March, April, and May make up Kenya’s autumn months.

March is the last dry month before the wet season begins in April and May and is a great time to visit as crowds begin winding down ahead of the peak rainy months. While mostly dry, conditions are hot and humid in March, making this one of the best times of year to visit Nairobi, Kenya’s bustling capital. Here, you can browse vibrant markets, escape the heat in the historic suburb of Karen or pay a visit to the Giraffe Centre to learn more about conservation efforts in Kenya.

If you don’t mind getting caught in the rain, late May can also be one of the best times to visit Kenya for wildlife, as dry savannahs are transformed into lush, verdant landscapes and remaining rain clouds create unbeatably atmospheric skies. Accommodation will also be cheaper during this time before peak safari season starts. 

June to August are Kenya’s winter months, bringing warm and dry conditions ideal for sightseeing, sunbathing and of course, safaris.

This period is the best time to visit Kenya’s game parks, particularly the Maasai Mara. Maasai Mara National Reserve is one of the most renowned safari locations in Africa, home to many of the Big Five as well as more unusual animals like kudu and oryx. You can explore the park’s vast plains from the skies on an exhilarating hot air balloon safari or take a walking tour and listen out for the sounds of Kenya’s wildlife as they call out across the savannah.

Another great destination for safari and experiencing a vast variety of wildlife is Kenya’s Great Rift Valley. Stretching nearly 6500 kilometres across the country, dividing the east from the west, the Great Rift Valley is home to a diverse selection of landscapes and natural features, including forested mountains, semi-active volcanos and arid deserts. One of the best ways to see the Great Rift Valley is by soaring through the air on an unforgettable helicopter safari, letting you experience Kenya from an entirely new perspective.

While June to August is undoubtedly a popular time to travel for safari, we consider September, October and November to be among the best times to visit Kenya for wildlife.

For example, while the spectacular Great Migration starts in June, visiting in September or October allows you to watch millions of wildebeests crossing the plains without distracting crowds. Just make sure to bring your waterproofs, as October can bring rainy conditions. November is also a good time of year to observe over 290 bird species as they migrate through Aberdare National Park.

Temperatures remain mild throughout September and October and begin to creep up in November ahead of Kenya’s summer, making these spring months ideal for animal watching.

December to February are Kenya’s summer months, with temperatures climbing to the mid-30s.

These months are the best times to visit Kenya’s stunning beaches. With several beautiful locations dotted across the coast, you can spend your days as you choose. Soak up some sun and then cool down with a dip in the inviting Indian Ocean, or plan a more adventurous beach break with snorkelling in Watamu or watersports at Diani Beach.

Struggling to decide between Kenya’s picturesque beaches and rich safari offerings? If you’re travelling with family, our Kenya with Kids tour combines relaxation and adventure and is a great option to make the most of these warmer months.