Best Time To Visit Lake Nakuru National Park

What is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park?

The best time to visit Lake Nakuru is between June and February for optimal wildlife viewing and minimal rain. The dry season, from June to September and January to February, offers better wildlife sightings due to shorter grass and drier driving trails.

Avoid visiting Lake Nakuru in April and May due to heavy rainfall and poor road conditions, which can disrupt game drives.

The best time to see flamingos at Lake Nakuru is during January and February due to the dry-hot season, which brings more algae and attracts more flamingos. You can also spot them in July, August, September, and December.

Peak season at Lake Nakuru (July to September & January to February)

Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities
Dry season with shorter grass and dry trails
Ideal for wildlife and flamingos
Pleasant weather with little to no rainfall
Perfect for outdoor activities and game drives
Abundance of migratory bird species
Reduced risk of malaria and other waterborne diseases
Limited availability of accommodation and tours.
High tourist crowd

Shoulder Months in Lake Nakuru (Late December & March)

Milder weather with occasional rainfall
Less crowded compared to peak season
Good opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing
Greener vegetation for scenic beauty and photography
Availability of accommodation and tours without the peak season rush

Off-Season in Lake Nakuru (April & May)

Poor road conditions and occasional heavy rainfall
Fewer tourists, resulting in a quieter experience
Some lodges and camps may offer discounted rates
Wildlife may be harder to spot due to dense vegetation and limited visibility
The lake may not be as pink due to fewer flamingos present

Weather in Lake Nakuru National Park

Upcoming Lake Nakuru National Park Weather

Lake Nakuru National Park Travel Packages

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4 Days / 3 Nights

Kenya Wildlife Odyssey with Lake Nakuru Tour Package – 3 Nights 4 Days

$ 967

9% off

$871 per adult on twin sharing

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6 Days / 5 Nights

6 Days Kenyan Safari & Lake Adventure for Families

$ 1,610

7% off

$1,490 per adult on twin sharing

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8 Days / 7 Nights

Kenya's 8-Day Safari Extravaganza: Masai Mara, Amboseli , Hell's Gate, and Lake Nakuru Tour Package

$ 2,393

11% off

$2,118 per adult on twin sharing

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9 Days / 8 Nights

9 Days Migration Special - Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Lake Nakuru Safari Package

$ 3,394

18% off

$2,768 per adult on twin sharing

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10 Days / 9 Nights

10 Days Kenya Sun and Sand Safari Package

$ 3,482

22% off

$2,711 per adult on twin sharing

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14 Days / 13 Nights

14 Days Safari Expedition: Kenya's Wildlife and Cultural Treasures

$ 4,795

8% off

$4,367 per adult on twin sharing

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Short Dry Season in Lake Nakuru (January to February)

January to February is the dry-hot season at Lake Nakuru, with minimal rainfall and high temperatures. Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F) or higher, while nights are cooler, around 12°C to 18°C (54°F to 64°F). Flamingos are abundant during this time, attracted by the algae-rich waters of the lake. Clear skies and dry conditions make for excellent wildlife viewing, with large flocks of flamingos and other water birds visible on the lake. This period is peak season, so expect higher accommodation rates and more visitors.

Wet Season in Lake Nakuru (March to May)

March to May is the long rainy season at Lake Nakuru, with frequent downpours and lush green landscapes. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with cooler nights around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). Heavy rainfall can make wildlife viewing challenging, but the park is bustling with life, especially bird species. Despite the rain, the vegetation is vibrant, offering great photo opportunities. Crowds are fewer, and accommodation rates are lower, making it ideal for budget travellers.

Dry Season in Lake Nakuru (June to September)

June to September is the dry season at Lake Nakuru, ideal for wildlife viewing. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with cooler mornings and evenings around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F). There's minimal rainfall and sunny weather, and animals gather around water sources, making it easier to spot rhinos, lions, giraffes, and birds. Accommodation rates are higher, and the park is more crowded during this peak season.

Short Rainy Season in Lake Nakuru (October to December)

October to December marks the short rainy season at Lake Nakuru, with occasional showers and green landscapes. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 27°C (68°F to 81°F), with warmer nights. Flamingos remain present, and birdwatching is rewarding with migratory species. While rain showers may lead to muddy roads, the park's vegetation flourishes, creating picturesque scenery. Crowds are lower than in peak season, but booking accommodations in advance is still recommended.

Lake Nakuru National Park Photos

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Best Time To Visit Lake Nakuru National Park

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What is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park?

Peak season at Lake Nakuru (July to September & January to February)

Shoulder Months in Lake Nakuru (Late December & March)

Off-Season in Lake Nakuru (April & May)

Weather in Lake Nakuru National Park

Upcoming Lake Nakuru National Park Weather

Lake Nakuru National Park Travel Packages

Kenya Wildlife Odyssey with Lake Nakuru Tour Package – 3 Nights 4 Days

6 Days Kenyan Safari & Lake Adventure for Families

Kenya's 8-Day Safari Extravaganza: Masai Mara, Amboseli , Hell's Gate, and Lake Nakuru Tour Package

9 Days Migration Special - Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Lake Nakuru Safari Package

10 Days Kenya Sun and Sand Safari Package

14 Days Safari Expedition: Kenya's Wildlife and Cultural Treasures

More about Best Time to Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park

Short Dry Season in Lake Nakuru (January to February)

Wet Season in Lake Nakuru (March to May)

Dry Season in Lake Nakuru (June to September)

Short Rainy Season in Lake Nakuru (October to December)

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Best Time To Visit Lake Nakuru National Park

Top Hotel Collections

What is the best time to visit Lake Nakuru National Park?

Peak season at Lake Nakuru (July to September & January to February)

Shoulder Months in Lake Nakuru (Late December & March)

Off-Season in Lake Nakuru (April & May)

Weather in Lake Nakuru National Park

Upcoming Lake Nakuru National Park Weather

Lake Nakuru National Park Travel Packages

Kenya Wildlife Odyssey with Lake Nakuru Tour Package – 3 Nights 4 Days

6 Days Kenyan Safari & Lake Adventure for Families

Kenya's 8-Day Safari Extravaganza: Masai Mara, Amboseli , Hell's Gate, and Lake Nakuru Tour Package

9 Days Migration Special - Masai Mara, Serengeti, and Lake Nakuru Safari Package

10 Days Kenya Sun and Sand Safari Package

14 Days Safari Expedition: Kenya's Wildlife and Cultural Treasures

More about Best Time to Travel to Lake Nakuru National Park

Short Dry Season in Lake Nakuru (January to February)

Wet Season in Lake Nakuru (March to May)

Dry Season in Lake Nakuru (June to September)

Short Rainy Season in Lake Nakuru (October to December)

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