Kenya • Best Time
Best Time to Visit Kenya: Month-by-Month Safari Guide
The best time to visit Kenya for a safari is the long dry season, from June to October, when wildlife gathers around water and the Great Migration usually reaches the Masai Mara (from about July). January and February are another excellent dry window. The rainy months bring green landscapes, baby animals, superb birding and lower prices.
Quick answer
- Best overall: June to October
- Great Migration in the Mara: usually July to October
- Second dry season: January to February
- Best value: the long rains, about March to May
- Best for birding: November to April
Kenya's seasons explained
Kenya has two dry seasons and two rainy seasons. The long rains usually fall from about March to May, and the short rains from about November to December. Rain often comes in afternoon showers rather than all-day downpours, and conditions vary between regions and years.
Kenya month by month
| Months | Weather | Safari highlights |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | Hot and mostly dry | Excellent game viewing, good value compared with peak season |
| March–May | Long rains, wettest in April | Lush scenery, fewer visitors, lower rates; some camps close |
| June | Dry and cooler | Start of the dry season, great all-round viewing |
| July–October | Dry, sunny, cool mornings | Peak season; the Great Migration usually in the Masai Mara |
| November–December | Short rains | Green landscapes, migrant birds, baby animals; busy at Christmas |
The Great Migration
If the migration is on your wish list, aim for July to October, when the herds are usually in the Masai Mara. August and September often offer the best chance of a river crossing. Read our Masai Mara Great Migration guide.
The green season: a smart choice
Travelling in the rainy months has real advantages: lower prices, fewer vehicles at sightings, dramatic skies and plenty of newborn animals. Birding is at its best, with migrant species arriving from Europe and Asia. Some camps close during the long rains, so planning ahead is important.
Best time by destination
- Masai Mara: July to October for the migration; excellent resident wildlife all year.
- Amboseli: the dry seasons, when elephants gather at the swamps and Kilimanjaro views are often clearest in the early morning.
- Samburu: the dry seasons, when wildlife concentrates along the river.
- Kenyan coast: the drier months, roughly December to March and July to October.
What to pack for each season
- June to October: warm layers for chilly early mornings, plus sun protection for the day
- Rainy months: a light waterproof jacket and insect repellent
- All year: neutral-coloured clothing, a hat, binoculars and a camera with a zoom lens
For more tips, see our safari outfit guide.
There's no wrong time to fall in love with Kenya. There's only the season that tells your story best: golden plains and thundering herds, or green hills and newborn calves.
Plan your Kenya safari
Ready to choose your parks? Our Kenya Safari Guide covers the Masai Mara, Amboseli, Samburu, Lake Nakuru and more, or browse our Kenya safari packages.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit Kenya?
July to September are often considered the best months, with dry weather and the Great Migration usually in the Masai Mara. January and February are also excellent.
When is the rainy season in Kenya?
The long rains usually fall from about March to May, and the short rains from about November to December. Rain often comes as afternoon showers.
Is it worth visiting Kenya in the rainy season?
Yes, for lower prices, fewer crowds, lush scenery, baby animals and excellent birding. Some camps close during the long rains, so plan ahead.
When is the Great Migration in Kenya?
The herds are usually in the Masai Mara from about July to October, though timing varies each year.
Choose the right time for your Kenya safari
Tell us when you'd like to travel, and we'll recommend the best parks and camps for those dates.
Explore Kenya Safaris Best Time to Visit Africa WhatsApp Us