Best Time To Visit Masai Mara > Weather, Temperature & Season

What is the best time to visit Masai Mara?

The best time to visit Masai Mara is from July to October during the dry season when the Great Migration happens. September is the best month to see the dramatic Mara River crossings. However, Masai Mara is great for safaris all year round, as it offers ideal weather and plenty of wildlife for excellent game viewing throughout the year.

The least preferred time to visit Masai Mara is during the long rainy season from April to mid-June. The shoulder seasons of November to December or February to March offer excellent wildlife viewing with fewer visitors.

Peak Season in Masai Mara (July to October)

Dry and sunny weather, with cool mornings and evenings and warm daytime temperatures.
Ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing.
The Great Migration is in full swing.
Witness dramatic Mara River crossings.
High tourist activity, leads to crowded accommodations and higher prices.

Shoulder Season in Masai Mara (November, February to March)

The weather is generally mild with occasional rain showers.
Less crowded compared to peak season.
Lush and green landscapes due to the rains.
Wildlife sightings remain excellent.
Typically lower accommodation and safari prices compared to peak season.

Off-season in Masai Mara (April to June)

Extensive rainfall, especially in April and May.
Fewer tourists; less crowded game viewing areas and accommodations.
Lush green landscapes and great opportunities for birdwatching.
No chance of watching the Great Migration.
Difficult to spot wildlife.
Lower accommodation prices.

Weather in Masai Mara

Upcoming Masai Mara Weather

Monthly Weather in Masai Mara

Month	High/Low (°C)	Rain
January	25°/ 15°	22 days
February	27°/ 14°	22 days
March	26°/ 15°	29 days
April	26°/ 15°	24 days
May	27°/ 15°	22 days
June	24°/ 15°	27 days
July	25°/ 14°	11 days
August	27°/ 15°	10 days
September	27°/ 15°	11 days
October	28°/ 15°	11 days
November	27°/ 15°	19 days
December	24°/ 15°	29 days

Masai Mara Travel Packages

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4 Days / 3 Nights

Kenya Masai Mara Safari Package - 3 Nights 4 Days

$ 1,191

20% off

$943 per adult on twin sharing

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6 Days / 5 Nights

Kenyan Big Five Safari: Lake Elementaita and Masai Mara in 6 Days

$ 1,956

23% off

$1,489 per adult on twin sharing

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8 Days / 7 Nights

8 Days Kenyan Migration Safari Package

$ 2,202

15% off

$1,850 per adult on twin sharing

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9 Days / 8 Nights

9 Days Best of Kenya and Tanzania: Great Migration Safari

$ 3,061

11% off

$2,699 per adult on twin sharing

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14 Days / 13 Nights

Kenya's 14-Day Wildlife & Coastal Safari Package

$ 4,413

1% off

$4,331 per adult on twin sharing

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7 Days / 6 Nights

Kenya's 7-Day Wildlife and Lake Safari Adventure

$ 2,279

8% off

$2,081 per adult on twin sharing

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More about Best Time to Travel to Masai Mara

Mid June to October (Dry Season)

From mid-June to October, Masai Mara enjoys dry and sunny weather, perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing, including the Great Migration. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). Accommodations can be crowded and pricey due to high tourist numbers. Besides the migration, visitors can enjoy game drives, hot air balloon safaris, and guided walks.

June marks the end of the ‘long rains’ and the start of the busy season. July sees the arrival of wildebeest herds from the Serengeti, making it the best time for a Big Five safari. August is another dry month with cooler temperatures, perfect for witnessing the Great Migration and Mara River crossings. September is warmer, with exceptional game viewing and the Migration in full swing. October is one of the hottest months, with most wildebeest herds still in and around Masai Mara.

November & December (Short Rainy Season)

In November and December, Masai Mara has a short rainy season with occasional showers. Despite the rain, it's a great time for wildlife viewing, with less rainfall compared to the long rainy season. November's short summer rains trigger the last leg of the Great Migration when the wildebeest move south to their Serengeti calving grounds. The Great Migration can still be seen with smaller crowds, and temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Though there may be some rain, it's usually short afternoon bursts followed by clear skies.

December is less busy at the start of the month than during peak season months, but it can get busier over the festive season in the national reserve. Popular activities like game drives, guided walks, and birdwatching are available, and accommodation prices are moderate.

January and February (Short Dry Season)

In January, Masai Mara has sunny weather and fewer tourists, making it great for wildlife viewing. Temperatures range from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), ideal for game drives and birdwatching. Accommodation prices are reasonable. It's also a good time for birdwatching due to many migratory species and the calving season, offering sightings of new baby animals.

February continues with dry and sunny weather, fewer crowds, and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Temperatures remain between 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), perfect for various activities, including wildlife photography. Accommodation prices stay moderate. Thousands of baby animals are born each day, providing excellent chances to see Africa's big cats in action.

March to May (Long Rainy Season)

From March to May, Masai Mara has its long rainy season, offering lush scenery and fewer tourists. The rain is good for birdwatching. Daytime temperatures range from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), with the lowest accommodation prices.

March brings afternoon thundershowers and occasional flooding, leading to some camp closures for the low season. April considered the low season, is slightly cooler but still warm, experiencing heavy rains and lodge closures for maintenance. May sees slightly less rainfall but remains wet, marking the start of cooler months until September. Roads become muddy, rivers overflow, and persistent drizzle persists. Fly-in safaris are recommended for exploring Masai Mara.

Lion Season (January to March)

After the short rainy season (November and December), Masai Mara experiences the "Lion Season" from January to March. As the rains disappear, the grasses become less plentiful, making wildlife easier to spot. This is the perfect time of year to observe individual Masai Mara lions or pride roaming the plains in search of prey.