Kenya Weather and Climate

Kenya is located on the equator and temperatures there are similar all year round, but it does have different climate zones: mild/warm in the highlands, warm/hot on the coast, and hot/scorching in the northern desert. There are major two seasons in the country: the rainy season and the dry season. It is dry with almost no rain in the dry seasons while the wet seasons are very humid.

The dry seasons typically occur from January to March and from July to October. During these periods, there is almost no rain. The weather is sunny, clear, and dry. The temperature is very comfortable. For example, Nairobi has average temperatures ranging between 20°C (68°F) and 28°C (82°F) during the day but is cooler at night at about 10°C (50°F) to 15°C (59°F).

The dry season is the best time for a safari trip in terms of the weather. It is also the busiest time to travel there. Rainy seasons include: October to December (short rainy season), March to May (long rainy season). The wettest month is April and hottest being March, 21°C (70°F)

The Best Time to Visit Maasai Mara for the Great Migration

The best time to see the wildebeest migration in Maasai Mara is from July to September. During this period, you would see enormous herds of wildebeest and zebra in Maasai Mara. If you want to see the animals cross the Mara River, the best times are July and August. This is also the dry season and, apart from the spectacle of the migration, you would have the best chance to see much more wildlife than usual as they gather around the water holes. This is also the summer vacation season, so it is a great opportunity to see this impressive occasion with your family.

• Weather: sunny and dry
• Temperature: min: 10°C (50°F), max: 25°C (77°F)
• Travel conditions: high travel season most crowded, most expensive; good lodges and camps are not easy to book.

The Best Times to Visit Kenya for Wildlife and Safari

The best times to go to Kenya for a safari are from June to October and January to February. These are the dry seasons. The weather is comfortable with sunny days and cool evenings. Animals are easy to spot as they gather around the water holes. As a bonus, there are fewer mosquitoes.

The period from January to February is relatively quieter compared to the migration period from July to September. Moreover, it is the optimal time to witness the presence of baby wildlife. Fortunately, in Maasai Mara and Amboseli National Reserves, you can encounter adorable baby elephants, lion cubs, baby zebra, and more.

• Weather: sunny and dry
• Temperature: June to October: 10–25°C (50–77°F), January to February: 9–28°C (48–82°F)
• Travel conditions: It's the high travel season, which is crowded and expensive. Lodges and camps are in huge demand.

The Best Time to Visit Mombasa for Beach in Kenya

The best time to go to Kenya's pristine coastline for a beach vacation is from October to early March due to the comfortable weather conditions. If you prefer water activities, such as diving and snorkeling, the best time for you to visit Kenya's beaches is in November. Kenya boasts some of the best beaches, including Diani Beach in Mombasa and Lamu Island.

• Weather: Kenya's coast is humid all year round and rain could occur at any time, but it is pleasantly warm/hot.
• Temperature: 24–30°C (75–86°F)
• Travel conditions: high travel month

The Cheapest Times to Visit Kenya

The cheapest times to visit Kenya are during its rainy seasons. The short rainy season is from November to December and the long rainy season is from late March to May. March to May is definitely the cheapest time for a safari. But your travel experience may not be as good as hoped as the rain may interrupt your visit. Animals are not easy to see as they tend to scatter around the park, but they may be very active. It's the low travel season, with cheaper prices and fewer crowds. Good discounts for lodges are easy to get.

The Worst Months to Visit Kenya

The worst time to go to Kenya for a safari and beach vacation is from late March to May, which is the long rainy season in Kenya. Kenya's beaches around the Indian Ocean coastline are very hot and wet with tropical storms. There are usually frequent storms and showers during this period. The paths in the parks could turn pretty muddy and some roads may not be accessible because of the floods. You might also see fewer animals as they tend to spread out when it's wet rather than gathering around water holes. Some camps may close because of the bad road conditions. It is the cheapest time of the year to travel.

However, the worst period is not too bad to travel, as the rain doesn't usually last all day and it often happens in the mornings or evenings. The sun also usually comes out quickly after a shower. There are some benefits to visiting Kenya aside from the weather.

You can enjoy very reasonable prices. Safari lodges even offer discounted rates that are 30 –50% lower than usual. There are fewer travelers and you don't have to wait your turn to see the animals. Some animals, such as lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hippos, are more active.

In conclusion therefore, don't let the weather stop your Kenya travel plans. If these months are your only opportunity, seize the chance.