If you’re considering a trip to Kenya it’s likely you’re trying to figure out the best time to go, while trying to wrap your head around its rather ‘unusual’ climate. Firstly, it’s important to understand that weather conditions vary greatly throughout the country and from month to month. Kenya also experiences two rainy seasons (which we’ll explain in more detail), but even so, most visitors believe Kenya to be a great place to visit throughout the year. Since Kenya is in the eastern regions of the African continent temperatures are typically warm no matter what the season. To put this into perspective, temperatures in winter range between 20°C and 25°C.Â
About Kenya and it’s rainy seasons
Kenya’s two rainy seasons are largely determined by wind. The cooler ‘Kusi’ wind, brings with it the heaviest rains. This is known as the ‘long rains’, between the months of April, May and early June. The monsoon winds bring the second rainy season, known as the ‘short rains’ and are between the months of November and December, but are usually intermittent. However from mid December to March, Kenya has it’s driest season with almost no rainfall.
It’s not unusual for Kenya to experience prolonged rainfall. Although torrential downpours which last around half an hour to an hour, are a lot more common during the two rainy seasons. After the rains, the sun usually makes an appearance and heats up the region while drying the grounds.
Temperatures on safari, and tracking the Great Wildebeest Migration
Though Kenya is rather warm throughout the year, we thought we’d give you a heads up with regards to temperatures you can expect while on safari. During the day you will likely experience sun and very warm weather, yet the evenings and early mornings are crisp and very cool. The reason for this is that the great open grasslands of the Masai Mara are similar to that of a desert and therefore experiences a similar climate. As in a desert, you will experience extreme temperatures while travelling through the open plains.
Expect sometimes blistering hot days and freezing nights. Because of this stark contrast you will want to pack accordingly. We recommend summer safari clothing, complete with sunscreen and sun hats, as well as warm winter clothing, including gloves and a scarf for morning and evening game drives. Remember you’ll often be driving in an open air vehicle when on a  game drive, making it that much cooler.
Safari with us through one of Africa’s most densely populated wildlife regions – the Masai Mara
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Tour Length
36 days
Group Size
Max 28 - 30
Starts & Ends
Starts: Nairobi Ends: Victoria Falls
Countries
Kenya,
Uganda,
Tanzania,
Malawi,
Zambia,
Zimbabwe,
Botswana
Overview
This tour begins in Nairobi, Kenya, and travels south through Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia and Botswana before ending near the magnificent Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. We depart from Nairobi early on a Sunday morning, so if you wish to have a chance to explore Nairobi, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation booked through your consultant.
Nairobi to Victoria Falls Overland Southern Discovery (36 Days)
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Tour Length
18 days
Group Size
Max 16
Starts & Ends
Starts: Nairobi Ends: Nairobi
Countries
Kenya,
Uganda
Overview
18 Day Masai Mara and Gorillas Explorer travelling around Kenya and Uganda allowing you to see the gorillas in the wild. Ending off with two nights game viewing in the Masai Mara Game Reserve , home to the wildebeest migration - this is a memorable African wilderness experience.
Masai Mara and Gorillas Explorer Overland (18 Day)
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Tour Length
13 days
Group Size
Max 16
Starts & Ends
Starts: Nairobi Ends: Dar es Salaam
Countries
Kenya, Tanzania
Overview
With showpiece attractions by the likes of the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, and Mount Kilimanjaro, East Africa is story-book Africa. This whirlwind adventure sees you living out your wildest dreams with open-top game drives through vast plains and eye-opening Masaai village tours. After getting your fill of wildlife and local living, dust off your boots and soak up the African sun on the powdery-white beaches of Zanzibar. Now this is a dream come true.
13 Day East Africa Game Parks and Zanzibar Safari
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The Great Wildebeest Migration is dependent on the rainfall. The herds of around 2 million mammals move between the Masai Mara and Tanzania’s Serengeti, in search of greener pastures and a place to give birth to their young. The herds usually enter Kenya around July or August and then leave for the Serengeti in October. However in recent years migrating herds have entered Kenya as early as June and sometimes leave as late as November. It does not necessarily matter if the herds are ‘early’ or ‘late’, as long as you visit around July to October, you will certainly witness the Great Wildebeest Migration.
Conditions at Sea
If you’ll be visiting Kenya’s coastal region, including Mombasa, Lamu and Malindi and plan to enjoy diving or snorkelling activities, take note of the varying conditions at sea. The best months for water based activities in Kenya is between October and March, and January and February. During these months the water is noticeably clearer. The ‘long rains’ flush sand and river debris into the oceans during the months of April, May and June, making it the least favourable time for diving and snorkelling. Sea temperatures are very warm throughout the year, averaging around 23°C during mid year and 25-27°C towards December.
Weather in Kenya by Month
January: January and February are the hottest months. Expect very hot temperatures during the day with warm nights. This is ‘high season’ and the best time for safaris, diving and snorkelling.
Average temperatures are around 32°C along the coast with western regions (Nairobi and the Masai Mara) a high of around 30°C and lows of 23°C.
