In 2020, the tourism sector contributed 4.2 billion USD to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In 2021, earnings from global arrivals in Kenya amounted to 146.5 billion KSH, around 1.3 billion USD. Due to the fact that about half of Kenya lies on either side of the equator, the country’s climate is not easily divided into dry and wet seasons. Its dry season has a brief wet one, and its wet season is broken by a dry one.
Hence, there isn’t really just one ideal time to holiday in Kenya. While there are places that are perfect to visit at any time of year, you must choose specific times if you want to see the Great Migration, bird migration, or go diving. The dry season offers the best visibility and safety conditions for climbers. While the coast is hotter and temperatures are consistent all over Kenya, humidity can change. It can get chilly in the mountains, and Kenya’s highest peak, Mt. Kenya, is always covered in snow.
However, some months are more beneficial than others for traveling to Kenya. Here is what to plan for, whether you want to know the best time to go on safari or know which months to avoid if you don’t like rain. Searching for hotels in Kwale County or beach hotels in Mombasa Kenya? Click below to stay at one of the best hotels in south coast Mombasa.
Month-by-month Guide to Plan a Holiday in Kenya
Contrary to popular belief, there are wildlife sightings all over the year in Kenya like baby animals that are born towards the end of the year and migratory bird species that visit from September to April. Travel can be hard and some hotels may close down during the extended rains, which last from March to May.
However, photographers might relish the challenge presented by stormy skies and lush green settings. The brief rains in November and December are less disruptive and revitalize the vegetation. Here is a monthly guide to planning a holiday in Kenya.
[Suggested Read: 10 Things to Remember While Travelling to Mombasa & Msambweni]
1. January
The start of the new year ushers in the hot and dry high season. Want to go for activities in Kenya? Everything is popular and busy in January, including safaris, hikes, city attractions, scuba diving, snorkeling, and beach resorts. The main factor is that this weather enables four-wheel drive vehicles to access national game parks without limits. Without having to worry about getting caught in bad weather and getting lost in the wilderness.
January is a hot and dry month all across the nation and it goes without saying that it is one of the best months to go on a holiday in Kenya. This month, the Kenyan tourism industry is booming as resorts continue to serve tourists who are still on vacation from the lengthy Christmas break. The temperature is around 26C (79F).
2. February
Although it starts to reduce towards the end of the month, the heat from January carries over into February. The month is perfect for safaris and adrenaline-pumping adventure activities like kayaking, mountain climbing, and hiking because of the weather.
Take apt measures if you have dust allergies, but be prepared for some heavy dust because the heat persists. For amazing mountain climbing, go to Hell’s Gate National Park. For a variety of outdoor activities, locals travel to Karura Forest, Ngong Forest, and other camping areas. It is also a good month to holiday in Kenya.
3. March
Is March a good time to visit Kenya? Although the rainy season draws near, the heat and humidity still rises, making March a pleasant time to holiday in Kenya. You should be fine in the first half of the month because prices can work in the traveler’s favor and rains often begin later in the month. With clear water and good visibility in March, diving and snorkeling are rewarding activities.
Want to try beaches in Kenya? Beach parties and annual events are a hit on balmy evenings as the hot, dry season starts to give way to the rains. The Mount Kenya Festival is a walking, climbing, running, and cycling celebration of the nation’s highest peak for those who love the outdoors.
4. April
As the rains fall on Kenya’s plateaus in April, the green season is well underway. The coast near Mombasa and Malindi is wetter and lusher, but it can also feel very hot and muggy, with a lot of mosquitoes. Because of the dense forests and fewer animals gathering at water sources, wildlife viewing can be more difficult, but the scenery is stunning and hotels are cheaper.
In April and May, it can rain heavily, but it does so in the late afternoon, so the mornings tend to be clear. But you can still plan to holiday in Kenya. Nairobi is cooler (pack layers for the evening), making this a great time to explore the city’s culinary and cultural offerings.
5. May
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Is May a good time to visit Kenya? For safaris or wildlife viewings, don’t rule out May as it is not an ideal time to holiday in Kenya but you can still plan. Although sightings can be hard and the grasses are longer, the light and colors can make for amazing photographs. As wildlife gathers on the banks of the Ewaso Ngiro River, Samburu National Reserve in northern Kenya is a wise choice.
The visibility along the coast isn’t ideal for diving and snorkeling. But it’s a great time of year to take benefit of hotel deals and enjoy some of the best restaurants and bars in Mombasa, Malindi, and Diani (Mombasa’s south coast). And there are many beautiful places in Mombasa and near to visit.
6. June
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In advance of peak season, cooler and cloudier weather comes in as the rains progress. Kenya’s highlands are most enjoyable in June because of the low humidity, which makes climbing and walking a little less tough. After the lengthy rains, this month’s season is a lovely time for wildlife viewing in northern Kenya, and it also marks the start of the migration.
It is also a good time to holiday in Kenya because the prices are a little lower and the coast is mainly dry before the start of the high season in July. The Lake Turkana Festival, held in the Rift Valley in June, is one of Kenya’s largest cultural events and honors local tribal history.
7. July
The peak season begins in July when temperatures are near-perfect. More tourists arrive as a result of the coast, city, and parks all being at their best. The Great Migration starts in July when wildebeest, zebras, giraffes, elephants, lions, and other animals start to migrate in great numbers from the Serengeti to the Masai Mara. At Lake Nakuru, huge flocks of pink flamingos can be seen in July. In short, it is the perfect time to holiday in Kenya.
