Kenya, home to the Maasai Mara, stunning beaches, and diverse landscapes, is an all-year destination offering breathtaking wildlife and cultural experiences. The best time to visit depends on your travel interests. 

Summer (December to March): Warm weather and wildlife 

Kenya’s summer season, from December to March, offers warm temperatures and excellent wildlife viewing. With minimal rainfall, animals gather around water sources, making it easy to spot the Big Five in parks like Amboseli, Tsavo, and the Maasai Mara. 

This is also a fantastic time to visit Kenya’s coast, with Mombasa, Diani Beach, and Lamu offering pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant marine life. Snorkeling and diving conditions are at their best at this time, especially in Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park. 

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Beautiful views of Diani Beach.

Fall (April to May): Green season and good deals  

April and May mark Kenya’s long rainy season, with frequent thunder showers turning the savannahs into lush green landscapes. While some lodges and camps close due to heavy rains, this is a great time for cost-sensitive travelers as prices drop significantly. 

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Watch the sunset with zebras!

Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during this time, with migratory birds filling the skies. Photographers will also enjoy the stunning scenery, as the rains bring out vivid colors and dramatic cloud formations. 

Winter (June to August): The Great Migration and cooler weather  

Winter is the best time for safaris in Kenya, as it marks the arrival of the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. From July to September, over a million wildebeest and zebras cross the Mara River, creating one of nature’s most awe-inspiring spectacles. (For a complete guide to witnessing the Great Migration, please read our guide on the topic.) 

With cooler temperatures and dry conditions, this is an ideal time to visit other national parks like Samburu and Laikipia. The pleasant weather also makes this a fantastic time to explore the capital Nairobi and Mount Kenya, Africa’s second highest peak. 

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Spot Wildebeests bolting across the plain during the Great Migration!

Spring (September to November): Shoulder season and short rains  

Spring is a fantastic time to visit Kenya, as it offers fewer crowds and great wildlife viewing. The Great Migration continues through September, making it one of the best months to visit the Maasai Mara before the herds move back to Tanzania. 

By November, the short rains begin, bringing a refreshing change to the landscape and a lifeline to Kenya’s many rural people. The rains are usually brief and do not disrupt safaris significantly. This is also a great time to visit Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, where birdlife thrives, and flamingos paint the landscapes pink. 

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Witness a flamboyance of flamingos on the lakeside.