Choosing the best time to visit Kenya depends largely on your goals—whether you want to witness the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration, see newborn animals, or enjoy the white sands of Diani Beach.Based on the expert data from our Travel Designers, here is a detailed breakdown of the best times to visit.
- June to October (Dry Season)
- July to September (Maasai Mara)
- January to February
- September to April (Migratory species present)
- June to October (Cool, dry, and clear skies)
- April and May (Peak of the "Long Rains")
This is widely considered the best time for wildlife viewing across Kenya’s most iconic reserves, including the Maasai Mara, Amboseli, and Samburu.
- As water holes inland dry up, animals congregate in huge numbers around permanent water sources like the Mara and Ewaso Ng'iro Rivers. The vegetation is sparse, meaning predators like lions and leopards are much easier to track.
- This is the iconic window to see the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. From , you have the best chance of witnessing the high-stakes Mara River crossings.
- Clear blue skies and sunny days. It is the "cool" season, so morning game drives can be chilly, but there are very few mosquitoes.
- This is the high season; the Maasai Mara can become crowded with vehicles, and lodge prices are at their highest.
A beautiful dry spell occurs between the two rainy seasons, offering a "second summer" for travelers.
- While the wildebeest are calving in the Serengeti (Tanzania), many of Kenya’s resident herbivores (like zebras and antelopes) give birth during this window. This attracts high predator activity. It is also the best time to see clearly from Amboseli.
- Hot and dry. The dust hasn't quite built up yet because of the recent December rains, so the air is clear.
- Temperatures can be quite high, especially in northern parks like Samburu.
Kenya experiences "short rains" in November and December, revitalizing the dusty plains into a lush paradise.
- This is the absolute prime time for , as palearctic migrants arrive from Europe. It is also the best time for photography; the dust is gone, the colors are saturated, and the skies feature dramatic afternoon clouds.
- Many luxury lodges offer reduced "shoulder season" rates during November and early December.
- The grass grows quickly, which can occasionally hide smaller predators from view.
This period marks the peak of the rainy season in Kenya.
- For travelers who want total solitude and the absolute lowest prices. You can stay at world-class lodges for a fraction of the peak price and see the parks without another vehicle in sight.
- Some rural roads become impassable mud tracks, and some camps (especially in the Mara or remote north) may close for maintenance. Expect daily rain, often in heavy afternoon bursts.
The Great Migration and river crossings.
Best views of Kilimanjaro; elephants gather at swamps.
Arid country specialists (Special 5) gather at the river.
High rhino density; birdlife is prolific even in wet months.
Best for diving and snorkeling; whale sharks in Feb.
The driest and safest windows for trekking to the peaks.
For a first-time safari, aim for . The weather is perfect, and the sheer volume of the Migration in the Maasai Mara is life-changing. However, if you want to avoid the crowds and save money, the window offers incredible wildlife activity and much better value.