Kenya is on the equator and is known as a “year-round destination.” The hottest time is late January through March, while the coolest months are July and August. There are two rainy seasons: the “long rains” is a 10-week period between April and early June, and the “short rains” is a 6-week period from November into early December. Global weather patterns are changing, however, and sometimes the rains do not arrive as expected, causing drought conditions, or there may be heavy rains outside of the normal rainy season. When it does rain, it tends to be mainly at night or in the early morning, which means there can still be sunny days in between. Many safari camps close during May when the long rains are at their height, as the tracks and roads get muddy and it may not be possible for the camp vehicles to take visitors on game drives.
The hot months of January to March are excellent for wildlife viewing, as the dry and dusty conditions often drive animals to congregate near waterholes. June and December is a fabulous time to see baby animals, since many animals have their young to coincide with the better grazing from new grass following the rains. The wildebeest migration moves into the Mara between July and September, drawing many visitors to Kenya, and the national parks can get more crowded with tourist vehicles.
To sum up:
January to March: usually hot and dry, great for wildlife viewing
April to May: can be wet and muddy
June: green and lush after the rains, a time for baby animals
July to August: cooler but good for the migration in the Mara
September to October: good weather, good wildlife viewing
November to December: the short rains, another time for baby animals.
Although Kenya is on the equator, you may be surprised at how cold it can get at night and in the early morning. Ensure you bring some additional warm clothing (e.g., fleece, sweater) for morning or evening game drives.
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