Best Time to Visit Kenya
Find the best times of year to travel to Kenya to see as much wildlife as possible and enjoy some beautiful beach relaxation...
Kenya is one of the best known safari holiday destinations for good reason offering extensive savannahs, the Masai Mara, the great ‘migration’ and a stunning white sand coastline. The climate is essentially ‘dry’ and the rains that do fall mark the beginning of the ‘Great Migration’.
When is the best time to visit Kenya? It depends on what you want to see, but there is no bad time to go.
Climate
Climate variations are determined by significant changes in altitude but essentially Kenya is ‘dry’ and so is worth visiting year round.
There are two rainy seasons in the Central Highlands and Rift Valley and the northern and eastern areas, with the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to November. The Central Highlands and Rift Valley have an idyllic climate averaging 20C.
The coast is hot and humid throughout the year, with average daytime temperatures between 26-32C. Most rain falls during the south-easterly monsoon, between April and July.
In the west, the weather is influenced by the Lake Victoria basin, and rainfall regularly occurs from March to November.
Wildlife
Wildlife holidays tend to be at an altitude of 900-1,500 metres, in a temperate to hot climate, the heat is dry and comfortable for travelling and the nights cool for sleeping.
Wildlife tracking is often best in the dry season when water is scarce and animals tend to congregate around watering holes, however the ‘migration’ takes place during the rainy season, from July to October/November, so Kenya offers year round opportunities for wildlife viewing. Remember this is wildlife so best times of year to visit do vary year on year!
Festivals and Events
May | Lamu Donkey Racing |
Jun-Sep | Rhino Charge – Rhino Ark Trust annual car racing event to raise awareness for their cause |
Aug/Sept | International Camel Derby – Northern Kenya |
September | Ferodo Concours D’Elegance, Nairobi – Nairobi racecourse vehicle beauty contest |
Oct/Nov | Nairbobi & Mombasa Carnivals |
November | East African Classic Safari Rally |
Visitors are welcome to join in with festivities but should always observe religious and private gatherings from a respectful distance, unless invited to join in!
Public Holidays
New Years Day (1 Jan), Idd il Fitr, end of Ramadan (Feb/Mar), Good Friday/ Easter Monday (Mar/Apr), Labour Day (1 May), Madaraka Day (1 June), Moi Day (10 Oct), Kenyatta Day (20 Oct), Jamhuri Day (12 Dec), Christmas Day (25 Dec), Boxing Day (26 Dec)
Costs
The main tourist seasons avoid the rains and are from July to October/November, and January to March, however travelling in low season will be cheaper and less busy and showers are often only brief and clear for beautiful evenings.
Flight costs tend to increase over Christmas. Park fees remain the same year round.
Call To Action
To speak to our specialist in this region please call or email sales@worldbigcatsafaris.com
Tel: 0044 (0) 1273 691 642
US Toll Free: 1866 357 6569
