The Best Time of Year to Visit Kenya
To help make your dream safari holiday or family adventure one to remember, discover the best time to visit Kenya with Scott Dunn.
- Luxury Kenya holidays when the weather is best
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As the equator runs through the country, Kenya’s weather is consistently warm making it an incredible holiday destination all year round. With sunshine and temperatures above 30°C most of the time, it hits the spot for winter sun, as well as delivering in the summer holidays too. The country’s peak season is during the Great Migration, from August to October, while it’s a good idea to avoid the rainy season in April and May. Whether you want a magical safari experience, to discover its beautiful beaches or both, we will create your perfect holiday at the best time to go to Kenya to suit you.
Monthly Climate Guide for Kenya
, Kenya
Average temperatures (Celsius) and rainfall (mm)
Due to its equatorial location, temperatures don’t change much between the summer and winter months, and the best time to travel to Kenya is shaped more by the rains. The annual deluge falls in April and May, which is known as the longer rainy season and will see more tropical, torrential rains. Between mid-November and mid-December is a second rainy season, which can see shorter, less frequent rainfall that doesn’t last all day.
The best time to visit Kenya for safari is the dry season (July to October). With its warm and sunny days, this period is perfect for spotting wildlife and offers a chance to witness one of the animal kingdom’s most magnificent phenomena: the annual wildebeest migration (August to October).
The rainy season in Kenya (April to May) sees lush, greener landscapes, and the arrival of migratory birds. Larger animals are still around too, and while it can be harder to see in the longer grass, it’s a fantastic time for wildlife photography. However, the rainy season is not without its challenges, roads can become impassable in remote areas and some lodges and camps close at this time of year.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, there’s Kenya’s secret season between November and March. Dramatic skies, warm weather, and fewer crowds make this window, before the rainy season, a truly rewarding time to visit, and more cost-effective.
Seasonal Guide for Visiting Kenya
While Kenya doesn’t have distinct seasons, the different months do provide different experiences and when you can travel will dictate where in Kenya you should visit. Read on for our month-by-month guide to making the most of this spectacular country.
Best Time to Visit Kenya FAQs
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You should contact one of our travel experts to start planning a holiday to Kenya at least a year before you want to travel, particularly if you want to witness the Great Migration, which is the most popular time to travel. It is specifically important for families to book well in advance too, as some lodges will only allow one family with children to stay at a time.
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To fully enjoy what Kenya has to offer, a trip of 7 to 10 days is recommended. This duration is ample to explore key attractions, aligning with the best time of year to visit Kenya. It allows for a diverse itinerary, including wildlife safaris during Kenya’s dry season and relaxation in coastal areas, perhaps during December or January. For an extended experience, particularly during the best month to visit Kenya for specific activities, consider staying up to two weeks.
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The best time to visit the Kenyan coast is January and February when the area has the least rainfall. However, places like Diani, Watamu and Lamu don’t see much rainfall even in the rainy season, so can be visited all year, only avoiding April and May.
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Kenya and Tanzania are superb holiday destinations year-round, although we recommend avoiding travel in April and May which is when the heaviest rainfall occurs, roads and airstrips are often flooded and many of the lodges close. The dry season runs from June until the end of October, and short, sharp bursts of rain every few days can come in November. December until March are often hotter and more humid months, with sporadic rainfall but still a great time to travel.
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Uganda can be visited at any time of year as most of the country has the perfect tropical climate. Temperatures average about 26°C during the day and 16°C at night. The hottest months are from December to February, then the humidity increases between March and May when the long rains fall. The short rains in Uganda fall from early October to mid-December, which matches Kenya’s weather pattern too. So, the best time to travel to Kenya and Uganda is between June and September for safari and December and February for tagging on some beach time on the Kenyan coast after seeing the gorillas in Uganda.
Our team of travel specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure.
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