Of all the incredible countries to visit in Africa, there’s not one quite as enticing and incredible as Kenya. It’s one of the best places on earth to see wildlife, with safaris like the Maasai Mara, home to the Big Five and the Great Migration. But Kenya is more than animals, its tropical beaches are often overlooked, with incredible places like Lamu Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Swahili architecture.
But when is the best time to visit Kenya to make the most out of your trip? How is the weather during the different seasons, and what activities are best? Those are really important questions when planning a trip, so let’s answer them in detail.
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The Best Times to Visit Kenya
Let’s go season by season so you can get a better understanding of how the weather changes. The first months of the year are warm, dry, and sunny, with temperatures going from 25-33°C during the days, and going as low as 15-22°C. The temperatures are a bit higher near the parks and the coast, picking up humidity as you move towards the sea.
But in general is one of the best seasons to visit, especially if you’re in Kenya for the outdoor activities. The dry weather offers incredible visibility for the safaris, and the temperatures are good for hiking, bird watching, and exploring the towns!
Visit The Best Towns in Kenya, Africa
Many people indeed visit Kenya for the safaris, and we’ll talk about them in a moment. But the dry and warm months are the perfect time to learn more about the local culture, try new foods, and see the daily life of Kenyans. During these months, the roads are accessible, and there are festivals, markets, and events to join.
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Nairobi: Of course, you have to stop first at Nairobi, Kenya’s capital. Nairobi is a big economic hub, and you’ll see how impressive the skyline is under the clear skies. There you can visit the Nairobi National Park, just 20 minutes from the city and easily accessible. It’s a great opportunity, as you can also attend events in the city like Afro-fusion music concerts and the Sunday Maasai Market.
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Mombasa: Did you know that Mombasa is the oldest city in Kenya? That’s why it is a key port that you can’t miss, and a beach gateway that you’ll love. It has a long history, as it was a major center for trade in spices, ivory, and gold centuries ago. A history you can see if you visit Fort Jesus to learn more about its past.
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Naivasha: This beautiful town near the lake is a great place to learn all about floriculture, as its flower farms are a major contributor to Kenya’s exports. Many nature lovers are attracted to Lake Naivasha, where you can see over 400 bird species and a notable hippopotamus population. Other tourist attractions you might be interested in near Naivasha include Hell’s Gate National Park, where you can rent a bike to explore the wilderness, and Crescent Island Game Park with peaceful zebras, giraffes, and antelopes.
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Lamu: A unique place you can’t miss. This island has preserved the Swahili architecture, and because of that, it has so much cultural significance. There’s a strict “no cars” rule, so if you want to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll have to do it either on foot or by donkey.
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Wet Season
From April to May, Kenya experiences its long rainy season, characterized by heavy and frequent rainfall. April is typically the wettest month, when you can expect rain almost daily, but by May, the rainfall starts to reduce slightly, but it’s still pretty common. This might seem like a terrible time to travel to Kenya, but it has its advantages. For example, this is when Kenya is most green and scenic, especially in the highlands, and fewer tourists visit it, so the trip may be cheaper and personalized. Also, usually the rain occurs in the afternoons and evenings, leaving you the whole morning to explore the country.
Soak in the Sun at Diani Beach
While it is true that it rains in all of Kenya, the coasts see less rain during this time of year, making it the best moment to explore them. Starting with one of the best in the country, Diani beach, just 30 km to the south of Mombasa. It’s pretty well known for its white sand and coral reef, which protects the ocean, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. If you’re feeling adventurous, in the Diani-Chale National Park and Marine Reserve, you can try more activities, like fishing and kite surfing.
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Dive into the Coral Reefs of Watamu Marine National Park
Another great place for water activities and exploration. These months are perfect to immerse yourself in the marine paradise of Watamu National Marine Park and discover the coral reefs that are just 300 meters offshore. You will love snorkeling and scuba diving here, as there are coral gardens near the shore for the beginners, and deeper reefs for the more experienced. There’s also a lot of marine wildlife to see, including whale sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, lionfish, and angelfish.
