in Kenya: when to go?
tropical équatorial climate
Kenya enjoys a particularly mild tropical equatorial climate, with gentle temperatures year-round thanks to the altitude of the central plateau. The country experiences two distinct dry seasons: the long dry season from June to October, the ideal period for safaris with excellent visibility and animals concentrated around water points, and the short dry season from December to March, perfect for combining safari with relaxation on the Swahili coast. The two rainy seasons – the long rains in April-May and the short rains in November – transform the landscapes into lush gardens but can complicate travel on tracks. The Indian Ocean coast offers a warmer and more humid climate, moderated by trade winds, while the highlands around Nairobi benefit from cooler temperatures. For a first visit, choose the June-October period for optimal safari conditions, or January-March to fully enjoy the beaches of Diani and Malindi.
- Best period
- December to February, June to October
- Good alternatives
- March
- Rainy season
- April to May, November
Year-round overview
Select a month to plan your trip
Climate in numbers
Monthly temperatures and precipitation
Temperature (°C)
Precipitation (mm)
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Climate zones
Climate varies by region. Discover the unique characteristics of each zone.
General climate Kenya
IdealStraddling the equator, Kenya enjoys a tropical climate moderated by altitude. The central highlands (1500-2000m) benefi...
Masai Mara and Southwest
IdealAmboseli and South
IdealCoasts and archipelagos
IdealCentral Highlands
IdealNorth and Rift Valley
FavorableMonth by month
Find detailed climate information for each month of the year.
Temperature
11° — 34°C
Precipitation
39 mm
Average temperature
3.6°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Perfect conditions for safaris and the coast. Lush vegetation following the short rains.
Temperature
11° — 35°C
Precipitation
31 mm
Average temperature
3.8°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Driest and sunniest month. Ideal for wildlife observation and diving.
Temperature
12° — 35°C
Precipitation
84 mm
Average temperature
3.9°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Still favorable but first showers. Landscapes gradually turning green.
Temperature
13° — 32°C
Precipitation
192 mm
Average temperature
3.8°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Daily heavy rains. Challenging trails, lodges sometimes closed in certain reserves.
Temperature
12° — 31°C
Precipitation
162 mm
Average temperature
3.6°C
Rating
Average
By climate zone
Frequent rainfall but less intense. Lush vegetation, wildlife difficult to spot.
Temperature
10° — 31°C
Precipitation
38 mm
Average temperature
3.2°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Return of fair weather. Cool temperatures, ideal for safaris and hikes.
Temperature
9° — 30°C
Precipitation
28 mm
Average temperature
3.1°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Migration season in the Masai Mara. Dry but cool weather, bring sweaters for the evenings.
Temperature
9° — 31°C
Precipitation
29 mm
Average temperature
3.2°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Peak wildebeest migration. Ideal conditions for all safaris.
Temperature
10° — 33°C
Precipitation
33 mm
Average temperature
3.4°C
Rating
Ideal
By climate zone
Excellent conditions persist. End of the great migration, wildlife concentrated.
Temperature
11° — 33°C
Precipitation
60 mm
Average temperature
3.7°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Still very favorable. Temperatures gradually rising before the short rains.
Temperature
12° — 32°C
Precipitation
125 mm
Average temperature
3.7°C
Rating
Fair
By climate zone
Short but frequent showers. Landscapes turning green again, more challenging safaris.
Temperature
11° — 33°C
Precipitation
73 mm
Average temperature
3.7°C
Rating
Good
By climate zone
Gradual return of fair weather. A good period to avoid peak season crowds.
Frequently asked questions
Everything about the climate and the best time to visit in Kenya
The best months to visit in Kenya are January, February, June, July, August, September, October, December. This period offers favourable weather and ideal conditions for exploring the country at its best.
Yes, the tropical climate of Kenya remains warm and humid year-round (average temperature 25.5°C). Seasonal variations mainly concern rainfall rather than temperatures.
The rainy season in Kenya mainly affects April, May, November. Showers are generally short and intense, often occurring late in the day, followed by beautiful sunny spells.
Absolutely. Traveling in Kenya during the rainy season even has its advantages: lush landscapes, fewer tourists, more favorable rates. Our local agency adapts itineraries based on actual weather conditions.
Underwater visibility in Kenya is optimal during the dry season, between January, February, June, July, August, September, October, December. Water temperature remains pleasant year-round (around 28-30°C). Our agency guides you to the best spots according to the season.
If your travel dates don't match the ideal season in in Kenya, the Nomadays network brings together more than 100 local agencies worldwide. Get in touch to find out which destination would be ideal for your dates.
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