January in Kenya is warm, sunny, and mostly dry, making it one of the most reliable months for travel. The skies are clear, the landscapes still carry a touch of green from the short rains of November and December, and wildlife is easy to spot as animals roam freely across open plains. It is an excellent time for safaris in parks like Amboseli, Samburu, and the Maasai Mara, with elephants, big cats, and plenty of plains game on show.

Birdwatchers are in for a treat too, as migratory species from Europe and Asia join resident birds in full display. On the coast, the weather is perfect for beach holidays, with calm seas ideal for snorkeling, diving, and dhow sailing. January also falls outside the heavy holiday crowds of December, so travelers can enjoy good conditions with a quieter feel in many destinations.

February is one of Kenya’s hottest and driest months, making it a reliable choice for both safari and beach holidays. Wildlife viewing is exceptional, as animals gather around permanent water sources in parks like Tsavo, Amboseli, and the Maasai Mara. The vegetation is thinner than in January, so spotting big cats, elephants, and other game becomes even easier.

For bird enthusiasts, it’s still prime season, with migratory species present. On the coast, the calm, warm waters are ideal for diving, snorkeling, and dolphin watching, particularly around Watamu and Diani. This month offers classic safari conditions paired with some of the best beach weather of the year.

March marks the shift from Kenya’s dry season to the long rains. The first weeks are still hot and dry, offering reliable safaris and warm beach days. As the month progresses, afternoon showers become more frequent, and by the end of March, many regions see the start of heavier rains.

Wildlife viewing remains good, with big cats and elephants still active, while birdlife is at its most vibrant as breeding season peaks. Landscapes turn greener and fresher, creating beautiful backdrops for photography. The coast stays warm, with diving and snorkeling best enjoyed earlier in the month before the rains intensify.

April is the heart of Kenya’s long rains. Heavy showers fall across much of the country, often in the afternoons and evenings, transforming the landscapes into lush, green expanses. While wildlife is still present in all major parks, animals may be harder to spot with thicker vegetation, and some roads in remote areas can become muddy or impassable.

Many camps and lodges close temporarily, especially in the Mara and Laikipia, though permanent lodges remain open. For birdwatchers and photographers, April is rewarding with dramatic skies, fresh scenery, and vibrant bird activity. Travelers who don’t mind the rain will find quieter parks and lower rates.

May is the wettest month in Kenya, with the long rains at their peak. Heavy downpours are common, especially in the afternoons, and some remote roads may be difficult to access. Many seasonal camps and lodges remain closed, though larger, permanent lodges stay open. Wildlife is still present in all parks, but the thick vegetation and muddy terrain make sightings more challenging.

On the positive side, the landscapes are at their most dramatic, with vibrant greenery and dramatic skies perfect for photography. For travelers who don’t mind rain, May offers quiet parks, abundant birdlife, and some of the best low-season rates of the year.

June signals the end of the long rains and the start of the cool, dry season. The skies clear, the landscapes remain green and fresh, and wildlife viewing improves as animals begin to gather around water sources. The Maasai Mara and other parks start to see more consistent game sightings, with predator activity increasing. While the Great Migration usually hasn’t arrived yet, June is an excellent month for safaris without the peak-season crowds.

On the coast, the weather is pleasant though the seas can be rough in some areas due to the southeast monsoon winds. Overall, June offers a balance of fresh scenery, good wildlife viewing, and moderate visitor numbers.

July is one of the best months to visit Kenya. The dry season is in full swing, skies are clear, and wildlife viewing is excellent across all major parks. The Maasai Mara comes alive as the first herds of the Great Migration cross into Kenya from Tanzania, bringing dramatic river crossings and predator action. The cooler temperatures make safaris comfortable, and the landscapes are still fairly green after the long rains.

On the coast, the southeast monsoon continues, so while it is pleasant for relaxing on the beach, the seas can be rough for diving or snorkeling. With its combination of reliable weather and world-class game viewing, July marks the start of Kenya’s peak safari season.

August is one of the most popular months to visit Kenya. The dry season is at its peak, bringing clear skies, cooler temperatures, and superb safari conditions. In the Maasai Mara, the Great Migration is in full swing, with massive herds covering the plains and dramatic river crossings unfolding. Predator sightings are frequent as lions, leopards, and cheetahs take advantage of the abundance of prey.

Away from the Mara, other parks like Amboseli, Samburu, and Tsavo also offer excellent wildlife viewing with thinner vegetation and animals gathering around water sources. On the coast, the southeast monsoon keeps seas rough in places, but beach weather remains warm and pleasant. August is high season, so expect busy parks and book well in advance.

September is one of the best months to be on safari in Kenya. The dry season continues, keeping the landscapes open and wildlife easy to spot. In the Maasai Mara, the Great Migration is still in full swing, with huge herds spread across the reserve and plenty of predator activity following closely. The dramatic river crossings continue, though they may be less intense than in August.

The weather is cool and clear, with little chance of rain, making game drives especially pleasant. Other safari destinations like Amboseli, Samburu, and Tsavo are equally rewarding as wildlife gathers around permanent water sources. On the coast, conditions improve as seas begin to calm, offering good beach weather alongside world-class safaris inland.

October is a wonderful month to travel in Kenya. The long dry season is still holding, keeping conditions excellent for safaris. In the Maasai Mara, the last herds of the Great Migration are still present, with lingering river crossings and plenty of predator activity as the wildlife prepares to move back into Tanzania. The crowds thin compared to August and September, making it easier to enjoy sightings in a calmer atmosphere.

Parks like Amboseli and Samburu remain reliable, with wildlife clustered near waterholes and striking landscapes for photography. On the coast, the Indian Ocean is warm and calm, offering some of the best beach weather of the year. It’s a sweet spot between the busy peak and the short rains, giving travelers both value and experience.

November marks the start of the short rains in Kenya. Showers arrive in bursts, often in the afternoon, but they rarely last long enough to disrupt a full day of exploring. The landscapes turn lush and green, giving a fresh look to the savannahs and making for striking photography. Wildlife viewing is still good, though animals can scatter more widely with the new water and vegetation. Birdwatchers will love this season as migratory species begin to arrive in large numbers.

The Great Migration has moved back into Tanzania, but resident wildlife in the Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu still provides rewarding safaris. On the coast, the rains can be more noticeable, yet the Indian Ocean remains warm for swimming and diving. November is also quieter, with lower visitor numbers and more attractive rates in camps and lodges.

December is a lively and popular month to visit Kenya. The short rains taper off, leaving behind fresh, green landscapes that glow under clear skies. Wildlife viewing is still strong, with plenty of resident animals across the Mara, Amboseli, Tsavo, and Samburu. The festive season attracts many visitors, especially around Christmas and New Year, so camps and lodges book up quickly.

On the coast, this is one of the best times to enjoy the Indian Ocean, with warm waters, bright sunshine, and a vibrant holiday atmosphere in beach towns like Diani, Malindi, and Watamu. December offers a combination of great game drives, cultural experiences, and relaxing beach holidays, making it one of the most rewarding months of the year.