February: Little rain can be expected, with low grass while wildlife stay close to the few water sources. A great time for safaris and water based activities.
Average temperatures: 32°C along the coast with western regions a high of around 30°C and lows of 23°C.
March: Humid weather is typical inland and along the coast, but cooler than January and February. Rainfall is common at the end of the month.
Average temperatures: 30°C along the coast with western regions a high of around 28°C and lows of 21°C.
Long Rains in Kenya – April, May and June
April: April is the start of Kenya’s long rains. It’s also low season, with less tourists and lower rates.
Average temperatures: 26°C  along the coast, with western regions a high of around 24°C and lows of 16°C.
May: Heavy rains have fed the vegetation, making it more difficult to spot wildlife. The grasslands are, however, a beautiful healthy shade of green.
Average temperatures: 26°C  along the coast, with western regions a high of around 23°C and lows of 12°C.
June: Rains begin to subside and temperatures get cooler as Kenya’s ‘winter’ begins. Not the ideal time for water based activities, but still pleasant outdoors.
Average temperatures: 25°C along the coast, with western regions a high of around 22°C and lows of 12°C.
July Kenya’s ‘winter’ arrives, bringing grey skies especially over the highlands. Wildebeest arrive in the Masai Mara and of course, one of the best months to visit. Not ideal for water based activities.
Average temperatures: 22°C along the coast, with western regions a high of around 21°C and lows of 10°C.
August The Masai Mara is dotted with wildlife and temperatures are cool.
Average temperatures: 22°C along the coast, with western regions a high of around 21°C and lows of 9°C.
September: The skies begin to clear and temperatures rise as spring begins. The wildebeest of the Masai Mara are slowly beginning to leave.
Average temperatures: 25°C along the coast, with western regions a high of around 23°C and lows of 11°C.
October The weather is warm and there is little rainfall. This is a great time to safari and see the wildebeest leaving the Masai Mara, as well as enjoy water based activities.
Average temperatures: 26°C along the coast, with western regions a high of around 23°C and lows of 13°C.
Shorts Rains in Kenya – November and December
November The ‘short rains’ begin in late November, though the temperatures are warm as it is officially summer in Kenya. The Mara is quieter than previous months.
Average temperatures: 27°C along the coast, with western regions a high of around 25°C and lows of 18°C.
December By mid December the rains subside. The landscapes are lush, skies are blue and temperatures rise dramatically. This is a great time for diving and snorkelling and one of the busiest times of the year for a safari.
Average temperatures: 30°C along the coast, with western regions a high of around 27°C and lows of 19°C.
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Tour Length
40 days
Group Size
Max 20
Starts & Ends
Starts: Nairobi Ends: Cape Town
Countries
South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania, Kenya
Overview
Nairobi to Cape Town Overland Camping Tour (40 Days)
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Tour Length
14 days
Group Size
Max 16
Starts & Ends
Starts: Nairobi Ends: Nairobi
Countries
Kenya, Uganda,
Overview
Channel your inner Diane Fossey and prep your social media account for a wave of envy-inducing animal encounters. Nature looms large on this eye-opening tour that sees you tracking the world's most endangered ape through misty mountains, feeling the quiet anticipation of predators stalking prey, and watching the immense red sun setting behind a flat-topped acacia somewhere out on the African savannah. A close encounter with East Africa’s natural beauty is not soon forgotten.
Gorillas and Game Parks Safari (14 Days)
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Tour Length
12 days
Group Size
Max 17
Starts & Ends
Starts: Nairobi Ends: Nairobi
Countries
Kenya,
Tanzania
Overview
Nothing can compare to encountering the legendary wildlife of the Serengeti and Masai Mara in the flesh. That’s why we’ve dedicated 12 full days to exploring this iconic safari circuit.
Traverse incredible national parks where golden grasslands stretch onto the ends of the earth, watch wildebeest kick up the rich African dust as they migrate in their millions, and venture off track to isolated regions to meet local tribes world apart. The road is as diverse as it is unpredictable, so be prepared for adventure.
Your tour requires participation from all group members. This entails assisting with the food preparation, washing of dishes, keeping the truck clean and the setting up the camp. Please keep in mind that flexibility and an open mind is needed on the trip. All guides are registered with the Field Guide Association of Southern Africa (FGASA).
Kenya & Tanzania Budget Safari (All Inclusive)
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I have such fond memories of swapkomond. I camped out there on the beach with friends in 1995. It was so incredible. Three of us, a tent, a fishing pole wetsuits and sand and sea as far as the eye could see, and of course the stars at night…….amazing. One of those experiences that will live in my somewhat limited memory forever and ever. I am full of gratitude for this almost other wordly experience. Honestly I’m tearing up just remembering how beautiful it all was.
I have such fond memories of this Swapkopmund…..An incredibly beautiful place. Beautiful and Extrordinary in every way…. almost beyond imagination. I’m so grateful that there are these pristine wild places in the world.