Planning a trip to Kenya? Here you'll find all important information about climate, weather, and the best travel time to plan your vacation optimally.
Climate & Weather
Best Time to Visit
18–21°C·11–58 mm(little rain)
For safaris, the two dry seasons are best: From July to October, vegetation is low, animals gather at waterholes, and in the Masai Mara, the Great Wildebeest Migration is usually visible, with herds arriving from the Serengeti around July or August and retreating by October. January and February are also dry and mostly sunny. During the long rainy season from March to May, some tracks are difficult to navigate, but the landscape is green and the parks are quieter.
The climate data for the highlands, from Nairobi (Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, 1991-2020 averages), shows mild temperatures year-round, with least sunshine in July and August. Kenya has two rainy seasons: the long rains from approximately March to May, and the shorter, more unpredictable rains from October/November to December.On the coast around Mombasa, it is hot and humid year-round, with monthly averages between approximately 24 and 29 °C. The most rain falls there in April and May, while January and February are the driest. The wildebeest migration depends on rainfall and shifts by a few weeks from year to year.
Seasons
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Short dry season
Long wet season
Shift to the dry season
Long Dry Season and Wildebeest Migration in the Masai Mara
Short wet season
Best Time to Visit
▶Show detailed monthly data
| Month | Temp (°C) | Rain (mm) | Sun (h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20.5 | 58 | 9.1 |
| February | 20.8 | 36 | 9.4 |
| March | 21.6 | 75 | 8.5 |
| April | 20.8 | 130 | 6.8 |
| May | 19.8 | 109 | 5.8 |
| June | 18.5 | 29 | 5.3 |
| July | 17.7 | 11 | 4.0 |
| August | 18.2 | 19 | 4.0 |
| September | 19.4 | 17 | 5.6 |
| October | 20.6 | 50 | 6.9 |
| November | 19.9 | 131 | 6.8 |
| December | 19.7 | 85 | 8.2 |
Seasonal Travel Tips
Ideal Travel Window
January, February, July, August, September, October are generally considered the best time to visit.
Why Go Now?
For safaris, the two dry seasons are best: From July to October, vegetation is low, animals gather at waterholes, and in the Masai Mara, the Great Wildebeest Migration is usually visible, with herds arriving from the Serengeti around July or August and retreating by October. January and February are also dry and mostly sunny. During the long rainy season from March to May, some tracks are difficult to navigate, but the landscape is green and the parks are quieter.
Discover Kenya
Learn more about regions, sights, and tips for Kenya.