Looking for the best time to go to Kenya you definitely are at the right place. Kenya has diverse geography. This means variable climate across the country. However, Kenya being a whole year-round destination, then the best time to visit Kenya is throughout the year for both safaris and beach holidays.
The best time to visit Kenya will therefore depend on the activity you are looking at. Most Kenya safari destinations are at their best between January and the end of March. During this period, the climate is mild, mostly dry and game viewing is at its peak.
Naturally, this time is considered the best time to go to Kenya on safari. However, the rainy season comes between mid-March to June for the long rains. Between October and December is known for the short rains. It is well worth considering your travel during the rainy seasons as much as the prices seem to be low.
The rainy season becomes the best time to travel to Kenya if you are to avoid the peak-season crowds. You can also target these seasons to take advantage of cheaper, off-season rates on accommodation and tours.
If, however it’s a case of the best time to go to Kenya for the Masai Mara wildebeest migration, then go between mid- July and late October. This is when the herds have returned from their months in Tanzania’s Serengeti.
The best time to visit Kenya beach destinations is a moot point. This is because Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast is hot and humid all year round and rain can fall at any time. We would however recommend avoiding the coast during the mid-March to late May season when temperatures and rainfall are at their highest.
A Month by Month Guide on The Best Time to Go to Kenya
January and February
The beginning of January right the way through to the end of February signals the warmest period to visit Kenya with higher concentrations of animals congregating in popular tourist destinations, such as the Masai Mara, Lake Nakuru and Amboseli. This is a great time of year for divers to go to Kenya as visibility in the Indian Ocean is much clearer thanks to the lack of surface run off.
March, April and May
Early March still has some blue skies although animals will already be in shorter supply due to the start of the rainy season which runs right through April and into May. Flooded roads, an abundance of vegetation and generally wet weather at this time makes for poor wildlife watching and slippery summits to Mount Kenya however, if you’re looking to bag a bargain then this is certainly a time of year worth bearing in mind.
June, July and August
June sees the start of Kenya’s dry season with waterholes and river banks teeming with animals and although prices will go up during July and August, being able to observe the wildebeest migration crossing the Masai Mara is well-worth a few extra Shillings.
September, October and November
With the school holidays out of the way in September you’ll find fewer visiting families and October through to November is a great time to go to Kenya if you’re not tied to the kids.
December
December can be an excellent time to visit Kenya with lush green scenery making an ideal habitat for migratory birds and new born animals.
In general, mosquitoes are much more prevalent during Kenya’s rainy season and heading to higher ground Laikipia or the Aberdares, for example, is best advice if you want to avoid irritating bites.
Weather and Climate is the Determinant of When to Visit Kenya
Deciding Best time to go to Kenya is a perennial question for visitors. There’s no simple ‘best time to visit Kenya’ as good conditions vary across the country, and one person’s ideal weather will be another’s disappointment. Having said that, most visitors will find something positive about the weather through most of the year. Whatever the ambient temperature in the shade, when the sun is out – which is a good deal of the time, and often from dawn until dusk for weeks on end – it is always fierce: you’re on the equator, and you’ll know all about it if you neglect the sunscreen.