June to September: Perfect weather for Safaris
This is the perfect season to go on safaris, if that’s what you’ve been waiting for. The weather is cooler and drier, especially in the central highlands and major tourist areas. The temperatures are usually below 22°C, with long sunny days and cool nights.
As the humidity and rains are sparse, grasses and vegetation start to thin out, making animals more visible. The dryness also made the remaining waterholes attractive spots to see all species, perfect for patient photographers. And, on top of that, it’s the season of the Great Migration!
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The big Migration in Masai Mara
This is one of the most incredible and breathtaking natural spectacles on Earth, and if you’re planning a first trip to Kenya, you should time it right to catch this event. During it, over 1.5 million wildebeest, along with hundreds of thousands of zebras, gazelles, and elands, move in their giant circular route between Tanzania’s Serengeti and Kenya’s Masai Mara. They follow the rain patterns, in search of long extensions of fresh grass to feed the millions of mouths.
The best place to see the migration is in the Masai Mara National Reserve. Even the most impressive and dramatic event, the river crossing at the Mara River. It’s not a nice spectacle, nature is cruel, and the circle of life must go on. The crocodiles in the river as just as hungry as the migrating animals, and they will eat whichever prey gets close to their teeth.
The Big Five in Maasai Mara
But there are other animals that you can see in the preserve. And you can’t leave the Maasai Mara without seeing the Big Five! That’s the way locals and tourists started calling the most iconic and sought-after animals. The show stars are the African Elephant, Cape Buffalo, African Lion, Leopard, and Rhinoceros. They were originally called the big-game hunters, but now we just want to see them living their lives in peace.
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October to December
At the end of the dry season comes the second rainy season in Kenya, called the short rainy season. Unlike the long rainy season, there’s more variation, and the rain is not as hard or constant. It’s nice because the landscape gets a nice refresh, but it won’t interfere as much with your plans.
It’s the perfect season to birdwatch, especially in areas like the Great Rift Valley and Aberdare National Park. You can also catch sight of some baby animals in the Masai Mara. Just don’t get too close to their mothers, as they get more territorial with calves and cubs to protect.
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Visit the Giraffe Centre and Sheldrick Wildlife Trust
The Giraffe Centre is a place completely dedicated to saving Rothschild’s giraffes. It’s one of the most popular attractions in Kenya, and if you visit during the short rainy season, you have a chance of seeing baby giraffes! Unlike other animals, giraffes don’t have a strict mating season, but there is a peak in births when the acacia trees are green and full of leaves. You can even feed these giants from an elevated platform; it’s a fun experience!
On the other hand, the Sheldrick Wildlife Trust right in Nairobi National Park is dedicated to rescuing and caring for orphaned elephants and rhinos. You can catch the daily feeding of the little ones and learn about their conservation work from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. It’s heartwarming to see these animals getting the care they need, and you feel like you’ve contributed even in a small way.
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Travel Tips for Visiting Kenya
Stay Connected With Mobile Data
If you’re visiting beautiful Kenya, staying connected and informed is essential. One way to easily access real-time local information and stay in touch with friends is by using a Yoho Mobile eSIM. With it, you won’t need Wi-Fi to stay up-to-date and enjoy your trip to the fullest. Try Yoho Mobile’s free eSIM trial and get instant access to mobile data in over 70 countries. No SIM card, no contracts, just a quick setup, and you’re online in minutes.
Health and Safety Precautions
When traveling to Kenya, you need to take health and safety precautions to minimize risks, as unfortunately, there are a lot of tropical diseases you could contract. Consult with your doctor before you decide to travel, and check for the required vaccines. Some countries require the yellow fever vaccine to enter, but others, like hepatitis A and B, Tetanus, and Rabies, are optional. Just in case you should get them. Better safe than sorry.
In general, carry insect repellent with you and use it religiously, and sleep under a mosquito net. You can also use long-sleeved shirts and pants to minimize the insect bites.
Concerning water and food, drink only bottled or purified water, and avoid ice. Raw vegetables and undercooked meat should be avoided, especially in rural areas where diseases are more common, and you should peel your fruits yourself.