There is no bad month to visit Kenya - wildlife lives in the parks all year. The most popular time is the long dry season from late June to October, when grass is short, animals gather around water and the wildebeest migration is usually in the Masai Mara. January and February are a second excellent window: dry, warm and noticeably quieter than the peak months.
Clear skies, cool mornings and easy game viewing make these the classic safari months. The great migration typically arrives in the Mara between July and September, with dramatic river crossings when the herds move. The trade-off is demand: popular camps fill early and park fees and lodge rates are at their highest, so we recommend booking three to six months ahead.
After the short rains the parks are green, the air is clear and many animals have young. It is hot and dry - perfect weather for combining a safari with the beach - and you will share sightings with fewer vehicles than in August. It is also one of the two best windows for climbing Mount Kenya.
This is Kenya's green season. Rain usually falls in afternoon downpours rather than all day, landscapes are lush and birdlife is superb. Some roads become muddy and a few camps close for maintenance, but those that stay open offer their best rates of the year. It is a great choice for flexible, budget-minded travellers and photographers who love dramatic skies.
Short showers return in November, usually clearing by mid-December. Game viewing stays good, prices dip before the festive season, and migratory birds arrive from Europe. The Christmas and New Year fortnight is busy again, so book early if you plan to travel then.
Choose July to October for the migration, January to February for warm weather and fewer crowds, and March to May for value and green landscapes. The coast is at its best from October to March, and the mountains from mid-January to February and July to October. Tell us your dates and we will tell you honestly what to expect.
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