The Kenyan climate is perfect for your year-round African bush and beach holiday. Understanding the natural cycle of wet and dry seasons helps you plan the ideal East African safari and coastal explorations in Kenya based on your personal desires. The moderate to equatorial temperatures mean that you are comfortable during your daytime game drives and other outdoor activities.
Another consideration is the impact of climate change on weather patterns around the world, including Kenya. Because of this, you feel confident that the guidance of your AfricanMecca travel planner is also sourced from on the ground informants when required instead of being dependent solely on sample historical data. We are always in contact with camps, guides, rangers and other tour staff who are in the field.
Map of the Great Wildebeest Migration in Kenya.
Understanding Kenya's Seasons
Temperatures and rainfall levels fluctuate throughout the year. Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
- Long Dry Season (July to October): This is the cooler period and considered the optimum time for wildlife viewing. You can expect to see higher densities and diversity of wildlife during this time. Visitor levels are highest during the long dry season because it is considered the optimum and the best time for wildlife viewing, albeit the most expensive season to travel too.
- Short Rainy Season (November and December): The rains do increase the amount of vegetation in the wilderness, so the animals are more dispersed due to the availability of more pasture grounds and may take more tracking time to view them. In general, visitor levels decline slightly during the short rainy season, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s. The rooming prices reduce during this period but peaks again in the last week of December through the New Year.
- Short Hot-Dry Season (January and February): The need to escape cold weather brings an influx of visitors to Kenya’s many natural, historical and cultural treasures in the national parks and the eastern seashores. The short dry season is most favored amongst couples including honeymooners and solo travelers who desire the benefits of the dry season, such as easier wildlife viewing and ground travel.
- Long Rainy Season (April to June): Road conditions may be impacted, but we consider this time of year to be when the flora in Kenya are exceptionally enchanting. Withstanding the drawbacks of the rains gives you a front row seat to watching the birth, the first interaction between mother and baby and first steps.
Wildlife Events and Best Times
Although, the weather in Kenya ensures you a pleasant African trip any time of year, there are some wildlife events that occur only during certain times. If you wish to witness these events, your AfricanMecca Safaris planner advises you as to climate, including rainfall, temperatures, humidity, room rate, tour prices and other factors.
Read also: Kenya Safari Guide
- Great Migration (Masai Mara): Arrives in the Masai Mara from the Serengeti during the long cool, dry season - around late July to October. From July to mid-October is also when the Great Wildebeest Migration crosses over into the Masai Mara National Reserve from the Serengeti. Towards the end of July is when the herds of Mother Nature's greatest spectacle start arriving in the Masai Mara and when you could have a front-row seat to dramatic river crossings. In August, the Great Migration is at its height. Temperatures are pleasant, and awe-inspiring action can be witnessed when thousands of zebras and wildebeest perform their death-defying river crossings, with hungry crocodiles in wait.
- Flamingos (Lake Nakuru & Lake Bogoria): For flamingo lovers, we recommend visiting Lake Nakuru during the hot, dry season in January and February, and in Lake Bogoria, the ideal time is around October, both to be visited just before the arrival of the long and short rains respectively. The abundance of algae in the lake attracts millions of flamingos.
Migratory feathered species who escape the northern winter hemisphere also start arriving at Kenya’s lakes and terrestrial wildernesses around October.
Coastal Kenya: Beaches and Marine Life
Anglers, divers and other water lovers find a paradise of marine life and aquatic sports along Kenya’s Indian Ocean shoreline and islands e.g Mombasa North and South Coast Beaches, Lamu, Malindi, Watamu, Kilifi, Funzi and Chale. You will likely experience more humidity than what is present inland, but the refreshing water, sea breeze and serene beaches make the experience very desirable.
The coastal areas offer a diversity of marine species, and some pelagic species and marine mammals migrate through the area. Here are some highlights:
- Humpback Whales: From the end of June to December, humpback whales may be spotted.
- Yellowfin Tuna: Fishermen seeking high excitement may prefer to visit the ocean shores of Kenya from August to October for yellowfin tuna.
- Marlins: Arrive in December and remain until March.
The best time to visit Kenya’s Indian Ocean islands and beaches is from October to January, November being particularly favourable. During these months, Kenya’s beaches offer ideal conditions for diving and snorkelling. Swimming with whale sharks is fantastic between October and April, as the finest sightings occur from January to March.
Throughout the year, Kenya’s Indian Ocean coastline remains hot and humid, but be aware that rain is likely. The dry season in Diani Beach, Mombasa and Lamu Island begins in June, providing beautiful sunny weather with occasional rain showers. This month is usually quieter regarding tourism, so the beaches are less crowded.
Read also: Planning Your Ethiopia Trip
Kenya’s more than 500 km (310 miles) coastline offers immense diversity. Lamu Island is known for its rich history and cultural heritage. Watamu, Diani Beach, and Mombasa are famous for their pristine beaches and marine life. The best time to visit depends on your preferences.
Diani Beach, Kenya.
Staying Warm on Safari
One of the biggest surprises for most first-time visitors to Kenya is the experience of a chilly game drive on safari, especially early in the morning. If you remember your school geography, you’ll know that for every 100m you climb from sea level, you can reckon on a drop in temperature of 0.6°C (6°C per 1000m).
When you’re on safari in higher-altitude areas - the Maasai Mara, Laikipia and the Samburu reserves - you should be prepared with layers of clothing for your early morning game drive, the end of the afternoon game drive and for night drives if they are available. You need to take account of the wind chill in open vehicles, too, which can make if feel like 5°C or below, especially if you’re driving at 30kph or more. Some people take gloves, and it’s certainly not a bad idea - some even recommended a woolly hat.
If you’re on safari at the somewhat lower altitudes of Meru, Tsavo East, Tsavo West or Amboseli national parks, you’ll find temperatures are a little higher - just enough to make a fleece about the only warm clothing you’ll need at the cooler times of day.
Read also: Ethiopian Cuisine: Philadelphia Guide
Kenya Weather and Wildlife Viewing Chart
Here is a table summarizing the best times for specific activities and wildlife viewing in Kenya:
| Season | Months | Weather | Wildlife Viewing | Coastal Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Long Dry | July - October | Cool & Dry | Excellent | Good |
| Short Rainy | November - December | Rainy | Good (More Dispersed) | Likely Rain |
| Short Dry | January - February | Hot & Dry | Excellent | Excellent |
| Long Rainy | April - June | Rainy | Challenging (Lush Vegetation) | Hot, Humid & Wet |
Kenya is a year-round destination. The best months for visiting Kenya (and the best time for wildlife viewing) are during the Dry season from June to October. Wildlife viewing is good year-round, but this can differ for some parks, depending on the rains. The Masai Mara National Reserve offers great wildlife viewing throughout 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.
East vs. South Africa - Where Should You Go on Safari?
The theory of Kenya’s climate is one thing: predicting the actual weather for specific dates is increasingly difficult as climate change impacts more and more, bringing floods and droughts, unseasonably cool and unseasonably hot weather.
Popular articles:
tags: #Kenya
