Best Time To Travel To Kenya

January & February – Warm, Dry, and Great for Wildlife

January kicks off the year with sunny days and excellent safari conditions across most of Kenya’s parks. Temperatures are high, especially in the coastal regions, but conditions remain dry in the central highlands and major safari destinations like the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and Lake Nakuru. Wildlife sightings are frequent, with animals drawn to permanent water sources.

February continues this trend and is often the driest month in some regions, offering superb game viewing. This is one of the best times to see predators at watering holes and migratory birds arriving. It's also an excellent month for climbing Mount Kenya, with clear skies and minimal rainfall at higher altitudes.

Ideal For:

• Game drives in Masai Mara, Samburu, and Amboseli
• Birdwatching near Rift Valley lakes
• Mount Kenya trekking
• Beach holidays in Diani and Watamu

March to May- Long Rains, Lower Crowds, Stunning Landscapes

March signals the start of the long rainy season. Rainfall increases across most safari areas, making some roads muddy or inaccessible. While game drives become more challenging, this is the season of renewal—lush greenery returns, and the scenery is vibrant.

April is usually the wettest month of the year. Most travellers avoid this period, but photographers and off-season explorers find great value. Wildlife is harder to spot, but the backdrop is dramatic, and there’s minimal dust or haze.

May brings continued rains but with occasional sunny breaks. Lodges and camps are less crowded, and rates are often reduced, making this a good time for budget-conscious travellers or those seeking solitude.

Ideal For:

• Photography safaris in green landscapes
• Discounted rates at lodges and camps
• Beach relaxation between rain spells

June to October – Prime Safari Season

This is considered the best time to travel to Kenya for traditional safaris. June marks the end of the long rains, and the landscape is still green, but the roads begin to dry, and game viewing improves dramatically.

July to September is the peak season for wildlife safaris, especially in the Masai Mara, as it coincides with the dramatic Great Wildebeest Migration. Plains are dry, vegetation is sparse, and animals gather near rivers and watering holes, making this period perfect for spotting the Big Five.

October is slightly warmer and marks the end of the dry season, with wildlife still concentrated around water sources. The clear skies and excellent visibility make it a top choice for both seasoned and first-time safari-goers.

Ideal For:

• The Great Migration in Masai Mara
• Walking safaris and photography tours
• Classic Big Five game viewing
• Comfortable game drives and cooler nights

November & December – Short Rains, Fewer Tourists, Fresh Air

November brings the short rainy season, with scattered showers mostly in the afternoon. It’s not as wet as April, and most safari camps remain open. This is a good time for those looking to avoid crowds and enjoy vibrant green landscapes and active birdlife.

December experiences a mix of sun and short rains. Wildlife viewing remains good, and the festive season brings a livelier atmosphere to Kenya’s beach resorts and safari lodges. Birdwatching is exceptional during these months due to migratory arrivals.

Ideal For:

• Green-season photography
• Birdwatching in Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, and Arabuko-Sokoke Forest
• Cultural tours and scenic drives
• Peaceful safaris at discounted rates

Coastal Weather – Year-Round Sun with Humidity

Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline—including Diani, Watamu, and Malindi—remains warm and humid year-round. While beach holidays are possible at any time, the best months for coastal travel are January to March and July to September, when humidity is more tolerable and rain is minimal.

The coastal region does experience both long and short rainy seasons, with heavier showers in April and May. However, even during rainy periods, it’s rare for the rain to last all day.

Ideal Months for the Coast:

• January to March: Hot and sunny
• June to September: Warm and less humid

Choosing the Right Season for Your Safari!

Kenya’s weather varies greatly depending on region and elevation, but the diversity of experiences available makes it a rewarding destination in every season. From tracking elephants in Amboseli beneath Mount Kilimanjaro to relaxing on sun-washed beaches or witnessing millions of wildebeests storming across rivers, Kenya always has something spectacular to offer.

For Kenya Safaris, the dry season is ideal for wildlife spotting, while the green season is perfect for photography and peaceful travel. If you’re looking for lower prices, fewer tourists, and a fresh landscape, the rainy months can still deliver memorable adventures.

Plan Your Kenya Tours with Experts

Want a travel experience that fits your schedule and style? Let Melodica Africa Tours & Safaris help you design a customised itinerary based on the best time to travel to Kenya. From seasonal migration tours to exclusive beach-and-bush combinations, we know how to match your dreams with the right season.