to combine a safari with a tropical beach getaway. You can explore the reefs accessible from the beach at low tide, witness magnificent coral gardens and marine life in the marine parks, discover ancient towns, and venture into the coastal forests. Plenty of activities exist, including scuba diving and kite surfing.

June to March are the best times to visit Kenya’s north or south coast for a beach holidays. For optimal weather, June to October is the recommended time to travel. There’s a chance of rain between November and December, but it is still an excellent time to visit. Temperatures and humidity rise from January to February, but they remain dry.

Meanwhile, March to May is hot and humid with high rainfall.