Quick Picks – Best Months to Travel to Kenya in 2026
Best Overall Month: July
July is optimal for most travelers. Safari conditions are excellent, weather is cool and dry (average 20-25°C in Nairobi, 25-29°C in coastal regions), and wildlife in reserves is at its most visible after months of migration. Lodges report over 80% occupancy this month.[1]
Best for Wildlife Safaris: August–September (The Great Migration)
August and September coincide with the dramatic river crossings of the Great Migration in the Masai Mara. Over 1.5 million wildebeest and zebra cross, with predator activity peaking. Safari bookings fill a year in advance and game drives offer up to 95% animal sighting probability.[1][6]
Best for Budget Travelers: April–May (Green Season)
April and May bring the long rains, lowering safari and hotel costs by 30-50% compared to peak season. Landscapes are lush and birdwatching is superb, though some lodges may close due to inaccessible roads.[1][4]
Best for Beaches: December–March (Coastal Getaways)
December to March feature hot, sunny conditions (29-34°C) on Kenya’s Indian Ocean coast. The ocean is calm for snorkeling/diving, and Diani Beach sees up to 92% hotel occupancy during festive periods.[3]
Most Underrated Month: November
November offers shoulder-season rates and refreshed scenery from brief rains. Wildlife viewing remains strong with lighter crowds, and cultural festivals return to the coast and Rift Valley.
Kenya’s Weather & Seasons Explained
Overview of Kenya’s Climate Zones in 2026
Kenya has four main climate zones: temperate highlands (including Nairobi), hot/humid coast, arid/semi-arid lowlands, and the wetter Lake Victoria basin. Highlands see 15–28°C, coast and lowlands range from 25–40°C.[2][5]
Dry Season (June–October, January–February)
The major dry seasons in June–October and January–February are marked by low rainfall (typically below 40mm/month). These are the best for game viewing as animals gather at water sources, and malaria risk is lowest.[2][3]
Green/Wet Season (March–May, November–December)
Long rains (March–May) bring 60–300mm/month rainfall, peaking in April. Short rains (October–December) are more variable, often brief and refreshing. Some parks (especially in the west and coast) may experience road closures during intense storms.[2][5]
How Climate Change Impacts Kenya’s Seasons
Forecasts for 2026 show warmer-than-average temperatures countrywide. Coastal regions expect below-average long rains, while highlands may experience isolated heavy rain and heat spikes (30–40°C). Increased variability is linked to disrupted migration patterns and crop yields, so travelers are advised to check for up-to-date forecasts.[2][5]
Top Destinations and the Best Time to Visit Each in 2026
Masai Mara – Migration Peaks & Secret Windows
Best: June–October (Great Migration and dry season). Also good: January–February (clear, less crowded). November–December: green, budget-friendly, variable wildlife density.
Amboseli National Park – Kilimanjaro Views and Elephant Herds
Best: June–October, January–February (dry for best elephant and Kilimanjaro views). March–May: rainy, landscapes lush, rates lower, photos stunning.
Samburu, Tsavo & Lake Nakuru: When to Go for Unique Experiences
- Samburu: June–September, January–February (unique species, few crowds).
- Tsavo: January–March, June–October (accessible, clear for game drives).
- Lake Nakuru: June–October, November–December (flamingos, birdlife, wildlife concentration).
Nairobi & Urban Adventures: Best Festivals and Events
June–October (dry, parks/city walks), January–February (birdwatching, festivals). Avoid April–May for urban flooding risk.
Kenya’s Indian Ocean Beaches: Best Seasons & Events
July–October, January–March (best for snorkeling, calm seas). November–early December and June are less crowded, affordable.
