Kenya Best Time to Visit (Month by Month Weather & Migration
Kenya is a year-round safari destination. Despite straddling the equator, its climate is moderated by elevation—most safari regions such as the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, and Lake Elementeita sit at over 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above sea level, giving them pleasant daytime temperatures and cool evenings throughout the year.
That said, each month offers something unique, from the Great Migration to the birth of baby animals to dramatic seasonal changes in the landscape. Here’s a breakdown — Kenya Best Time to Visit:
January – March: Baby Season (Hidden Gem)
Warm, mostly dry weather with clear skies.
Excellent game viewing as many animals give birth, especially wildebeest, antelope, and zebra—predators are active.
Fewer tourists than peak season, making it a great value time to travel.
Best for: wildlife photography, calving season, birding (migratory birds present).
April – May: The Long Rains (Secret Season)
Kenya’s wettest period; heavy afternoon showers and dramatic skies.
Many camps in the Mara and beyond close for refurbishment, while others offer heavily discounted rates.
Lush green landscapes make for stunning photography, and newborn animals are still around.
Early April can be especially rewarding—lower prices, fewer crowds, and beautiful light.
Best for: budget travelers, photographers, birders.
June: Shoulder Season – Fresh & Green
Rains taper off, landscapes are lush, skies clear.
Game viewing improves as vegetation thins.
Start of the high season, but still relatively uncrowded.
Best for: great photography, cooler temperatures.
July – September: The Great Wildebeest Migration (Peak Season)
Iconic time for a Kenya safari.
Over 1.5–2 million wildebeest, zebra, and gazelle move from Tanzania’s Serengeti into the Masai Mara, braving dramatic river crossings.
Timing varies: sometimes herds arrive early July, sometimes late July or even August, depending on rainfall.
August and September are generally the most reliable months for migration sightings.
Weather is dry and sunny, with warm days and cooler nights.
Best for: the Migration, predator action, classic “Out of Africa” safaris.
October: Transition Month
Early October may still see the last of the migrating herds.
By mid- to late October, crowds thin out and resident wildlife takes center stage.
Dry weather continues, offering excellent game viewing without peak-season congestion.
Best for: value, fewer crowds, resident big cats.
November: The Short Rains
Short, scattered rains, often in the afternoons, but not disruptive to game drives.
Landscapes turn green again, birdlife is prolific.
Excellent time for lower rates and fewer visitors.
Best for: budget travelers, photographers, birders.
December: Festive Safari Season
Clear skies, warm weather, and excellent game viewing.
Popular holiday period, so book well in advance.
Perfect time to combine safari with a Kenya beach holiday along the coast (Diani, Malindi, Watamu).
Best for: families, safari + beach combos, holiday celebrations.
Kenya Best Time To Visit — According to the Weather
The chart below depicts average temperatures and rainfall in the Masai Mara. Broadly speaking, dry season is the best time for wildlife viewing.
Regional Notes
Masai Mara & Amboseli: Great year-round, with peak action July–September for migration.
Meru & Tsavo National Parks: Hotter and more tropical; best visited in the dry season (June–October).
Kenya’s Beaches (Diani, Malindi, Watamu, Lamu): Best during the dry seasons—Dec–March and June–October.
To Summarise: Kenya Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Kenya depends on what you’d like to experience. For the iconic Great Migration, plan your safari between July and September. If witnessing the birth of baby animals and heightened predator activity excites you, then January to March is ideal. Travelers looking for value and dramatic photography opportunities will find April, May, and November rewarding months, with fewer crowds and lush green landscapes. For those wanting to combine safari with a beach holiday on Kenya’s coast, the most favorable times are December to March or June to October.
Planning your Kenya safari in 2026/2027
How to Get to Kenya (Flights, Airlines, Airports)
Planning a Kenya safari? Fly into Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) with direct flights from Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia. Connect easily via Wilson Airport to the Masai Mara, Amboseli, and other parks, or head to Mombasa and Diani for a beach holiday. Read on here »
When to Visit Kenya (Month-by-Month Weather & Migration)
Wondering when to visit Kenya? From the Great Wildebeest Migration in July–September to baby season in January–March, each month offers something unique. Discover the best time for safari, photography, and beach holidays with our month-by-month Kenya weather and migration guide.
Kenya Safari Costs – How to Budget?
Planning a Kenya safari? Most packages are all-inclusive, covering accommodation, meals, park fees, game drives, and transfers. Expect to budget around $5,000 per person for mid-range safaris, $8,000 for classic camps, and $10,000+ for luxury experiences, with park fees varying by season. Read on here »
Fly-in Safari vs Road Safari — What's the Difference?
