Best Time To Visit Kenya

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What is the best time to visit Kenya?

The best time to visit Kenya would be its dry season which lasts between the months of Late-June to October. This is the time when Kenya gets the least amount of precipitation and also due to the heat the animals come out to drink water. If your wish is to see Wildebeest migration to Masai Mara, then you may consider visiting Kenya between July and October. But there are different times to visit Kenya depending on the wildlife that one wants to see. Another great time to visit Kenya is during the months of January and February as it is ideal to view the national parks at this time. Kenya is a popular destination so it seldom remains empty during its peak or shoulder seasons. But people who want to visit Kenya on a budget and are ready to put up with the rain will have to visit the country during its wet season, mainly during the months of March to May. The wet season is actually great for escaping to the nature of Kenya. Do remember that apart from the rain, the temperatures in Kenya remains even almost always as it is present on the equator.

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Season in Kenya

High Season in Kenya
The peak season in Kenya mainly lasts in the drier months of Late-June to October. This is generally the time when one can catch the migration of Wildebeest and other animals in search of water to Masai Mara. The dry season is also the time when people get to climb Mount Kenya and enjoy being there. The average temperature of Kenya remains around 22 degrees or so during this season. Tourists are abundant as the season is devoid of little to no rain which allows them to go through Kenya without any disruptions.  January and February are also considered peak months in Kenya. The weather remains warm, almost always in Kenya.

Shoulder Season in Kenya
Shoulder season in Kenya will be the time when the parks do not get overcrowded like in the peak season, but still one will get the amenities needed for travelling. The best time to visit Kenya during the shoulder season would be between October to December. This is the time when there is more rain than seen in the dry season. They are mainly short showers which do not bring much disruption. But it also allows the travellers to view the wildlife when its calm and they also give birth during the end of the year. The accommodations and safaris tend to be more affordable at this time compared to the peak season. This is also the time when people can spot migratory birds.

Low Season in Kenya
If you want to visit Kenya when it is free from the crowd, then you will need to target your best time to visit from March to May. These months are considered as a part of the wet season of Kenya as they tend to bring rainfall which is erratic and lasts throughout the day. Accommodations and many establishments remain closed during this season. But it is also the time when Kenya turns beautiful and green. So, people who think that they can handle the rain should visit Kenya during this time. One must also note that the off-season can differ based on the different regions and parks present in Kenya.

Regions in Kenya

Central Highlands Kenya
The dry season that lasts between the months of Late-June to October is considered the best time to visit the Central Highlands of Kenya. The months of January and February are also regarded as excellent to climb Mount Kenya. It has relatively cooler nights during the dry season when compared to the other regions of Kenya. The average high temperature during the dry season can go up to 23 degrees Celsius, and the average low is around 13 or 14 degrees Celsius. It is best to avoid the Central Highland during the wet season. The weather tends to change drastically in these parts of Kenya, so people should be extra careful.

Kenya Coast 
The thing about Kenyan coasts is that they tend to have hot and humid weather throughout the year. The dry season is again a good time to visit the Coasts, as people will be able to avoid the constant rains. People who are more into water sports can visit the place during October and November. They can enjoy snorkelling and diving. But it can also give them the chance to see migrating whale sharks.

North Kenya
The northern part of Kenya takes up a lot of the country, and it is also the location which is most adventurous for the travellers. The region doesn’t take downpours quite well, and every year it has dramatic effects on the land. So, tourists should target to visit the region during the drier months that last from June to October or even in January and February.

West Kenya
Western Kenya wasn’t famous even a few years back, but now people have realised the hidden treasures that are buried in this region. To be on the safe side, people should visit this place during the dry season, which will allow them to go through the forests as well as the national parks.

East Kenya
If you are someone who is explicitly travelling to Kenya to be part of a safari or the watch the Wildebeest migration in the eastern plains, then the best time to visit Kenya would be in the dry season. Due to the scarcity of water in the south, animals migrate towards the east. This is also the best time to watch different type of games.

Rainy Season in Kenya (March to Mid-June)

Weather in Kenya in March to Mid-June
These months are considered the ‘wet’ months as they have the ‘long rains’. The raining can go on for a while and most of the nature of Kenya will turn wet at this time. It also increases the temperatures and the average high temperature is somewhere around 22 or 20 degrees Celsius. Being the off-season many accommodations and eateries are closed off. But people who are enthusiastic about nature can visit Kenya at this time to see the beautiful blossoming nature. In June, the rains slowly give way to the upcoming dry season.

Key Events 
  • The East African Art festival is held at Nairobi in the month of March. It goes on for three days and welcomes events belonging from the art and culture of Kenya and the rest of Africa.
  • Lake Turkana festival is held in the month of May and it is a festival celebrating the community present in Marsabit County.

Dry Season in Kenya (Late-June to October)

Weather in Kenya in June to October
Now, you are in the ‘dry season’ of Kenya, which is also the peak season where tourists flock to the country. These months are amazing for safari, and one can catch them migrating in search of water. Also, there is little to no rain, which provides favourable circumstances and makes it one the best times to visit Kenya. The average high temperature is about 22 degrees Celsius. This is the time to spot the ‘Great Migration’ and considered the best game viewing season. One can expect scattered showers in October.

Key Events
The International Camel Derby Festival takes place in August in Kenya’s northern region.

Kenya Wet Season (November and December)

Weather in Kenya in November and December
These months are again considered wet due to the ‘short rains’. It is a great time to spot the birds. The weather is hot and humid and the animals give birth to their little ones. These months are considered the shoulder season for Kenya. If someone is planning to visit Kenya in these months, they should contact the camps to inquire if they are open or not. The average high temperature is about 23 degrees Celsius. Greenery is seen and the cost is also low due to being the shoulder season.

Key events
  • The Mombasa carnival takes place in November where the culture of the people of Mombasa is displayed.
  • The Lamu festival also takes place in November in Lamu which is a UNESCO Heritage site.
  • On December 12th the Jahamuri day is celebrated in Kenya as their independence day.

Cold Season in Kenya (January and February)

Weather in Kenya in January and February
January and February are mostly ‘winter’ in the northern half of the world. But in Kenya, the air is still warm, and it is a part of the dry season, so there is the existence of little to no rain. The landscape looks good due to the short wet season preceding these months. The average high temperature is about 23 to 25 degrees Celsius. One can spot many animals along with their young offspring’s if they decide to visit Kenya in these months. It is also an excellent time to climb Mount Kenya or spend some time by the coast.

Key Events
Nairobi restaurant week is an event that happens for ten days in January or February where people can try new dishes and the establishments also offer free drinks to the visitors.

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