Best time to visit Kenya

Kenya is a country situated in East Africa, and it’s among the top tourist destinations in the world, and it’s also home to the world’s long-distance runners. The country is along the coastline of the Indian Ocean and is bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, South Sudan, and Somalia.
The Great Rift Valley, one of Africa’s oldest features, was formed 25 million years ago. It stretches from the northern part of the country to the south. The wide valley created in the depths allowed for the formation of many Rift Valley lakes, creating a habitat for several wildlife species.
Kenya’s equatorial climate and geography vary across different parts of the country, including mountains, coastal plains, plateaus, highlands, lakes, the Indian Ocean, and more. Kenya boasts 24 national parks, 15 national reserves, 6 marine national parks, and private conservancies.
Kenya is gifted with panoramic landscapes, vast wildlife, including the African Big Five, scenic beaches, and over 1000 species of birds recorded, combined with very hospitable people who will make your stay memorable. Often, people ask when the best time to visit Kenya is. Some seasons are better than others, so we can look at the best seasons below:
Best Time to Visit Kenya
Kenya lies along the equator, so it has a tropical climate. Most areas in the north and northeast are semi-arid, experiencing average temperatures of 29°C with annual rainfall of 250mm to 500mm. The annual precipitation along the eastern plateau is 500mm to 750mm per year. The average temperature along the coastal areas is 27°C, relatively humid, with annual rainfall of 750mm to 1,270mm.
Kenya can be visited all year round depending on the activities you want to do while in the country, but the most appropriate time for most tourism activities is the dry season.
Late December to Mid-March: Considered the best time to visit all national parks in Kenya. The grass is short and lush green from the November rains, and the climate is relatively hot and humid, ideal for wildlife viewing safaris.
July to October: This is the long dry season in Kenya. During these months, the grass is sparse, making it easier to spot wildlife in the open plains. Wildlife also congregates at permanent water sources as temporary water points dry out. It’s the best time to visit, especially for those interested in the great wildebeest migration. From late July to October, large herds of wildebeest are present in Maasai Mara Game Reserve.
November to Early December: This is the short rainy season in Kenya and the best time for photography, as the vegetation and scenery are lush, providing excellent photography opportunities. Most babies are also born during this time, offering a unique wildlife experience.
End of March to Early June: This is the long rainy season in Kenya, with muddy roads leading to national parks and wildlife dispersed due to the availability of pasture and water. The vegetation is also thick, making it harder to spot wildlife. Roads to most national parks are in poor condition, and rainfall may disrupt activities. However, the rainy season has advantages for solo travelers and honeymooners who prefer fewer crowds and lower prices offered by lodges and travel companies.
Best Time for Birding: For bird enthusiasts, the best time to visit Kenya is from September to April when migratory birds are present in national parks. The country is home to over 1000 species of birds, including some endemics in several destinations.
Best Time to Visit the Coast: For beach holidays, the best time is during the dry seasons of June to September and December to February to avoid disruptions by rains, and the waters are also clear for activities like snorkeling. Most tourists visit between July to September, coinciding with their own country’s holidays. However, some budget travelers prefer to travel during the rainy seasons when there are fewer tourists and lower prices from tour operators.
The best time for mountain climbing in Kenya is from July to September and from December to February when hiking trails are not muddy and slippery. Most of Kenya’s mountains are manageable and don’t require highly technical and skilled climbers. Remember to pack your hiking gear when coming for mountaineering.