Where and when to travel

inspiring itineraries

  • Maasai Mara

  • Amboseli

  • Chyulu Hills

  • Mathews Range

  • Tsavo East

Savanna Regions

  • Tsavo West

  • Meru

  • Laikipia Plateau

  • Samburu

  • Lake Naivasha

  • Lake Nakuru

Lakes Regions

  • Lake Baringo

  • Lake Turkana

  • Lamu Archipelago

Coastal Regions

Highland Regions

  • Mt. Kenya

Discover Safaris in these Regions

Climate Zones

Kenya has a remarkably diverse climate for a country that straddles the Equator. Altitude, not latitude, is the biggest influence, creating distinct climate zones across relatively short distances.

  • Coastal Climate

    Warm, tropical climate year-round

    Average daytime temperatures: 26–32°C / 79–90°F

    Higher humidity, moderated by cooling ocean breezes

    Long rains: April–June

    Short rains: End of October–November

    Example locations: Lamu

  • Highland Climate

    Cooler, temperate climate shaped by elevation

    Average daytime temperatures: 18–25°C / 64–77°F

    Cool mornings and evenings, especially above 1,800m

    Long rains: March–May

    Short rains: End of October–November

    Example Locations: Mount Kenya

  • Savanna Climate

    Warm days with cooler nights year round

    Average daytime temperatures: 24–30°C / 75–86°F

    Seasonal rainfall creates green seasons and golden plains

    Long rains: March–May

    Short rains: End of October–November

    Example Locations: Maasai Mara & Amboseli

  • Rift Valley Climate

    Varied microclimates influenced by lakes and elevation

    Average daytime temperatures: 22–28°C / 72–82°F

    Cooler conditions at higher altitudes

    Long rains: March–May

    Short rains: End of October–November

    Example locations: Lake Nakuru & Lake Naivasha

  • Northern & Arid Climate

    Dry, semi-arid and arid climate with wide open skies

    Average daytime temperatures: 28–35°C / 82–95°F

    Cooler evenings and early mornings

    Rainfall is sparse and unpredictable, usually March–May and end of October–November

    Example locations: Samburu‍ & ‍Laikipia Plateau

Kenya is a year-round destination. June to October offers mostly cool, dry conditions and outstanding wildlife viewing, including the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. January and February are warm and dry with excellent game viewing and fewer visitors, while November and December bring greener landscapes and quieter parks during the short rains. The long rains from March to May are lush and quieter, with few visitors.

When to Travel

Prime Season

June

July

Aug

Sep

Oct

Excellent wildlife viewing | Great Migration | Mostly dry with cool evenings

Mid Season

Jan

Feb

Excellent wildlife viewing | Fewer visitors than peak season | Warm and dry

Shoulder Seasons

Nov

Dec

Good wildlife viewing | Few visitors | Short periods of wet weather

Low Season

Mar

Apr

May

Lush landscapes | Few visitors | Longer periods of wet weather

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