When is the Best Time to Visit Kenya

Read when the best time to visit Kenya is based on the experiences you seek, particularly for safaris.

As you decide on the diverse landscapes and rich wildlife of Kenya for your next trip abroad, the next step is deciding when to go. With a tapestry of incredible destinations, including national parks brimming with biodiversity and coastal spots that make for beach havens, the task of booking the right season becomes a challenge for some.

Thanks to the expertise of our Luxury Africa Specialists, we have all the guidance you need to choose the best time to visit Kenya for you. Whether you seek the natural spectacle of the Great Migration, the vibrant flamingoes of Lake Manyara, or the cultural gems of Nairobi, let's explore the most optimum times to take a trip to Kenya.

Best Time for a Kenya Safari: a Seasonal Guide.

December to February: The Dry Season

During this period, Kenya experiences its summer, characterised by dry weather and warm temperatures ranging from 35 to 40 degrees Celsius. This is an ideal time for wildlife viewing, as the short grass makes it easier to spot animals, including many new-borns, so head on a Kenya safari during this time! The clear skies and minimal rainfall also make it perfect for beach holidays in Kenya, around its stunning Indian Ocean coastline. Wildlife viewing is excellent during this period as animals tend to gather around water sources, making them easier to spot in the open landscapes. The vegetation is also less dense, which improves visibility for photography and game drives.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Kenya during the dry season:

1. Lake Nakuru National Park

Famous for its flamingo populations and diverse birdlife, Lake Nakuru is a must-visit during the dry season. The wildlife viewing is at its peak and flamingos gather in large numbers along the lake’s edge. These months offer clear skies, dry roads, and excellent game drive conditions, making it ideal for spotting rhinos, lions, buffalo, and a wide range of birdlife. The Kenya national park is home to both black and white rhinos, and the dry conditions make it easier to see these magnificent creatures. The surrounding landscapes are also beautiful, with acacia trees and rocky outcrops. 

2. Tsavo National Park

March to May: The Long Rainy Season

March marks the beginning of the long rainy season, lasting until May. This time brings lush, green landscapes and fewer tourists, offering a more exclusive experience during your safari in Kenya. Although the rain can make some roads challenging, it provides excellent opportunities for photography with dramatic skies and vibrant scenery. 

Nairobi is an excellent place to visit in Kenya during the rainy season, as the city experiences cooler temperatures and a variety of indoor attractions. You can visit the Nairobi National Museum, explore local markets, or enjoy the nightlife. If the weather permits, a trip to Nairobi National Park allows for wildlife viewing without venturing far from the city. 

Zebras in Nairobi National Park

Take a look at Ololo Lodge Nairobi National Park

June to October: The Dry Season

This dry season is often considered the best time for a safari in Kenya, especially for a Great Migration tour in the Masai Mara. Wildlife gathers around water sources, making sightings more frequent and almost guaranteed. The season has little to no rain, and the landscape is perfect for photography. The coast also offers idyllic conditions for relaxing on the best beaches in Kenya, where crystal blue waters meet velvety sands.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Kenya during June to October:

1. Masai Mara 

During these months, it becomes the dramatic stage for the Great Migration, when over a million wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles flood in from the Serengeti. The Mara is teeming with predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs, and this season offers some of the most unforgettable wildlife encounters in Africa. River crossings on the Mara and Talek rivers are especially thrilling, drawing photographers and travellers from around the world. Game drives and hot air balloon safaris during sunrise make the experience even more extraordinary.

2. Samburu National Reserve

Visiting Samburu between June and October offers some of the best wildlife viewing opportunities in this semi-arid region of northern Kenya. During these dry months, animals congregate around the Ewaso Ng’iro River, making sightings of elephants, lions, leopards, and the unique "Samburu Special Five"—grevy’s zebra, reticulated giraffe, Somali ostrich, gerenuk, and Beisa oryx—more frequent and dramatic. This period also aligns with the peak safari season, providing excellent conditions for game drives and photography in Samburu’s rugged and strikingly beautiful landscape.

3. Laikipia

Located north of Mount Kenya,  Laikipia has become a leading destination for conservation-focused and luxury safaris. With fewer tourists and a range of private conservancies, Laikipia offers exclusivity and activities not always available in national parks, such as walking safaris, camel treks, and horse riding. It is one of the best areas to see rhinos and has strong populations of lion, elephant, and even African wild dogs.

Wildebeest in the Maasai Mara during the Great Migration

November: The Short Rainy Season

November is a transitional month with short rains, resulting in lush landscapes and vibrant wildlife activity. It is an excellent time to visit Kenya for birdwatching tours, as migratory birds arrive, and for cultural experiences, with various festivals occurring. Despite the rain, there are still many sunny days, and the reduced number of tourists makes for a more relaxed luxury safari tour or break.

Here are some of the best places to visit in Kenya during the quieter period of November: 

1. Nakuru National Park

Lake Nakuru in November is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers. The lake attracts thousands of flamingos and pelicans, especially as fresh rain refills the lake and surrounding wetlands. The park is also known for its rhino sanctuary, offering one of the best chances to spot both black and white rhinos. With the scenery turning green and vibrant, November is an excellent time for photography and peaceful game drives with less visitors.

2. Amboseli National Park

November brings a refreshing change to Amboseli, as light rains rejuvenate the dusty terrain, revealing stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro on clear mornings. The water attracts wildlife in large numbers, especially elephants, for which the park is famous. Herds can often be seen crossing the swamps and open plains, offering incredible photo opportunities. The park is less crowded this time of year, making it ideal for travelers seeking a serene and scenic safari.

3. Masai Mara

The Masai Mara in November offers a quieter, more intimate safari experience, as the peak tourist season winds down. The short rains begin during this time, transforming the plains into a lush, green landscape. Though the Great Migration has mostly moved on, plenty of resident wildlife remains, including lions, elephants, and cheetahs, often spotted more easily thanks to fewer vehicles.