If you fancy a trip to Kenya, you’re probably wondering what is the best time of year to go on safari in Kenya. The Kenyan climate is really perfect for year-round holidays. The temperatures are in a comfortable range during the day, and the country has been described as mostly having a pleasant, tropical climate.
Despite this, some months are better for a safari than others. In this article, we explain the country's different climates, tourist seasons, and the festivals, holidays, and major events that occur in the country. This will help you plan the perfect Kenyan safari.
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What Is the Best Time of Year to Go on Safari in Kenya?
The best time to visit Kenya depends on the region you're visiting, what you want to see, and what festivals and holidays you want to attend. To give you a better idea of when you should plan to take your Kenyan safari, let’s break down a few factors you should consider.
Kenya’s climate by region
Kenya lies on the Equator, so most people expect the country to be swelteringly hot and dry, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The country's climate is as diverse as its people. There are snow-capped mountains, deserts, highlands, vast savannahs, and so much more within driving distance of each other.
The temperature averages between 20 C and 28 C during the day, though some places can get hotter than that. There are numerous climates within the country.
The coastal strip has a humid and hot tropical climate. If you want to enjoy Kenya's beautiful beaches and ancient towns, worry not as the temperatures cool down during the months of June, July and August. From the year's second half, you'll be treated to marine migrations and likely see humpback whales. Try to avoid the coast during the months of November and December, as well as April and May, as that's when the short and long rain seasons occur.
The northern parts of the country are where you’ll find the deserts and semi-deserts. It’s usually hot, and rains are rare here. If you want to visit Samburu National Reserve, known for its wildlife and beautiful scenery, it's best to wait until the temperatures cool down during the rainy seasons.
Kenya's central and western regions are the country's greener parts. They're much cooler, and rain is more frequent. This is where most of Kenya's agricultural exports are grown and where you will find Mount Kenya. If you want to see numerous parks, such as Nairobi National Park and Aberdares National Parks, as well as tea and coffee plantations, this is where you go. In the further west of the country, you have Lake Victoria, whose climate is hot, humid, and wet.
Then you have the Rift Valley. Some of the most famous Kenyan national parks and reserves are located here. The temperatures can get high during noon but are cold at night and early in the morning. Parks and reserves at a higher altitude like the Masai Mara National Reserve can be wetter and cooler than low-lying parks.
With so much going on in the country, you'll have a rich experience no matter your travel itinerary. Knowing the climate of Kenya will help you understand what is the best time of year to go on safari in Kenya.
Green, ‘shoulder’ and peak seasons
I know what you're thinking, what do any of these terms mean? Let me explain since you'll hear those words while booking your safari. These terms describe seasons when the country has the most and the least tourists and can help answer the question, 'when should I go on safari in Kenya?'
Green season
The green season is usually the low season meaning low tourism. It usually occurs during the two rainy seasons in Kenya. During the months of March to May and November to December, the country experiences rainfall. This turns the landscape lushly green, hence the name. Many safari camps are closed, and the roads and trails inside the parks and reserves become hard to navigate, especially during the long rain season. On the plus side, the safari prices are at their lowest; you'll have plenty of space and peace to enjoy nature; newborn animals are visible; and you can visit the northern parks like Samburu, Shaba, and Buffalo Springs.
Shoulder season
The 'shoulder' season is considered the in-between season. Falling in the months of May, June, and October, the shoulder season has fewer tourists and lower prices than the peak season. This season is just before and after the infamous wildebeest migration. However, many consider this season the best time to visit Kenya. You'll get affordable Kenya safari packages and still get pretty much the same experiences as the peak season but at a more reasonable price.
Peak season
The peak season is the best time to visit the country, which is why there's high tourism at this time. The country is sunny and cool, wildlife is easier to spot, and this is when the Great Migration occurs. While there are benefits to visiting the country during this period, you should know you’ll deal with high prices, booked-out lodges, and many tourists wherever you go.
Festivals, Holidays, and Major Events in Kenya
Another factor that can influence the best time to visit Kenya is the activities you want to participate in. Here are a few major festivals, holidays, and events in Kenya that might interest you.
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The great wildebeest migration: Every year, the largest herd movement on the planet occurs during July and August. Millions of wildebeests, zebras, gazelles, topis, and common elands migrate from the Serengeti National Park into the Maasai Mara. This is one of the most incredible sights in the world.
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The Lamu cultural festival: This is one of the best attended community-based cultural festivals in Kenya. The festival promotes the rich Swahili culture and opens up Lamu Old Town, a UNESCO Heritage site, and the entire archipelago to outsiders. The 3 days festival, normally held in November, features activities like dhow sailing races, donkey races, traditional henna paintings, poetry readings, music performances, and competitive Bao games.
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Rusinga cultural festival: This festival is held on the last Thursday and Friday before Christmas to celebrate the AbaSuba people and preserve their culture. The festival has a flurry of colours, traditional music and dances, and sports. Men and women race in wooden canoes across Lake Victoria as singers sing traditional songs. Traditional and modern food is served.
So what is the best time of year to go on safari in Kenya? The answer to that question depends on the factors that we’ve described above. Regardless of the time you choose, there's so much in this wonderful country for you to love. You won't be disappointed no matter when you take your Kenyan safari!