Best Travel Time & Climate

Kenya is located on the equator, but thanks to its altitude and proximity to the coast, it has a surprisingly diverse climate. There are no four seasons, but rather dry and rainy seasons.

🔴 Long Rainy Season: March – May

Heavy, often daily rainfall, especially in the highlands and on the coast. Roads in parks can become impassable. Lowest prices, fewer tourists, but limited safari experience. Many lodges close in April/May.

🟢 Best Time for Safari: July – October

The absolute recommendation for safari travelers:

• Dry Season: Animals gather at waterholes — perfect for wildlife viewing
• Great Migration: July to October, the wildebeest are in the Masai Mara. The Mara River crossing usually occurs in August/September
• Pleasant Temperatures: Nairobi 20–25°C, coast 25–30°C, cool nights in the Mara (10–15°C)
• Highest prices and fully booked lodges — book 6–12 months in advance!

🟢 Best Time for Beach + Safari: January – March

Kenya's second dry season — warm, sunny, and excellent for combining safari and beach vacation:

• Coast: 30–33°C, perfect swimming weather
• Parks: Animals easily visible, fewer tourists than Jul–Oct
• No migration in the Mara, but excellent predator sightings
• Birdwatching: Migratory birds from Europe are present

🔵 Short Rainy Season: November – December

Short, light showers — usually in the afternoon, sunny in the morning. The landscape is green and beautiful, prices moderate. A good time for connoisseurs!

Climate Table: Nairobi (1,660 m altitude)

Month	Temp. °C	Rainy Days	Safari	Beach
January	12–26	4	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
February	13–27	4	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
March	14–27	8	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
April	14–25	15	⭐	⭐⭐
May	13–24	13	⭐	⭐⭐
June	12–23	5	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
July	11–22	3	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
August	11–23	3	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
September	12–25	3	⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
October	14–26	7	⭐⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐
November	14–25	10	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐
December	13–25	6	⭐⭐⭐	⭐⭐⭐⭐