Kenya is a year-round destination and can be visited in any season. However, the best time to go to Kenya for safari, beach vacations, and wildlife adventures is during the dry season (June to September and January to February.
Located in East Africa, Kenya is one of the most popular tourist destinations that is full of surprises. Surrounded by the Indian Ocean coastline and spectacular mountain highlands, Kenya has a wealth of attractions for visitors. It is home to incredible wildlife, pristine beaches, vast expanses of savannah and Lakelands, and beautiful cities and towns. Known as the original African safari destination, Kenya has always attracted tourists as a place of excitement, rich history, and diverse culture. With so much to offer, Kenya definitely deserves a place on your bucket list. The country is geographically diverse with oceans, mountains, expansive plains, and a moderate climate. Kenya is a year-round destination, so any time is a good time to book a Kenya tour package.
Here is a detailed guide to help you decide the best time to go to Kenya.
When is the Best Season to Visit Kenya?
Dry Season: June to September
The dry season from June to September is a good time to visit Kenya’s wildlife and wildebeest migration. The weather is pleasant but drier due to no rainfall, with an average temperature of 22°C. Both August and September see the rise of migration in Masai Mara National Park. This is the time when a number of animals, including zebras, wildebeest, and antelope head for the riverbanks of Masai Mara. During these months, you will get the chance to witness nature in its best form.
Shoulder Months: October to November
With temperatures fluctuating between 25°c – 30°c, Kenya sees the return of higher temperatures in October. It marks the start of short rains after witnessing a long dry season. It starts receiving short rainfalls in the month of November, turning Kenya into a paradise with some dramatic thunderstorms, light rain, and terrain covered with dense green vegetation. The lush plant life starts flourishing, bringing out the beauty of the landscapes. However, this is the time when the humidity is high with an increased mosquito population. So it is recommended to be prepared for these aspects.
Short Dry Season: (December to Late March)
December is the month when short rains stop, marking the onset of the short dry season in Kenya. With warm yet pleasant weather conditions, Kenya still promises a memorable vacation for tourists. This is the time when Kenya sees holiday celebrations with many local events celebrated in full swing. For those who wish to enjoy Christmas, this is the best time to travel to Kenya. January marks the summer season in Kenya. This means that it is the best time for safaris in Kenya since animals gather around water sources to get relief from the high temperature. The long rainy season starts in March, so those planning to visit Kenya in this month should be prepared for heavy downpours.
Rainy Season: April to May
Months from April to May witness long rains and heavy downpours, with warm temperatures across the country. Those planning a trip to Kenya in April can enjoy a quieter experience with less crowd because most people avoid visiting Kenya during the rains. May is the month when long rain continues, with around two metres of rainfall over the month. It means safari conditions are not ideal. For a serene experience, it can be a good time to visit Kenya.
Top Places to Visit in Kenya
- Maasai Mara National Reserve
- Diani Beach
- Mount Kenya
- Nairobi
- Amboseli National Park
Maasai Mara National Reserve
Established in 1961 as a wildlife sanctuary, Maasai Mara National Reserve has now become one of Africa’s Greatest Wildlife Reserves. Located in the southwest of Kenya, this wildlife park covers an area of 1,510 square km. Maasai Mara, along with the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, makes the most diverse and remarkable ecosystems, inviting visitors from across the world. Masai Mara is home to a large number of animals like African Buffalo, Lions, elephants, rhinos, giraffes, Zebra, and more, roaming freely around their natural habitat. You can also spend some time in the Masai village, learning about their residents’ lifestyle, culture, etc. July to October (dry season) is considered the best month to visit Kenya’s most popular attraction - Maasai Mara National Reserve.
Diani Beach
Another name in the list of top places to go in Kenya, Diani Beach offers a peaceful escape from the chaotic routine of life. Stretching along Kenya's Indian Ocean coast, this gorgeous beach is around 17 km long with blue water and a majestic beach. Nestled against the backdrop of lush forests echoing with wildlife sounds, Diani Beach is a perfect destination for beach lovers. It is a hidden gem of Kenya that offers a more relaxed, serene, and adventurous experience. Here you can relax on the beach, capture some amazing pictures, and enjoy water sports activities like surfing, water skiing, etc. November to March is the best time to visit Diani Beach in Kenya.
Mount Kenya
Perched at 5199m (17,057 ft), Mount Kenya is the second-highest peak in Africa. It is a major attraction for tourists from across the world. Mount Kenya is an ancient vanished volcano, which is said to have escalated to 6500 m during its active period (3.1-2.6 million years ago). There are around 12 remaining glaciers on the mountain that are waning rapidly, and 4 peaks at the top of the U-shaped glacial valleys. One of the most striking landscapes in East Africa, Mount Kenya is considered a divine mountain by Kikuyu and Meru communities residing next to it. They believe that their God Ngai and his wife Mumbi reside on the summit of the mountain. Here, trekking tours are operated all year round, but the best time to go to Kenya for Mount Kenya trekking is between January to February and July to early October.
Nairobi
One of the largest and most beautiful cities in Africa, Nairobi, must be in your tour plan. It is the capital city of Kenya and an imperative financial and commercial regional hub. Located in South-Central Kenya, Nairobi is a modern and vibrant city full of contrasts. The city is surrounded by cliffs, forests, and plains, making it an ideal tourist destination to enjoy a mix of modernity and rich culture. It is a historical city featuring Kenyan culture and many architectural landmarks. A trip to Nairobi provides tourists an opportunity to experience heritage, incredible wildlife, delectable cuisines, buzzing nightlife, and unforgettable adventure. Here, some major attractions that you should not miss include Nairobi Snake Park and Botanic Garden, Giraffe Centre, Nairobi Safari Walk, Karen Blixen Museum, Godown Arts Centre, etc. The best time to visit Kenya’s capital, Nairobi is between June to September and January to February.
Amboseli National Park
Located in the Rift Valley Province of Kenya, Amboseli National Park is one of the top destinations to enjoy safari in Kenya. Spread in an area of 8,000 square kilometres, this striking park is primarily known for two specific things – the magnificent sights of Mount Kilimanjaro bordering Tanzania and royal herds of big-tusked elephants, roaming freely among other wildlife animals. Declared a UNESCO-Mab Biosphere Reserve in 1991, Amboseli National Park is an ideal place to spot various species of birds, such as flamingos, kingfishers, and African ibis. With Mount Kilimanjaro acting as a stunning backdrop, Amboseli National Park is a perfect destination for wildlife photography enthusiasts to capture mesmerising pictures. The best time to go to Kenya for a safari adventure in this park is during the dry season (June to October).
With all the details shared about the best time to go to Kenya, now it is time to plan your trip to this beautiful country in East Africa. Booking a perfect tour package from Veena World will allow you to enjoy the best trip of your life. Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime travel experience!
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