When to visit Kenya isn’t that easy to answer. Although Kenya is an all-year-round destinations, some seasons are better for a visit to Kenya here, some there. Below you find more information about when to go where
Masai Mara
The temperatures don’t change much throughout the year. The high ranges from 25°C to 28°C during the day with night-time lows ranging from 11°C to 3°C.
January to May:
There are fewer tourists in the Mara, but still plenty of possible wildlife sightings (like black rhino, elephant and Masai giraffe). Some wildebeest remain in the Mara, where they are preyed on by the area’s big cats. March to May is the time for long rains.
July to November:
The wildebeest herds arrive in the Mara from July and depart in October or November. Their movements differ slightly year to year, depending on the rains and the availability of pasture. November and December are normally the time for some short rains.
Ol Pejeta
January to March
The dry season is between January and February, a great time for excellent game viewing, with wildlife drawn to water sources. As the short rains have just fallen, the landscape doesn’t look too parched, making for better photographs. This is also the season for migratory birds. Temperatures hitting a high of 27°C in February. As it’s a high-altitude area (1,800 metres), nights can still be chilly with lows averaging 7°C.
April to June
This is when the long rains arrive in Ol Pejeta. It’s a quiet time of year for tourism, but there are still plenty of clear spells when you can get out on safari. The rains make the landscape look green and healthy and you won’t have to share with as many other visitors. Look out for big cats avoiding the wet grass by walking along the roads. The heaviest rainfall occurs in April and by June there is very little rain. Temperatures peak at 25°C and the average low is 11°C.
July to September
This is a dry period when wildlife viewing is good and weather is pleasant. It’s a busier time in the conservancy, due to school holidays. July and August have average highs of 23°C, while the temperature in September climbs slightly to 25°C. The average low is 9°C. There is little rainfall, though August may see some afternoon showers.
October to December
Late September to late October is the best time to visit Kenya and travel to Ol Pejeta with fewer people in the conservancy and great wildlife-viewing opportunities. November and December see the arrival of migratory birds from North Africa and Europe. The rains result in lush landscapes, ideal for photographers. The short rains begin in late October or November, with less rainfall in December. The average high temperature is 24°C and the low drops from 10°C in October to 8°C in December.
Samburu
January to March
January and February are two of the best months to travel to Samburu. It’s dry and there are great wildlife-viewing opportunities. The migratory birds are also in Samburu at this time. January and February are hot and dry months, with an average high of 33°C. March sees a little more rainfall, as the long rains begin. The average minimum temperature ranges from 14°CF in January to 16°C in March.
April to June
April and May are when the long rains fall in Samburu, with the heaviest rainfall in April. By June, the rains have finished. The landscape is beautiful and green with less dust and perfect sunrise/sunset conditions — all great for photographers. April sees the most rainfall, with May receiving some and June virtually no rainfall. The average high is 32°C and the average low is 16°C.
July to September
July to September is a perfect time to visit Samburu. This is the long dry season when the wildlife viewing is best. There are fewer mosquitos around, too. These months are dry and warm. July and August have an average high temperature of 31°C, while September is slightly hotter. The average low temperature is 14°C.
October to December
The short rains of this period clear the air and make for better photographic conditions. In November, the migratory birds start flying in from North Africa and Europe. The short rains start in October or November and end in December, with November being the wettest month. The average high is 33°C in October, falling to 31°C in November and December. The average low is 15°C.
Diani Beach
The best time to visit Diani Beach is between December and March and June and September. During these months, the climate is perfect. There is little rain and lots of hot, sunny weather. From April to May it is mostly wet and humid, while from October to November it is sunny but very humid.
