22 April 2025 | Latest News
Kenya is a beautiful country in East Africa, full of amazing wildlife, stunning landscapes, nice weather, and rich history. These are the reasons that it is viewed as a year-round holiday destination. Like all holiday spots, there is also a much-asked query about the “best time to visit Kenya”. This is because the country has a diverse landscape in the form of mountains, seas, and open plains affecting its climate. Whether you are planning to go on a Kenya safari, visit the beautiful beaches, or explore the vibrant cities, the best time to do all these things during your Kenya holidays will vary. Hence, in deciding the thrill of your vacations and adding charm to it, weather has a key role to play. So, in this blog, we will look at the climate conditions in different months and what makes each one special to visit Kenya.
Kenya is located near the equator, which makes its climate warm all year round. The weather here is divided into two main seasons: the dry and the rainy. However, most of the tourists prefer visiting it during the dry season, which runs from July to September. As for the wet season, it is divided into two categories: Long Rains and Short Rains. November and December are termed as “short rains” months, whereas, March to May “Long rains” dominate Kenya’s skies. Due to this division, many people also travel to Kenya during the months of January and February. Overall, Kenya brings something exciting every month. Let’s begin our adventure and help you select the right time to visit this beautiful country.
During January, the temperature remains between 28 and 30°C, making the start of the year quite warm. But it is the best time of the year for the sun-seekers from the UK to go to the coast and enjoy warm swims in Diani Beach. It is also a great month to plan safari holidays. Although the air remains warm in this month, odd showers cool things down and make it one of the best times to visit Kenya.
In the second month of the year, the daytime temperature reaches 27°C, whereas the nights are a bit cooler at 14°C. These fluctuations make February one of the hottest and driest months of the year, which is perfect for spending the day spotting wildlife or hiking through the mountain ranges. The dry weather is ideal for photography, game drives, exploring coral gardens, and swimming with schools of multi-coloured fish at Mombasa Marine Park & Reserve. Moreover, February is also the perfect time for trekkers to conquer Africa’s second highest peak, Mount Kenya. However, if you find it too hot during the day, head to the coast and relax on the beach by enjoying water sports.
Kenya’s rainy season begins in March. The rainy season may sound dramatic, but in reality, there will be short showers for 1 to 2 hours, but mostly in the evening. The average temperature is 27 °C during the daytime, meaning you can relax at the beachside on the eastern coast. During the rain, it can get hard to move around the country easily, so you might miss out on the “classic” wildlife experiences, but it is still worth every penny. The best part about this month is fewer crowds. You can find special holiday packages at affordable prices for visiting Kenya.
You might be surprised to see April and May grouped when it is a month-by-month guide to find the best time to visit Kenya. We have put them together because of the similar weather conditions. April and May experience “long rains” and turn the tracks in the parks into pools. Heavy showers also make beaches along the Indian Ocean coastline humid and very wet. So, these months are not considered an ideal time to visit Kenya. However, if you still plan to travel in the rainy season due to lower prices, Kenya will have something for you, too. Here, in Naivasha and Mount Kenya National Park, you can spot adorable animals. Moreover, the rain is also a good excuse to interact with the locals and get to learn about their culture.
As June arrives, heavy rains stop and the weather starts becoming dry. The temperature reaches 22°C on average, which means that famous beaches like Diani, Nairobi, and Malindi get plenty of sunshine. As the sun starts to shine again, wildlife, which has been under the shade during the rainy season, gets out and returns to water holes to quench their thirst. Moreover, during June, there is an air of the onset of the Great Migration’s herds into Masai Mara. Hence, it marks the start of the time to leave your umbrella at your hotels and step outside your rooms to explore the great African outdoors.
The dry season is in full bloom in July, with a temperature of only 22°C that makes skies clear and air a bit pleasing. But don’t let these conditions deceive you into believing that the sun will be polite. It shines bright, so you must use sunscreen, wear a hat, and glasses when going out. Another famous thing to do is watching birds as various species move to the lakes of the Rift Valley. Lastly, by the end of July, the first herd arrives in Masai Mara from Tanzania, making it a good time to see the Great Migration.
It is the dry month across the country with pleasant temperatures. August signals the arrival of winter and is known as one of the best times to visit Kenya. The weather, no longer blemished by rain, prepares itself for safaris and outdoor activities like hiking and beach-going. August is also a month when the Great Migration is at its peak. It is an incredible event where thousands of zebras and wildebeests cross the river with hungry crocodiles waiting. This annual migration draws in tourists from around the world, so you must plan your Kenya holidays if you are a wildlife fan.
September also remains dry in Kenya. The average temperature remains at 24°C, making you stress-free about sweating. In short, the weather is as good as it can get. Moreover, it is the last month to see the wildebeest migration, so the peak tourist season draws to a close, making crowds leaner. However, safaris and game viewing remain on the bucket list. Just like big animals for game viewing, the smaller animals or insects come out to play in September. Mosquitoes come in full force around large bodies of water. So, if you go to Kenya in this month, wear loose and light-coloured clothes, pair your look with a hat, and use mosquito repellent frequently.
October is the quiet and last month of the peak tourist season. As the rainy season nears, the weather starts changing. The first half of the month remains dry, making it the best time to visit national parks. Towards the second half of the month, the humidity level climbs, and the air becomes heavy. These are enough reasons to head to the coast to relax on the beach and take a swim in the ocean. However, you must expect a little rain if you wish to go to the coast at the end of the month.
November welcomes the “short rains” season. The light showers usually fall in the afternoon or the early evening, allowing one to enjoy the safari during the daytime. November holds the title of being the third rainiest month in Kenya, but there are places that receive little to no rainfall. These include southeast coastal areas, but you must avoid going to Mount Kenya and the highlands if you do not like getting wet in the rain.
The end of the year is hot and wet, with an average temperature of around 24 °C. The rain does not disturb your vacations much because the dry season starts to settle again. Wildlife viewing is at the top, especially various migratory bird species. Moreover, you will also get to see lively Christmas celebrations across the country. Hence, Visiting Kenya in December is a good deal to seal.
In a nutshell, the best time to visit Kenya is between July and September because the weather becomes dry. During this season, the Great Migration happens, which makes tourists eager to visit Kenya. The rainy season is also a good time to travel, as there are fewer crowds and the prices are low. So if you are planning to visit Kenya, we are right here to help. With an experience of more than 10 years in the UK travel sector, we have helped countless people fulfil their travel dreams. Browse our selection of Kenya holiday packages and select the one that meets your needs.
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