Ever dreamed of seeing the ‘big five’ and the Great Migration? Want to do it during a trip that’ll have you snorkelling through crystal waters? Keen to add some challenging hikes, historical sites and vibrant cities to the mix? Look no further than Kenya. With gorgeous weather year-round, your timing will always be good, but you may want to plan carefully so you don’t miss out on your dream itinerary. Here’s our take on the best time to visit Kenya.
What is Kenya’s weather like?
Because of the country’s proximity to the equator, seasons don’t change that drastically. Temperatures fluctuate between 17 and 25 degrees C (62.6—77°F), sometimes getting as hot as 35 degrees Celsius. Autumn is Kenya’s rainy season with short rains that start in March and wrap up by May. The rain is less of a torrential downpour and more of a brief shower for an hour or two in the evenings. Spring also sees a brief rainy spell in September/October. Winter is dry and holds the lowest temperatures, but that just means you’ll don a jacket for your safari. If you want snow, you’ll have to summit Mount Kenya.
Summer offers glorious sunshine but it can get hot, so make sure you’re well protected with sun-safe clothing and high SPF sunscreen. Summer in Kenya practically demands beach time, especially since the sea is clearest this time of year. Laze away on the beach or board a traditional dhow boat and head out for some snorkelling.
When is the high season in Kenya?
High season in Kenya is typified by a dry, warm climate and plenty of animal activity. High season happens between January and March and again between July and October, with the latter period unquestionably the most popular time people visit. July marks the beginning of the Great Migration (more on that below), while the rainy months between April and June have resulted in full, ripe veld that beckons the iconic African wildlife out to graze (and hunt).
High season is the best time for wildlife viewing as the days get drier, and this is also usually calving season, meaning you’re more likely to see baby animals. The lack of rainfall means that animals become drawn to a scant few watering holes and rivers, while predators are more likely to hunt in this season too.
As the name implies, high season is much more popular with overseas tourists, meaning that you may have to make your plans further in advance than low season. It also usually means that prices increase. However, the amount of animal life and natural wonders you’ll see is often worth braving the crowds and costs of high season!
When is the low season in Kenya?
While crowds may be relatively diminished during low season in Kenya, this doesn’t mean that there is anything less to see. Kenya has two comparatively low seasons, the first between April and June, before the Great Migration appears in the south, and the second between October and December. These periods are wetter (though still warm) compared to other times of the year, but while the average rainfall does increase in these months, there are some benefits to travelling to Kenya in the low season. The first and most obvious is the relative lack of other tourists. Emptier hotels and lodges usually mean better deals too.
Are Kenya’s beaches worth seeing?
Kenya’s beaches have loads to offer, both beside and beneath the water. White sandy beaches, lapped by turquoise waves make Kenya a paradise for beach-lovers. January and February are fantastic months for diving and snorkelling, with shoulder seasons like March offering clear water and great visibility (as much as 30 metres or 98.4 feet, with good weather).
The Vuma Caves near Kilifi Creek are incredible for eels, grouper and barracuda but only advanced divers should attempt the caverns themselves. Watamu Marine National Park has green sea turtles and Moray Reef might offer a lucky viewing of whale sharks between October and February. Diani Beach is a favourite diving spot with year-round sightings of turtles and dolphins. If you’re into wreck diving, there are a handful to explore too. The rainy seasons aren’t ideal since heavy rains reduce visibility.
What can I expect from Kenya’s wildlife?
Whatever animals you’re envisioning when you think of the term ‘safari’, Kenya has them: lion, leopard, cheetah, zebra, buffalo, giraffe, elephant, rhino, hippo…you name it. July is a great month to spot massive flocks of pretty pink flamingos at Lake Nakuru or nearby Lake Bogoria and it’s also the start of the Great Migration. High season months mean thin grass, less rainfall and loads of wildlife gathered around limited water sources. Check out the Samburu National Reserve in Kenya for incredible photography opportunities, with wildlife clustering on the banks of the Ewaso Nyiro River. Our Kenya Camping Safari was curated to give travellers an opportunity to enjoy the best of Kenya’s national parks and all the wildlife protected within them. If camping isn’t your scene, our Kenya Safari Experience offers more premium options.
Should I visit cities in Kenya?
At some point during your stay, you’re likely to be in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital and largest city. A city that is rising in importance and prestige on the world stage, Nairobi is the jumping off point for most safaris. The capital is also the home to dozens of events and cultural experiences, including a bustling local food scene and events like the Safari Sevens competition, Heroes Day, and the Maralal Camel Derby, depending on the time of year.
If you’re drawn towards the coast, Mombasa is a city worth visiting. The original capital of British East Africa, Mombasa is Kenya’s oldest city and a historic trading hub on the Indian Ocean. Known as the ‘White and Blue City’, Mombasa’s energy is a little more laid back than the energetic, enterprising Nairobi.
Is hiking in Kenya worth it?
If you’re keen to experience the iconic African wilderness on foot as opposed to in the back of a game vehicle, Kenya has dozens of well-trod hiking paths that feature the very best of the country. The best time to go hiking in Kenya is unquestionably during dry seasons, either between January and March or July and October, as the lack of rain makes for a much easier experience. While there are several incredible trails, one of the most popular hikes remains scaling Mount Kenya. Mount Kenya is an extinct volcano and one of the highest mountains on the continent, standing at a staggering 5199m (17,057 feet) at its highest point, second only to Mount Kilimanjaro.
Beyond safari on a budget, there remains the added benefit of seeing animals in the lush, verdant plains of Kenya rather than the drier landscapes of high season. While it may be easier to spot animals on their way to a singular watering hole in the middle of a dry winter, the abundance of rain and more water sources in low season means that there is ample opportunity to see more animals, especially the ‘big five’, in different places. Finally, Kenya in low season is a birder’s paradise. Before the flocks of colourful native bird species of Eastern Africa migrate during winter, low season is an excellent time to see them in their natural habitat.
When to visit Kenya’s Lakes
The lakes in Kenya may not have the same notoriety as the Great Migration but these beautiful bodies of water are a haven for wildlife, especially birds. Lake Naivasha and Lake Nakuru are two of the better-known lakes in the area. If you’re after flamingo sightings, the lake district is the place to be, though there are 450 other species of bird in the region to keep you occupied. Birds aren’t the only game in town, since you’re likely to see warthog, impala, waterbuck, buffalo, giraffe, eland, and maybe even leopard and rhino, if you’re lucky. For a trip that combines the lakes with the famous game reserves, explore our Kenya Safari Experience.
When is the Great Migration in Kenya?
The Great Wildebeest Migration, usually referred to as ‘The Great Migration’, lives up to its name. From July onwards in the southern Masai Mara region of Kenya near the border with Tanzania, a colossal herd of millions of wildebeest begin arriving from the south, drawn north towards the fertile plains of Masai Mara. The Great Migration was chosen as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa.
This is a truly awesome sight, with nearly two million wildebeest (and a couple hundred thousand zebra and buck thrown in for good measure) all moving at once. Even seasoned safari-goers dream of seeing this event in the flesh. To get the full Great Migration experience, we recommend opting for a tour that takes you to both Kenya and Tanzania, so you can bear witness to this feat of nature across its full spectrum of landscapes. Our Kenya Tanzania Safari gives you front-row access to it all.
