Home › Kenya › Best time to visit
Best time to visit Kenya: month by month
Short answer
July to October is the dry season and the Great Migration in the Mara, with the best game viewing and highest prices. January and February are also dry and warm; the long rains from late March to May bring muddy roads but lower prices. Nairobi stays mild, about 22–27°C by day.
Month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26°C | 14°C | 5 | high |
| Feb | 27°C | 14°C | 6 | high |
| Mar | 27°C | 15°C | 8 | medium |
| Apr | 25°C | 15°C | 26 | low |
| May | 24°C | 15°C | 16 | low |
| Jun | 24°C | 13°C | 7 | medium |
| Jul | 22°C | 12°C | 4 | very high |
| Aug | 23°C | 12°C | 8 | very high |
| Sep | 25°C | 13°C | 8 | very high |
| Oct | 27°C | 14°C | 11 | high |
| Nov | 25°C | 15°C | 20 | low |
| Dec | 25°C | 15°C | 20 | high |
Temperatures and rainy days: Copernicus ERA5 averages, 2021–2023. Crowd levels are our estimate.
Season by season
Spring (Mar–May)
The long rains, peaking in April (about 26 rainy days in the data); green, quiet and cheap, but some camps close.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Dry and cool, about 22–24°C highs in Nairobi; the migration reaches the Mara around July.
Autumn (Sep–Nov)
September and October are dry and excellent for game; the short rains arrive in November.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Warm and mostly dry, about 25–27°C; good for safaris and the coast, busy around Christmas.
Events worth planning around
- Great Migration river crossings in the Masai Mara (roughly July to October)
- Lamu Cultural Festival (usually November)
- Jamhuri Day national holiday (12 December)
When to avoid
Avoid April and May if you want dry roads and every camp open. Avoid August if you dislike crowded river crossings and peak prices.
Some links on this page are partner links. If you book through them TonyPlan earns a small commission — the price you pay is exactly the same.
Common questions
What is the best time to visit Kenya?
July to October for the migration, or January to February for dry, warm weather.
When is the Great Migration in the Mara?
Roughly July to October, with river crossings that vary each year.
Is the rainy season worth it?
Yes for lower prices and fewer vehicles, but some roads become muddy and some camps close.