| Destination | Peak Dry | Short Dry | Green/Low |
|---|---|---|---|
| Masai Mara | Excellent (Migration) | Good | Fair (Budget/Photography) |
| Amboseli | Excellent (Kilimanjaro) | Excellent | Good (Photography) |
| Samburu | Excellent | Excellent | Fair |
| Tsavo | Excellent | Excellent | Good |
| Lake Nakuru | Excellent | Good | Excellent (Nov–Dec) |
| Nairobi | Excellent (Dry) | Good | Fair |
| Beaches | Excellent Jul–Oct | Excellent Jan–Mar | Good Nov–early Dec |
Events, Festivals & Local Experiences Not to Miss
Maasai Mara Wildebeest Migration Calendar
- Arrival in Mara: late June–July
- Major river crossings: August–September
- Departure to Serengeti: October
- Safari vehicle permits for peak dates often booked 8–12 months in advance
Cultural Festivals: Maasai Olympics, Mombasa Carnival, and More
- Maasai Olympics: December (Kimarish, Amboseli region; athletic contests and conservation awareness)
- Mombasa Carnival: November–December (music, parades, Swahili culture)
- Lamu Cultural Festival: November (dhow races, Swahili heritage)
- Lake Turkana Cultural Festival: November 22–26, 2026 (tribal dances, food)
- Local agricultural shows: March–July (Nairobi, Nakuru, Embu)
Bird Watching, Hiking, and Adventure Sports Calendar
- November–April: Migratory bird peak (great for Lake Nakuru, Rift Valley lakes)
- June–September: Best for hiking Mount Kenya and Aberdares (clear, cool)
- Year-round: Camel Derby (Maralal, August), Kite surfing (Watamu/Diani, July–September)
2026 Travel Essentials: Visa, Health & Safety Updates
2026 eTA and Entry Requirements
All travelers (including infants) need an online Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) before arrival; no visas on arrival. Your passport must be valid for 6+ months with 2 blank pages. Processing typically takes 3+ business days; apply at the official Kenya eTA portal. Multiple-entry eTAs are available (up to 5 years).[1][2][4][7]
Vaccinations, Malaria & Health Precautions
Yellow fever vaccination required if arriving from endemic countries. Recommended: Hepatitis A/B, Typhoid, routine immunizations. Malaria prophylaxis is essential for most areas (consider Malarone, doxycycline, or mefloquine; use repellents and bed nets especially in lowlands and coastal Kenya).[8]
Safety, Accessibility & Family Travel Tips
- Urban crime risk: use registered taxis, avoid isolated areas, don’t walk at night in cities.
- Book game drives and excursions through reputable lodges/operators.
- Families: private transfers, family-friendly lodges, keep children’s documents ready.
- Solo travelers: join group safaris, share itinerary, avoid cash displays in public.
- Luxury seekers: book conservancies and charter flights, rely on hosts for eTA/invite letters.
- Budget travelers: plan for matatu/minibus transport, use hostels/camps, travel during green season.
Best Time to Visit Kenya — Tailored by Traveler Type
Solo Adventurers
Best: June–October for easy group joining, safety in numbers, clear road conditions; shoulder months (November, May) for fewer tourists and budget rates.
Couples and Honeymooners
Best: January–February and July–September for luxury lodges, private beach resorts, and idyllic wildlife viewing. November/early December for value and seclusion.
Families with Kids
Best: July–October for easy wildlife viewing, family safaris; avoid wettest months (April–May) as some lodges close and roads may be impassable.
Luxury vs. Budget Travelers
- Luxury: Book conservancies in Masai Mara, private safaris; June–October or January–February preferred.
- Budget: Travel April–May or November–early December for discounts, but check lodge/park openings.
Offbeat Kenya: When to Avoid the Crowds & Discover Hidden Gems
Secret Parks, Lesser-Known Regions & Optimal Months
- Visit parks like Shimba Hills, Meru, Kakamega Forest during wet shoulder seasons (November or May) for birdlife and fewer crowds.
- Western Kenya’s culture and tea estates are best March–May, October–November.
Responsible and Sustainable Travel Timing
- Travel during green/shoulder seasons for community engagement and lower footprint.
- Choose eco-rated lodges, support conservation areas during quieter periods.
FAQ: Planning Your Trip to Kenya in 2026
- When is the best time for the Great Migration? August–September.
- Is it safe to travel during the rains? Yes, if you stick to major roads and reputable lodges.
- Is malaria a risk in Nairobi? Low, but always use repellents.
- Can I get a visa on arrival? No, eTA required for all travelers.
- Best month for beaches? January–March.
- Can I combine safari and beach easily? Yes, especially July–October and January–March.
Month-by-Month Guide: What to Expect in Kenya (January–December 2026)
- January: Dry, hot; prime for safaris, city tours, beaches.
- February: Dry, best for lesser crowd safari/luxury holidays.
- March: Early rains; lush routes, some road closures, birdwatching starts.
- April: Heaviest rains; green landscapes, budget rates.
- May: Wet, slow tourism, ideal for birdwatchers.
- June: Rains ease, start of best safari season.
- July: Peak safari, cool, wildebeest arrive in Mara.
- August: Great Migration crossings; festival of predators!
- September: Superb game; Mara’s wildlife viewing at max.
- October: End of migration; beach weather improves.
- November: Short rains, green season, cultural events pulse.
- December: Short rains fade, festive coast, family trips peak.
For up-to-date requirements and expert local guides, book through trusted tour operators like SafariBookings or Zunguka Safaris. Apply for your eTA at the Kenya eTA Portal as soon as travel dates are set.
Ready to plan your trip? Book early for peak safari months, check park conditions close to travel, and enjoy Kenya’s spectacular diversity at the time that suits your adventure style best!