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🌤️ When to go?Best time to visit Kenya

The best time to visit Kenya for backpacking is during the dry season, which typically runs from late June to October. This period offers the most pleasant weather with clear skies and minimal rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. Additionally, this is the prime time to witness the Great Wildebeest Migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. However, keep in mind that this is also the peak tourist season, so popular destinations may be crowded and prices may be higher. If you're looking to stay within a 250-token limit, it's advisable to plan your trip during the shoulder seasons of May or November when the weather is still relatively dry, but tourist numbers are lower, resulting in more affordable accommodation and fewer crowds.JANFEBMARAPR
MAYWhy visit in May?
JUNWhy visit in June?
JULWhy visit in July?
AUGWhy visit in August?
SEPWhy visit in September?
OCTWhy visit in October?
NOVWhy visit in November?
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when-to-go

Why visit Kenya in May?

May is a great time to visit Kenya for wildlife enthusiasts. The annual Wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve typically begins in May, offering a unique opportunity to witness one of the most extraordinary natural spectacles on the planet. Visitors can witness the dramatic river crossings as thousands of wildebeest and other animals make their way through the Mara River, providing thrilling wildlife viewing and photography opportunities.

Additionally, May is a less crowded time to visit Kenya, allowing for a more intimate and authentic experience. With fewer tourists, visitors can enjoy the stunning landscapes and wildlife without the crowds, making it easier to spot elusive animals and truly immerse oneself in the beauty of the natural surroundings.

On the downside, May is the beginning of the wet season in Kenya, so visitors should be prepared for some rain. The weather can be unpredictable, with sudden downpours, but the lush green landscapes and the vibrant colors of the flora and fauna can make for stunning and unique photographic opportunities.

Overall, visiting Kenya in May offers the chance to witness the incredible wildlife migration, enjoy a more intimate experience with fewer tourists, and capture the beauty of the lush, green landscapes, despite the potential for some rainy weather.

Why visit Kenya in June?

June is an ideal time to visit Kenya for wildlife enthusiasts, as it marks the beginning of the dry season. This means that the vegetation is less dense, making it easier to spot animals in the national parks and game reserves. The Great Migration of wildebeest and other animals in the Maasai Mara is also in full swing during June, offering a spectacular opportunity to witness this natural phenomenon.

Additionally, June is an excellent time for birdwatching in Kenya, as many migratory bird species arrive in the country during this period. The diverse landscapes of Kenya, from the savannahs to the mountains, provide a rich and varied habitat for birdlife. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the opportunity to spot a wide array of species in their natural environment.

On the downside, June is considered the peak tourist season in Kenya, which means that popular destinations can be crowded and accommodation prices may be higher. Travelers should plan and book their trips well in advance to secure the best options and avoid disappointment.

Overall, visiting Kenya in June offers an incredible opportunity to witness the country’s abundant wildlife and natural beauty, making it a must-see destination for nature lovers.

Why visit Kenya in July?

July is an ideal time to visit Kenya for wildlife enthusiasts as it marks the beginning of the annual Great Migration in the Maasai Mara National Reserve. This natural spectacle sees millions of wildebeest, zebras, and gazelles crossing the Mara River in search of greener pastures, providing a thrilling opportunity to witness the circle of life in action.

In addition to the Great Migration, July offers excellent game viewing opportunities throughout Kenya’s national parks and reserves. With the dry season in full swing, wildlife congregates around water sources, making it easier to spot the Big Five (lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros) and other iconic African animals.

Furthermore, July provides pleasant weather for outdoor activities such as safari drives, hot air balloon rides, and guided nature walks. The clear skies and mild temperatures create optimal conditions for exploring the diverse landscapes and ecosystems that Kenya has to offer, from the savannahs of the Maasai Mara to the snow-capped peaks of Mount Kenya.

Overall, visiting Kenya in July offers a unique opportunity to witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles on the planet while enjoying prime conditions for experiencing the country’s natural beauty and abundant wildlife.

Why visit Kenya in August?

August is a fantastic time to visit Kenya because it marks the peak of the dry season. With minimal rainfall, the weather is perfect for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing. The clear skies and warm temperatures create ideal conditions for exploring the country’s national parks and reserves, where you can witness the incredible spectacle of the annual wildebeest migration in the Maasai Mara.

In August, the Maasai Mara is teeming with wildlife as millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores make their way across the plains in search of greener pastures. This natural phenomenon offers visitors the chance to witness dramatic river crossings, where predators lie in wait for their next meal. The sheer abundance of wildlife during this time makes for unforgettable safari experiences and incredible photo opportunities.

Additionally, August is a great time to visit Kenya’s coastal regions, such as Mombasa and Diani Beach, as the dry weather ensures plenty of sunshine and warm waters for swimming and water sports. Whether you’re seeking a thrilling safari adventure or a relaxing beach getaway, Kenya in August offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers to enjoy.

