Kenya (Masai Mara)
Kenya · Africa
The best time to visit Kenya (Masai Mara) is February, May, June, July, August, September, and October. In summer, daytime highs average 29°C (84°F), with peaks around 32°C (90°F); in winter, nights average 15°C (59°F), dropping to around 11°C (52°F) on the coldest. During the best travel months, the sun shines up to 9 hours per day — ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Kenya (Masai Mara) – What you should know
The Masai Mara lies at around 1,500 metres (4,921 ft), which is why it never gets oppressively hot despite being close to the equator: 26–29°C (79–84°F) by day all year, but only 14–16°C (57–61°F) at night. Morning game drives starting before sunrise call for a jacket — one of the most common planning mistakes on a first trip to Kenya.
The year is shaped by two rainy seasons: March and April at 117 and 162 mm (4.6 and 6.4 in), November and December at 138 and 126 mm (5.4 and 5.0 in). The dry season from July to September, at 15 to 44 mm (0.6 to 1.7 in), is the clearest phase — and simultaneously the best time for wildlife viewing, because the vegetation is low and animals gather at the remaining water sources.
The great migration falls into exactly this window: between roughly July and October, the wildebeest and zebra herds cross the Mara River from the Serengeti. The precise timing varies each year with the rains and cannot be guaranteed. Anyone seeking fewer visitors and lower prices will find a second, shorter dry spell in January and February, with equally good visibility.
Climate Overview
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ø day, range from coolest to warmest dayØ dayrange | 28° (82°)22– (72–)31 (88) | 29° (84°)25– (77–)32 (90) | 29° (84°)22– (72–)32 (90) | 28° (82°)22– (72–)30 (86) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 26° (79°)23– (73–)28 (82) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)29 (84) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)29 (84) | 28° (82°)24– (75–)30 (86) | 29° (84°)25– (77–)32 (90) | 28° (82°)23– (73–)30 (86) | 27° (81°)23– (73–)29 (84) |
Ø night, range from coldest to warmest nightØ nightrange | 15° (59°)12– (54–)17 (63) | 16° (61°)13– (55–)18 (64) | 16° (61°)13– (55–)18 (64) | 16° (61°)14– (57–)18 (64) | 16° (61°)13– (55–)17 (63) | 15° (59°)12– (54–)17 (63) | 15° (59°)11– (52–)17 (63) | 15° (59°)12– (54–)17 (63) | 15° (59°)13– (55–)17 (63) | 16° (61°)13– (55–)18 (64) | 16° (61°)13– (55–)17 (63) | 16° (61°)13– (55–)17 (63) |
☀️Sunshine | 9h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 8h UV 9 | 9h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 8h UV 8 | 9h UV 9 | 9h UV 9 | 8h UV 9 | 8h UV 9 |
🌧Rain Days | 10d86mm (3.4") | 7d51mm (2.0") | 9d117mm (4.6") | 15d162mm (6.4") | 8d62mm (2.4") | 5d36mm (1.4") | 2d15mm (0.6") | 3d26mm (1.0") | 5d44mm (1.7") | 6d53mm (2.1") | 12d139mm (5.5") | 13d126mm (5.0") |
Best travel timeØ = average · small figures = range: coolest–warmest day / coldest–warmest nightClimate data 2005–2025 · Source: ERA5 + station data
Travel Tips
From January to December, UV levels in Kenya (Masai Mara) reach 9 — very high on the WHO scale. High-SPF sunscreen and shade around midday are essential.
March offers great weather in Kenya (Masai Mara) with fewer tourists and lower prices — ideal for those who want to avoid the peak season crowds.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the best time to visit Kenya (Masai Mara)?
- The best time to visit Kenya (Masai Mara) is February, May, June, July, August, September, and October. These months offer the most favourable combination of sunshine, temperatures, and low rainfall.
- How warm does it get in Kenya (Masai Mara)?
- In summer, daytime highs in Kenya (Masai Mara) average 29°C (84°F), with peaks around 32°C (90°F); in winter, nights average 15°C (59°F), dropping to around 11°C (52°F) on the coldest.
- How much rain does Kenya (Masai Mara) get?
- Kenya (Masai Mara) has a relatively even rainfall pattern with an average of 8 rain days per month. The driest months are June, July, and August.
Best Travel Time by Vacation Type
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City Trip
Pleasantly mild, not too hot
JunJulAug
