The Best Time to Visit Kenya
Kenya is a year-round destination. However, peak season is usually from July to end September, when the Great Migration takes place in the Masai Mara.
Where to go in Kenya – Month by Month
July to October – best for the migration & Wildlife viewing.
This is the best time for wildlife viewing in Kenya as the land is very dry, making it easier to spot wildlife. Water also becomes scarces, so wildlife tends to congregate around fewer watering holes.
From July to mid-October is also when the Great Wildebeest Migration crosses over into the Masai Mara national Reserve from the Serengeti. There is plenty of action to view, and the weather in the Masai Mara is usually always quite temperate.
The main disadvantage of this season is that the parks get quite crowded and peak season costs apply.
Also, October tends to get quite hot, especially in the northern parks, such as Samburu National Park and Meru National Park.
October to November – Short Rains.
End-October to November is when the short rains arrive in Kenya, much to the respite of the locals. Everything becomes lush and green all of a sudden.
It usually rains in the afternoon, intermittently, meaning you can do your usual game drive activities
Prices drop considerably from around October to mid-December.
December to February – Green Season Begins.
This is the wonderful green season of Kenya, when everything is literally lush and green. It is the Calving season so you will see plenty of newborn babies and wildlife (even though the grasses may be higher than the dry season).
Aside from Christmas and New Year’s, costs are also lower during this season.
Parks are far less crowded during this season
Migratory birds make their appearance over the Kenyan skies
It usually rains intermittently, meaning you can do your usual game drive activities quite easily
March to May – Long Rains.