Why visit Kenya in September?

September is an ideal time to visit Kenya as it falls within the dry season, offering pleasant weather and clear skies. This makes it a great time for wildlife viewing, as the animals are drawn to water sources, making them easier to spot in the national parks and reserves. The famous Maasai Mara National Reserve is particularly popular during this time, as it is the peak of the annual wildebeest migration, offering a spectacular natural spectacle.

Additionally, September is a great time to visit the coastal regions of Kenya, such as Mombasa and Diani Beach, as the weather is warm and sunny, perfect for relaxing on the beautiful beaches and enjoying water activities like snorkeling and diving. The sea is also calm during this time, making it an ideal period for beach holidays.

Furthermore, September is a culturally rich time to visit Kenya, as it is the month of the Maasai Mara Cultural Festival, offering visitors the opportunity to experience traditional Maasai music, dance, and rituals, providing a unique insight into the local heritage and way of life. Overall, September offers a diverse range of experiences, from wildlife viewing to beach relaxation and cultural immersion, making it an excellent time to visit Kenya.

Why visit Kenya in October?

October is a great time to visit Kenya for wildlife enthusiasts as it marks the end of the dry season and the start of the short rains. This means that the landscapes are still relatively dry, making it easier to spot animals as they gather around water sources. The Maasai Mara National Reserve is particularly popular during this time as it is the peak of the wildebeest migration, offering the chance to witness one of the most spectacular wildlife events in the world.

In addition to the incredible wildlife viewing opportunities, October also offers pleasant weather for outdoor activities. The temperatures are mild, making it comfortable for activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and hot air balloon safaris. The short rains also bring a burst of greenery, adding a beautiful contrast to the savannah landscapes and enhancing the overall aesthetic experience of the country.

On the downside, October is considered a shoulder season, which means that some accommodations and attractions may have reduced availability and higher prices compared to the low season. Additionally, the short rains can bring unpredictable weather patterns, leading to occasional showers that may impact outdoor activities. However, for those willing to take the risk, the rewards of visiting Kenya in October are well worth it.

Why visit Kenya in November?

November is a great time to visit Kenya for wildlife enthusiasts. It is the beginning of the short rains, which means the landscape is lush and green, providing a beautiful backdrop for game drives and safari experiences. The early rains also bring new life to the savannah, making it an ideal time for birdwatching and spotting newborn animals.

Additionally, November is the shoulder season for tourism in Kenya, meaning fewer crowds and lower prices. This allows visitors to enjoy popular attractions such as Maasai Mara National Reserve and Amboseli National Park without the usual crowds, providing a more intimate and authentic experience with nature.

On the downside, the short rains can make some areas of the country muddy and difficult to access, which may impact travel plans and wildlife viewing. Additionally, the weather can be unpredictable, with intermittent showers and potential disruptions to outdoor activities.

Overall, November is a great time to visit Kenya for those seeking a more affordable and less crowded safari experience, with the added bonus of lush landscapes and the opportunity to witness the birth of new wildlife.

🌤️ Climate in Kenya

Kenya is an African country, bisected by the Equator, yet it has three types of climate: hot and humid along the coast (zone 1 on the map), temperate in the west and south-west, where there are mountains and plateaus (zone 2 on the map), and finally, hot and dry in the north and east (zone 3 on the map).



In general, the warmest period in Kenya is from February to March, while the coolest is from July to August, although the seasonal variations in temperature are small.

Both temperature and rainfall vary according to the prevailing winds, which produce two seasons: from October to March, the hot and originally dry winds coming from Arabia (called kaskazi) prevail, while from April to September, the prevailing winds (called Kuzi) are cooler and wetter and blow from the Indian Ocean.

At the beginning of the two periods, and in correspondence with the two zenith passages of the sun, there are the two rainy seasons: the "long rains" from March to May, and the less intense "short rains" from October to December, while in the western highlands, it rains a lot even between June and September.

Rainfall is more abundant along the coast and in the south-west (zones 1 and 2), where it typically ranges from 800 to 2,000 millimeters (31 to 79 inches) per year, while in the arid zone (3 on the map), it drops below 500 mm (20 in). The rains mainly occur in the form of downpours or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

However, the rains are quite irregular. On the one hand, with global warming, they are declining in some areas is; on the other hand, during El Niño years (as in 1997-98), or when the so-called Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), also known as "Indian Niño" is positive (as in autumn 2019), the probability of heavy rainfall increases, which can lead to widespread flooding.

source: climatestotravel.com

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Does the weather seem nice in the period you would like to go? Find all the info you need to start your trip, including reasons why to go, general country info and health and safety advice.
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