January offers excellent game viewing in Kenya during the peak of the summer season. It’s an ideal time for beach holidays along the Kenyan coast, although temperatures are high.
In February, Kenya Safari experiences continue to thrive, with warm days and cool evenings in the central highlands. Coastal areas are extremely hot during the day, with similar temperatures in the evening. Precipitation levels in the Masai Mara are at their lowest, increasing the chances of encountering wildlife at watering holes. February is also the perfect time to conquer Mount Kenya, Africa’s second-highest peak.
March to May
March marks a swift transition in weather from ‘hot and dry’ to ‘wet and rainy’ across Kenya. Rainfall is widespread, transforming the savannah into a muddy terrain, sometimes rendering certain areas inaccessible due to impassable roads. However, the absence of crowds and reduced costs offer a silver lining amidst the less-than-ideal conditions.
April emerges as one of Kenya’s wettest months. While Nairobi and the central highlands experience hot days and comfortable nights, Mombasa remains hot both day and night. Despite the challenges of muddy roads for game drives, April presents an excellent opportunity for photographers on Safari. The lush green landscape, absence of dust, and moody skies create stunning backdrops for wildlife photography, albeit equipment protection is essential.
By May, the long rains have settled across the African plains, altering the coastline’s beaches from sunny paradises to less inviting destinations. It’s not an ideal time for those seeking a beach escape with powder-soft sands.
June to October
From June to October, Kenya experiences the onset of the long dry season, considered the optimal time for an authentic ‘Out of Africa’ Safari adventure. The weather is ideal during these months, with wildlife congregating around water sources in anticipation of the Great Migration’s arrival in the Masai Mara.
By late July, the spectacle of the Great Migration begins in the Masai Mara, offering front-row seats to dramatic river crossings. The weather remains moderate and dry, with occasional showers possible but not overly dusty.
August marks the peak of the Great Migration, with pleasant temperatures and thrilling scenes of zebras and wildebeests braving river crossings amidst lurking crocodiles. September maintains generally dry conditions, ensuring continuous excitement for wildlife enthusiasts.
In October, the migratory herds typically depart from the Masai Mara, yet Kenya’s resident wildlife ensures abundant Big 5 sightings, keeping Safari enthusiasts thoroughly engaged.
November & December
November marks the beginning of Kenya’s brief rainy season, during which most parks and camps remain operational, though some may close on the Laikipia Plateau. Despite the rain, this period offers the chance to enjoy a Kenya Safari with fewer crowds and discounted prices.
December, the final month of the year, brings hot weather with occasional rain, yet wildlife viewing remains exceptional as always. It’s an excellent time for birdwatchers, as bird populations surge during this period.
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