Choosing between a fly-in safari and a road safari in Kenya comes down to convenience versus experience. Fly-in safaris save time, offer scenic aerial views, and use open-sided vehicles, while road safaris let you explore the countryside, stop at landmarks, and travel with the same guide throughout your journey. Read more about how fly-in safaris differ from road safaris »
Types of Safari Vehicles in Kenya
On a Kenya safari, the vehicle you choose shapes your experience. Options include budget minibuses with pop-up roofs, closed 4×4 Land Cruisers for comfort and reliability, and open-sided 4x4s that offer the best wildlife viewing inside parks.
How to Book an African Safari (Step by Step)
Planning a safari is unlike planning a typical holiday—it requires choosing the right parks, the best time of year, and camps in prime wildlife locations. With expert guidance from specialist African safari travel agencies like KlipKlop and Chalo Africa, you’ll enjoy seamless logistics, insider knowledge, and the best rates for an unforgettable African adventure.
How to Choose the Best Kenya Safari Camps & Lodges
Choosing the best safari lodge or camp in Kenya can be overwhelming with so many options—from luxury tented camps in the Masai Mara to eco-lodges in community conservancies, private bush villas for families, and beachfront hotels in Diani. The right accommodation depends on your group, travel style, and interests, whether you’re a honeymooner seeking romance, a family needing a child-friendly lodge, or a photographer looking for prime wildlife access. Read more on how to choose the best camp or lodge »
Practical Kenya travel information – Updated 2026/2027
Kenya Visa (ETA) Guide
Wondering how easy or complicated it is to enter Kenya? Do you require a visa? What is an ETA? Read our Kenya visa (ETA) guide to get all your answers.
Vaccination & Health Guide (Yellow Fever, Malaria)
While Kenya offers world-class healthcare in Nairobi, preparing for your health and safety before departure is crucial for a worry-free adventure. Here’s your comprehensive guide to staying healthy during your Kenyan journey.
Is it Safe to Travel to Kenya?
Wondering if Kenya is a safe destination for your next holiday?
The short answer: Yes, Kenya is safe for tourists who take standard travel precautions.
Money, Tipping, SIM Cards, Power Plugs
Before you head off on safari, it’s useful to know the basics about money, tipping, SIM cards, and power plugs in Kenya. From exchanging currency and gratuity norms to staying connected in the bush, here’s everything you need to prepare for a smooth journey.
Packing List for Kenya Safari (Downloadable Checklist)
Clueless about what to pack on your Kenya safari. Checkout our Kenya packing list »
Choosing the best safari for you
The Great Migration 2026/2027
Best Camps for the Great Migration 2026/2027
Few wildlife spectacles rival the Great Migration in Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara — over a million wildebeest, hundreds of thousands of zebras and gazelles tracing ancient paths across the plains. Choosing the right camp, in the right location, at the right time is key to witnessing this phenomenon at its peak.
Kenya Safari vs Tanzania Safari – Which is Better?
Planning an African safari and torn between a Kenya safari and a Tanzania safari? The choice often comes down to the Masai Mara vs. Serengeti. In Kenya’s Masai Mara, the highlight is the Mara River crossings during the Great Migration in August and September, paired with year-round big cat sightings and easy access from Nairobi. Tanzania’s Serengeti, on the other hand, offers a vast wilderness experience, from the famous calving season in the southern plains (January–March) to predator-prey drama in the north (July–October). Both destinations are exceptional, but the right safari depends on your timing, budget, and the kind of wildlife experience you seek. Read our full post here »
Family Safaris in Kenya
Discover how to plan the perfect family safari in Africa — from the ideal age to take your kids on safari to choosing the most child-friendly lodges and activities that keep little explorers engaged. Learn why most experts recommend waiting until age five and how to craft a journey that sparks curiosity, connection, and lifelong memories for the whole family.
Honeymoon Safaris in Kenya
From hot air balloons over the Serengeti to private dinners at Victoria Falls and barefoot walks on Zanzibar’s beaches, Africa is the ultimate honeymoon destination — where wild romance meets luxury and every sunset feels like your own.
Popular Kenya Safari Parks & Conservancies
- Masai Mara National Reserve
- Masai Mara Triangle
- Masai Mara Conservancies
- Amboseli National Park
- Ol Pejeta Conservancy
- Lake Elementeita
Explore our Kenya Safaris
Set off on an unforgettable 9-day safari through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes, blending thrilling wildlife encounters with luxurious stays. Your journey begins in Ol Pejeta Conservancy, a pioneering Big 5 reserve that shelters the last two northern white rhinos. From there, travel to the serene Lake Elementeita, where golden acacias frame flamingo-lined shores and abundant birdlife. Continue on to the world-famous Masai Mara Triangle, a spectacular wilderness where lions, leopards, elephants, and great plains game roam across the rolling savannah.
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Kenya’s most iconic landscapes. From the elephant-dotted plains of Amboseli beneath the snow-capped peak of Mount Kilimanjaro, to the flamingo-fringed shores of Lake Elmenteita, and finally the world-famous Masai Mara Triangle, this 9-day safari is designed for those who crave both adventure and comfort.