The essentials
When to go to Kenya, in brief
June to October: the sweet spot
Dry season. Wildlife gathers at the waterholes, skies stay clear, mosquitoes thin out. The prime safari window.
Migration in the Masai Mara
The bulk of the wildebeest arrive from the Serengeti in July-August and stay until October. The Mara River crossings are the highlight.
Diani and the coast
Dry and sunny December to March and June to September, 27-32ยฐC. Avoid April-May and October-November, the wetter stretches.
January to March: dry and quiet
Between the two rainy seasons: mild, dry weather and fewer crowds in the Mara. An excellent alternative to summer.
April: avoid for safari
The peak of the long rains. Muddy tracks, some lodges close. Push back the trip if wildlife is your priority.
Festivals to plan around
The Lake Turkana Festival (June), the Maralal Camel Derby (August) and the Lamu Cultural Festival (late November) fit well in the year.
The verdict
The best periods
June - October
Dry season, migration in the Mara, dry beaches. Ideal to combine safari and coast. Book 3 to 5 months ahead for July-September.
Jan - March
Dry between the two rains, few crowds, beaches at their best. A fine alternative, away from the visitor peak.
April - May
Long rains, tough tracks, lodge closures. April is the worst month for a safari.
Month by month
The full calendar
Tap a month for the detailed guide: weather by region, where to go, festivals.
21-29ยฐC
Dry, mild
21-30ยฐC
Dry, hottest
21-29ยฐC
Dry, first rains
20-27ยฐC
Long rains peak
19-26ยฐC
Rains easing
18-26ยฐC
Dry season, cool
17-25ยฐC
Dry, migration arrives
17-26ยฐC
Dry, dense wildlife
18-27ยฐC
Dry, migration in Mara
19-28ยฐC
Dry, late migration
19-27ยฐC
Short rains
20-28ยฐC
Dry, beaches at best
Climate
Climate by region
| Region | Dry season | Wet season | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masai Mara & reserves | June-Oct: 17-27ยฐC, dry | April-May: long rains | Ideal June-Oct |
| Coast (Diani, Mombasa) | Dec-March & June-Sept: 27-32ยฐC | April-May & Oct-Nov: rains | Ideal Dec-March |
| Amboseli & Tsavo | June-Oct: dry, hot | April-May: rains, green | Ideal June-Oct |
| Highlands (Nairobi) | Year-round: 10-26ยฐC | April-May & Nov: rains | Ideal June-Oct |
Calendar
The key events of the year
Lake Turkana Cultural Festival
Three days bringing together 14 communities of Marsabit County: music, dance and crafts, for cross-tribe peace.
๐ฐ๐ช Loiyangalani, Lake Turkana
Maralal International Camel Derby
Camel races open to amateurs and pros alike, in Samburu County. Three days in the heart of the dry season.
๐ฐ๐ช Maralal
Lamu Cultural Festival
Dhow races, Swahili poetry and taarab music in the lanes of Lamu old town, on the northern coast.
๐ฐ๐ช Lamu Island
Mara River crossings
The migration's highlight: wildebeest cross the river in the heart of the Masai Mara.
๐ฐ๐ช Masai Mara
Our analysis
Kenya comes down to a clear rule: aim for the dry season, June to October, and steer clear of the long rains in April-May. The country has two wet seasons, which can confuse, but the calendar stays readable once laid out.
The dry season, June to October
This is the prime window. Wildlife gathers around the last waterholes, skies stay clear and mosquitoes thin out. It is also the season of the great migration: the bulk of the wildebeest arrive from the Serengeti in July-August and stay in the Masai Mara until October. The Mara River crossings, both rare and spectacular, draw the vehicles: aim for early departures. On the coast, Diani enjoys the same sun, with 27 to 32ยฐC and a calm sea.
January to March: the quiet secret
Between the two rainy seasons slips a dry window, from January to March. The weather is mild, the Mara crowds thinner and the beaches at their best. For anyone wanting to dodge the summer visitor peak without giving up good weather, it is an excellent alternative.
The long-rains trap
From April to May, better to shift a safari. April is the worst month: muddy tracks, less reliable travel and some lodges closed. The short rains in November are lighter and fall mostly late in the day, which does not rule out a trip. The trade-off of the wet season is soft prices and green landscapes.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Kenya? +
From June to October: dry season, wildlife gathered at the waterholes, dry beaches. It is the prime window for safari and the coast.
When can you see the great migration in the Masai Mara? +
From July to October. The bulk of the herds arrive from the Serengeti in July-August, and the Mara River crossings are the highlight.
What is the worst time for a safari in Kenya? +
April, at the peak of the long rains: muddy tracks and some lodges closed. May stays wet.
When to visit the Kenyan coast (Diani)? +
From December to March and June to September: dry and sunny, 27-32ยฐC. Avoid April-May and October-November, the wetter stretches.
Does Kenya have two rainy seasons? +
Yes. The long rains fall April to May and the short rains in November. Between them, the country is dry.
Do you need to book far ahead? +
For the migration (July-September), yes: Mara camps sell out fast, book three to five months ahead.
Marie Laurent ยท Southeast Asia specialist
Updated June 1, 2026