Kenya has a great climate for safaris for most of the year, however the best time to visit is between June and October when the weather is hot but not humid and where the game viewing is excellent. Kenya is also a great winter sun option, however it can be very humid between October and May. The major rainy season to avoid is in April and May when the camps are generally closed. There is also a shorter rainy season that tends to fall during November and December however; most camps remain open during these months.
The Best Time to Visit Kenya
The short rainy season in November and December can be a good time to travel as there are fewer visitors and you can admire the striking abundance of flora on offer. The longer rains also occur alongside the calving season so if you brave the wet, you are guaranteed a front row seat to watching these births.
If you are a keen birder, migratory bird species visit between September and April where they endure the short rains yet leave before the long rains come. After these rains, the dry season commences in June, but to begin with game is widely dispersed due to the abundance of vegetation and water. As the dry season progresses, game becomes more concentrated around water points and viewing becomes easier.
The Best Time to go on Safari in Kenya
In summary, Kenya is great to visit all year round, especially during the dry season from June until October, but be cautious of visiting during the main rainy season in April and May. In July the large herds of wildebeest enter the Masai Mara from the Serengeti providing a stunning backdrop of your East African safari. With the high concentration of prey arriving and the low vegetation levels, the predator sightings become more frequent and drama is never far away. The herds leave the Masai Mara in late October before the long rains occur.
