Best Time to Visit Kenya in 2026: When to Safari, Weather

Home to 54 national parks and reserves with fascinating wildlife species from lions, wildebeests, zebras, leopards, to cheetahs and more, Kenya is the ultimate game drive destination that draws millions of visitors worldwide. Wildlife sighting is possible year-round and when to go depends on a number of factors including the weather, your interests, and your budget. The Great Migration is, of course, unmissable, but you may also like to go on birding. Budget travelers may want to avoid peak travel season for they will be well rewarded with much cheaper tour and hotel rates for making a slight compromise on weather or animal viewing.

A Safari trip is a must-do experience in Kenya

Dry and Wet Seasons in Kenya

Located on the equator, Kenya has a pleasant tropical climate. However, climate may vary from place to place depending on elevations. Daytime temperatures are between 68°F (20°C) and 82°F (28°C), but it is warmer in the coastal areas where it is hot and humid all year round.

In general, the climate of Kenya falls into two seasons: the dry season and the wet season.

Dry season (Jan & Feb, Jun - Oct)

There are two dry seasons in Kenya – a short one in January and February, and a much longer one starting from June through October. These months are often considered the best time to visit Kenya as days are sunny with clear skies, offering the most pleasant weather for game viewing. In high elevations such as Maasai Mara, temperatures average 73°F (23°C) in the daytime, while at lower altitudes, it is around 82°F(28°C). It can be cold in the early morning (about 50°F), so it is advised to prepare warm clothing if you start your game drive early.

Wet season (Nov & Dec, Mar - May)

November and December see short rains, but it is still good to view wildlife. The wettest months are from March to May. These are possibly the months you will want to avoid as long rains can turn the tracks in the parks into quagmires which make it impossible to pass. Some of the hotels may close and travel can be tough. In addition, mosquitoes are more common during the rainy season, meaning it is not the best time to visit.

Though dry season (Jun - Oct) offers the best weather and better chance of viewing wildlife, there are good reasons to travel to Kenya in the wet season (November - May).

1) Take in beautiful, lush green scenery, which is great for photos.

2) Get 30-50% lower prices for accommodation and tours.

3) There are fewer tourists.

4) Wildlife viewing is still available, especially newborns and migratory birds.

5) Rains usually fall in the afternoon or the evening (except in the long rain months from March to May), which seldom affect your safari.

Two lions resting

Weather of Popular Destinations in Kenya

Destination	Amboseli National Park	Lamu Archipelago	Masai Mara National Reserve	Nairobi	Samburu National Reserve	Watamu
Jan	86°F	86°F	82°F	79°F	90°F	88°F
Feb	88°F	88°F	82°F	81°F	93°F	88°F
Mar	86°F	88°F	82°F	81°F	91°F	90°F
Apr	82°F	88°F	81°F	77°F	90°F	88°F
May	79°F	86°F	79°F	75°F	90°F	84°F
Jun	77°F	86°F	79°F	73°F	90°F	82°F
Jul	75°F	84°F	77°F	72°F	88°F	82°F
Aug	77°F	84°F	79°F	73°F	88°F	82°F
Sep	81°F	84°F	81°F	77°F	91°F	84°F
Oct	84°F	86°F	82°F	79°F	91°F	86°F
Nov	84°F	86°F	82°F	75°F	88°F	88°F
Dec	82°F	86°F	81°F	77°F	88°F	88°F

Best Time to See the Great Migration

June, July, August, September, and October are the best months to witness the Great Migration, when millions of wildebeests, zebras, elands, and gazelles move north from Tanzania's Serengeti National Park to Kenya's Maasai Mara in search of water and fresh grass. This is one of the world’s greatest wildlife spectacles. Do note that these months are also peak tourist season, so tours and hotels tend to charge high-season rates, and booking in advance is highly recommended./p>

The Dramatic Mara River Crossing

One of the most iconic and thrilling moments of the Great Migration is the Mara River crossing. To continue their journey, vast herds must brave the crocodile-infested waters that divide the Serengeti and the Maasai Mara. According to National Geographic, around one million wildebeests survive this dangerous crossing each year, while thousands are taken by predators. Though you can witness the event from both Tanzania and Kenya, the Maasai Mara generally offers the best viewpoints. For the highest chance of seeing a crossing, September is considered the most reliable month.

Best Time to Go Birding

For bird enthusiasts, the ideal time for birding safari is during the bird migration season from October to April when a large number of birds fly from Europe to East Africa. Tracks can be muddy, but the trip is rewarding.

Kenya offers arguably the best bird-watching opportunities in the world, with over 1,000 bird species including flamingos, pygmy falcons, eagles, vultures, hornbills, weavers, and ostriches. Some 230 of these birds are migratory and they arrive in Kenya in October or November and leave in March or April. Birding safaris might take you to bird havens such as Lake Baringo, Kakamega Forest Reserve, Lake Nakuru, Amboseli National Park, Aberdare National Park, etc.

Herds of flamingoes perching on the lake

Hope this article would make it easier for you to decide the perfect time for your dream safari trip. Feel free to share it with your friends who might find it helpful in Kenya trip planning. For Africa travel, you are welcome to contact us to get a free Kenya itinerary tailor-made around your requirements.