Best Time to Visit Kenya?

Kenya

WHEN IS THE BEST SAFARI SEASON TO VISIT KENYA?

Kenya is a top travel destination in Africa. It is home to renowned safari destinations such as the Masai Mara National Park and Amboseli National Park as well as bustling modern cities like Nairobi and Mombasa. Deciding on the best time to visit Kenya is an important part of planning a trip to this beautiful African country. 

As Kenya is close to the equator, temperatures are fairly constant throughout the year and there is never really a bad time to visit. The daytime temperatures in Kenya average between 20°C – 25°C (68°F – 77°F), though it is cooler in the highlands and hotter along the coast in general.

Great Migration

BEST TIME TO VISIT KENYA FOR A SAFARI AND THE GREAT MIGRATION

The best time to visit Kenya for a safari is from July to September during the dry season. The weather dries out the vegetation making wildlife easier to spot at this time. While African safaris are synonymous with warm weather and sunshine, it can get incredibly chilly in the early mornings and evenings in more elevated areas of Kenya during the dry season. Be sure to pack warm clothing for early morning game drives. This time of year is also the safari high season so there will be larger numbers of visitors to Kenya’s safari destinations. Book ahead of time to avoid disappointment if travelling during the high season! 

From August to October, the wildebeest arrive in Kenya’s Masai Mara on the annual migration. At this time of year, you can marvel at the thundering herds of the Great Migration, as thousands of animals make the great trek across Tanzania and Kenya’s safari plains! The dramatic Mara River crossing usually takes place in August. Travel to the Mara River at this time to watch the intense scene play out as the large groups of wildebeest make the treacherous crossing, hoping to avoid the waiting jaws of the resident crocodiles.

A field of wildebeest scattered on the Kenyan plains for kenya weather

Kenya's

WET SEASON

Rainfall is likely a bigger factor as to Kenya’s safari seasons and must be considered if you intend to visit. The long rains are from the months of March to May and the short rains from November to December, but there can still be an average of four to six hours of daily sunshine. It is best to avoid Kenya’s coastal destinations during the rainy seasons.

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