WHEN TO GO
The dry seasons in Kenya are generally from mid-June to October, and from late-December to mid-March, and game-viewing is best at these times. Only a limited number of camps and lodges are open in the wettest months of November, April and May. However, rain can be experienced at any time of year, and the seasons on the coast are slightly different.
Day time temperatures and humidity are affected by altitude but it is generally warm to hot throughout the year (averaging around 28C but slightly higher from October to March). Night time temperatures also vary considerably according to altitude, but aside from the Mount Kenya and Aberdare highlands, rarely fall to low single figures (areas such as the Laikipia and Masai Mara might see low double figures at night and during the rains).
On the coast, temperatures are high year round (averaging around 30C). The best conditions are found from October/November to March/April when the Kaskazi wind blows gently from the north-east. This is also the most humid time. From April/May to September/October, when the Kuzi ‘monsoon’ wind blows more strongly from the south-east, sea conditions can be choppy and certain beaches affected by seaweed. During this time, snorkelling and diving options could be restricted.
JANUARY
In January, there is usually little rainfall with warm sunny days.
Game viewing is good throughout the year in the Maasai Mara with impressive numbers of resident game and predators.
In the north, birthing season is in full swing with numerous young herbivores causing a stir amongst the cheetah and lion.
At the coast, exceptional water clarity of up to 30 meters provides incredible marine life viewing for snorkelers and divers.
FEBRUARY
In February days are long with plenty of sunshine and little chance of rain.
In the Maasai Mara herds of buffalo congregate with plenty of newborns, offering the opportunity to witness a late season birthing or lion hunt.
In the north, vegetation is still quite thick but wildlife is prolific with many unusual species encountered across a range of habitats.
The coast offers a wonderful time of year for beach relaxation.
MARCH
Days are still relatively long with plenty of sunshine but rainfall increases in the form of afternoon showers.
In the Masai Mara game viewing is still good, as long as you don't mind the chance of seasonal rains.
Vegetation is lush and green in the north, making wildlife a little more difficult to find but no less spectacular with young antelope in abundance at this time of year.
Ocean temperatures are at their hottest with an average temperature of 28 degrees celsius.
APRIL
At this time of year expect high rainfall often over prolonged periods of time with a handful of sunny days.
In the Maasai Mara herds of elephant move out of the forested areas to feed on the lush grasses of the open plains, providing exceptional viewing opportunities.
Wildlife viewing in the north, is at its most challenging with heavy rains and lush vegetation obscuring views of the animals.
Whale sharks and Manta rays are present in the waters of this region providing a unique diving experience.
MAY
In this month rain is a given, falling regularly but usually for short periods of time, leaving plenty of sunshine hours for safari.
The grasses are longer during this time of year with cheetah making good use of the cover, hunting Thomson's and Grant's Gazelles in the Maasai Mara.
Take advantage of the rare species present in the northern parts, encountering animals like the beautiful pinstriped Grevy's zebra.
This is also a great month to enjoy the fruits of the ocean with billfish fishing season underway.
JUNE
There is a marked improvement in conditions in this month, with little rainfall and long sunny days.
The grasses of the Maasai Mara are still long, concealing lions on the hunt for warthog and recently born eland calves.
In the north, wildlife viewing improves with the steady approach of the dry season, causing animals to move towards the perennial water sources.
The coast, though smattered with a few rain showers still has great fishing.
JULY
In this month there is usually little rainfall with warm sunny days.
The arrival of the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara, takes game viewing from impressive to exceptional.
In the north, animal behaviour is a little more predictable at this time of year, with wildlife congregating along the Ewaso Nyiro River, the only source of year-round water.
In the coastal areas wind can pick up at times providing the ideal conditions for kiteboarding and windsurfing.
AUGUST
Over this period temperatures are sunny and comfortable with little chance of rainfall.
The presence of The Great Migration in the Maasai Mara makes for fantastic game viewing.
An wonderful time for game viewing in the north, with wildlife congregating along the last remaining water source the Ewaso Nyiro River.
Enjoy ideal beach relaxation conditions, white sand as far as the eye can see with crystal clear waters.
SEPTEMBER
In this month there is usually little rainfall with warm sunny days.
Slightly less busy with human traffic than August, the Maasai Mara is still amazing. Animals are preparing themselves to move back south into Tanzania, and often there are fantastic river crossing sightings.
In the north, visibility is good with foliage thin and grasses short, improving your chances of finding the more elusive wildlife species.
Viewing and swimming with dolphins is a great way to spend a day in this month on the Kenyan coast.
OCTOBER
This month sees temperatures climb and an increase in rainy afternoons towards the end of the month.
Catch the end of the action packed Great Migration with plenty of predator prey interactions.
In the north, conditions are at their most extreme for wildlife, animals are forced into close proximity along the last remaining water sources, leading to some interesting interactions.
The billfish fishing season is kicking off at the Coast.
NOVEMBER
In this month rains can be severe, however it is often a hit and miss scenario with ample sunshine hours should the rains not arrive.
A great month for seeing young animals with topi, impala and giraffe choosing to calve during this period causing a stir amongst the cheetah and lion of the Maasai Mara.
The arrival of the rains in the north rejuvenates this landscape, plants begin to shoot allowing the herds to spread out once more.
Expect rain showers at the Coast!
DECEMBER
Expect rainfall in this month with long hours of sunshine inbetween.
In the Maasai Mara, the rutting season for antelope has kicked off with males approaching their prime, posturing and fighting for territories and mates.
It is the start of the birthing season for many of the antelope species present in the north, causing high excitement amongst the predators.
Enjoy improving weather conditions at the Coast. Christmas and New Year here is often very busy.