Best Time to Visit Kenya – Safari, Beaches, Wildlife & Weather Guide
If you’re dreaming of a Kenya safari, wondering when to visit Masai Mara, or curious about the best beach weather in Diani, this complete guide will help you choose the perfect month to explore Kenya’s wildlife, landscapes, and coastal treasures.
From the Great Migration in Masai Mara to the calving season in Amboseli, Kenya offers incredible experiences year-round. But some months offer better weather, lower prices, or peak wildlife moments.
Month-by-Month Breakdown: Best Time to Visit Kenya
January – Dry, Sunny & Excellent for Safari
- Hot and dry across most of Kenya
- Prime time for game viewing – animals gather around waterholes
- Start of calving season in Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Laikipia
- Great time for beach escapes in Diani and Watamu
Top Destinations:
Masai Mara
Amboseli
Samburu
Diani Beach
February – Hot & Excellent Game Drives
- One of the best safari months in Kenya
- Wildlife is easy to spot in the dry terrain
- Less crowded than peak season (July–Sept)
- Photographers’ paradise – dry light, animals out in the open
Best For: Big cat sightings, honeymoons, combined safari + beach holidays
March – Start of Green Season
- Early March is still great for safaris
- Late March brings light rainfall (start of long rains)
- Migratory birds still present in large numbers
- Landscapes start to turn green
Pro Tip: Great time for budget safaris before lodge prices drop
April – Long Rains Begin (Low Season)
- Wettest month in Kenya
- Lush landscapes, dramatic skies – perfect for photographers
- Roads in some parks may be muddy
- Lodges offer up to 30–50% discounts
Good For:
Birdwatching
Peaceful parks
Budget-friendly private safaris
May – Wet But Beautiful
- Continued rainfall, especially in highlands and central parks
- Wildlife harder to spot due to thick vegetation
- Many lodges remain closed or discounted
Best Regions:
Coastline (Mombasa, Malindi – still sunny)
Central Kenya (cultural tours, coffee farms)
June – Start of Dry Season
- Rain fades away; grass is lush but drying
- Wildlife visibility improves
- Start of the Great Migration buildup in the Serengeti (Tanzania)
- Mount Kenya trekking season begins
Ideal For:
Amboseli
Laikipia
Lake Nakuru
July – Great Migration Arrives in Kenya!
- Peak safari season begins
- Wildebeest and zebras cross into Masai Mara from Serengeti
- Excellent predator sightings: lions, cheetahs, leopards
- Cool mornings, dry days, full lodges – book early
Hot Tip: Combine Masai Mara + Lake Naivasha or add a Serengeti extension
August – Peak Season Continues
- Fantastic game viewing, little to no rain
- Massive herds cross the Mara River
- Family-friendly time (summer school holidays)
- Also great for Diani Beach and Lamu Cultural Festival
September – Clear Skies & Epic Wildlife
- Peak migration continues
- Slightly fewer tourists than July–August
- Parks and lodges less crowded
- Great for honeymooners, photographers, nature lovers
October – Last Month for the Migration
- Wildebeest herds begin to move back to Tanzania
- Start of short rains toward the end of the month
- Beautiful green tones in landscapes
- Shoulder-season prices begin to drop
November – Short Rains & Birdwatching Boom
- Rain refreshes the land but doesn’t interfere with travel much
- Arrival of migratory birds – peak birdwatching time
- Great time for Lake Baringo, Naivasha, Bogoria
Good For:
Budget safaris
Lush scenery
Peaceful travel experiences
December – Holiday Season & Short Dry Spell
- Short rains end mid-month
- One of the most popular times to visit Kenya
- Safari + beach holiday is ideal this time of year
- Christmas/New Year bookings fill fast – book early!
Best For:
Family holidays
Diani Beach
Nairobi National Park day trips
Kenya Coast Weather – Best Months for the Beach
| Destination | Best Months |
|---|---|
| Diani, Watamu, Mombasa | December – March, July – October |
| Avoid | April – May (coastal rains) |
Best Time to Climb Mount Kenya
January – March: Clear skies, dry trails, less wind
June – October: Cooler but stable conditions
Avoid: April–May (slippery trails, heavy rain)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
July to October is ideal for wildlife viewing and the Great Migration. January–March is also excellent for baby animals and big cats.
April to early June is low season, with the lowest rates for accommodation and tours. Great for budget travelers who don’t mind some rain.
Yes. April and May see heavy rains but offer lush scenery, fewer tourists, and excellent birding. Coastal areas like Diani are still sunny during short rains.
The wildebeest migration typically enters Masai Mara from July to October, peaking in August and September at the Mara River crossings.
Need Help Choosing Your Travel Dates?
Let our expert safari planners build a personalized itinerary based on your budget, bucket-list experiences, and preferred season.
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