Any month of the year is good for a Kenya safari holiday, as there is spectacular wildlife viewing available at all times. However, while Kenya doesn’t have a defined summer or winter, due to its proximity to the equator, it does have a wet and dry season, and these can impact on activities.
Dry Season
Kenya’s dry season lasts from June to October. During these months, the climate is cooler, around 23°C/73°F at higher altitudes, such as the Masai Mara, and 28°C/82°F at lower altitudes, such as the coastal areas.
If you’re planning a safari holiday in Kenya during the dry season then you can expect clear, sunny skies, chilly mornings and lower levels of humidity. It’s advisable to pack some warm clothing, for the early morning game drives.
Why take a safari during the dry season?
This is the best, although consequently most busy, time for wildlife viewing in Kenya, with the wildebeest normally arriving in the Maasai Mara from late July and remaining until October. Many of the most popular parks are very crowded during this period, as the bush is not so dense, the visibility is good, there are fewer mosquitos around, and the weather is much more pleasant. There are plenty of more remote parks and accommodations available where you can find greater seclusion, enhancing the authentic safari experience.
Wet Season
The wet season in Kenya normally runs from November to May. Daytime temperatures are typically between 24°C/75°F and 27°C/81°F, but at lower altitudes they hover consistently around 30°C/86°F.
Between December and April the humidity can be intense, especially on the coast, and if you’reve visiting areas at a higher altitude then you will still want at least a few articles of warm clothing. Some parks and accommodations will close up during the heavier rains.
The patterns of the wet season can be changeable, and are roughly divided as follows:
Note however that in the Highlands, the long rains tend to be continuous throughout the wet season.
Why take a safari during the wet season?
During Kenya’s wet season, the landscape is much greener and more attractive, there are many migratory species around that will be of interest to birders, and you’ll see plenty of cute newborn animals. It’s also worth noting that accommodation rates and flights will be noticeably less expensive.