8. August
Similar to July, August is one of the busiest months of the year to visit Kenya but is also one of the best overall to holiday in Kenya. The Mara plains are teeming with wildebeest as the Great Migration is in full swing. August is a great month to visit other Kenyan national parks as well if you aren’t in the Mara.
Beautiful breezes coming in from the coast make it an alluring prospect as you sip your cocktail. The one-day Maralal Camel Derby is a colorful display of camels, costumes, and culture for a hyper-local experience in northern Kenya. The temperature is 21C (70F).
9. September
Although not as strong as it was in January, the sun is out in September. The climate is ideal for taking more peaceful safaris, sunbathing, and game viewing. The best time to visit Kenya for honeymoons and romantic getaways is in September because the majority of tourists will have left after arriving for the wildebeest migration.
Locals benefit from great deals before the global tourists fly in as the nation prepares for the real holiday crowds in the last part of the year. You might find yourself attending a cultural event at this time.
10. October
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This month is unusual for holidays in Kenya because the calm before the holiday storm continues and there are fewer people on the beaches. There are a few light showers scattered with some sunshine, but nothing too severe. Nyama Choma (roast meat), road trips, and picnics are all part of the celebration of Mashujaa Day, which honors the nation’s freedom fighters’ founding fathers.
11. November
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The Lamu Cultural Festival and Mombasa Carnival both honor the rich cultural heritage of Kenya’s ethnic tribes, making November a fun month for festival lovers. The Mombasa street party is defined by floats, music, and dance. The Lamu Cultural Festival, which takes place off the northern coast of Kenya, features traditional dancing known as Ngoma as well as centuries-old crafts like dhow (sailboat) building, fish-trap making, and more.
Diwali/New Year celebrations for Kenya’s South Asian people occur during this month. So, the temples are bustling, decorations are up, and there is an above-average volume of Indian sweets. Despite the sun and rain, November is still a good time to go on a safari as well.
12. December
If you are planning a holiday to Kenya, Christmas is a very important holiday and the spirit begins to build in late November. Every week, families have fun, there are lots of family-friendly events and parks, and outdoor concerts are widespread.
There are many festivals now celebrating food, art, and culture. While many people choose to celebrate at home with their loved ones on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, the beaches are crowded with revelers. These days cities in Kenya like Mombasa and Malindi are hot spots.
[Suggested Read: Top 10 Animals from Kenya to See on a Wildlife Safari]
Looking for best places in Kenya? Keep reading.
Planning a Holiday in Kenya? Why not stay in Msambweni?
Msambweni is a great location to consider for a holiday in Kenya and Msambweni weather is pleasant all year long! Where is Msambweni in Kenya? It is located in the south of Kenya in Kwale County near Msambweni beach. How far is msambweni from mombasa? It is about 50 km from Mombasa to Msambweni in Ukunda Kenya. It has beautiful beaches, clear blue waters, and a relaxing atmosphere.
Unable to find south coast beach hotels? Want to stay at luxury villas in Msambweni? Formerly known as Msambweni Beach House, Msambweni Beach House in Msambweni near Diani (south coast Mombasa) provides guests with stunning views of the Indian Ocean and easy access to a private beach with a 3km stretch of white sand.
Do you want to stay at beachfront villas in Msambweni? Being one of the top beach resort in Kenya, we have 3 standard rooms and 1 ocean-view room in the main house sharing a 14 m infinity pool. Just a little far away are the 3 Msambweni villas with private pools, a private garden, and a terrace. Each villa at this Msambweni beach resort offers opulent amenities like free Wi-Fi, satellite Tv, a fully-equipped kitchen, a separate living room, and more.
Do you want to dine at the best restaurants in Mombasa or Msambweni? Dining at one of the top hotels in Msambweni is a delightful experience, with a focus on fresh and locally sourced ingredients. Choose from Swahili, Belgium, and French cuisine made by trained chefs. The Michelin-starred menus are personalized to cater to every need. Dine by the pool, beach, in your private villa, or anywhere else in the resort for a unique experience.
Being one of the top Kenya beach houses, the resort offers a range of indoor and outdoor activities to keep guests entertained and relaxed during their stay. Enjoy spa treatments, buy souvenirs at the Curio Shop, and play a friendly match of beach tennis or volleyball with your friends and family.
Besides this, you can also embark on many one-of-a-kind excursions like Shimba Hills, Mangrove and Sandbank, and much more if you crave adventure. There are many activities in Diani that our Msambweni beach hotel can arrange for you as well like snorkelling and the best scuba diving in Kenya.
Things to Consider When Planning a Holiday in Kenya
No matter when you decide to plan a holiday in Kenya, there are a few vital things to consider.
- Bring both Kenyan shillings and US dollars with you because some places quote prices in USD.
- In order to avoid getting sick while traveling, make sure your vaccinations are recent.
- To avoid getting malaria, a disease spread by mosquitoes, wear lightweight, long-sleeve shirts and trousers and spray yourself with insect repellent all day long.
- Recognize your available options for transport beforehand.
- In addition to looking up restaurants, don’t be afraid to sample street food along the way, like matoke, a stew made from plantains.
- Use trustworthy and reputable websites to research hotels and travel agencies.
- Visit beach towns for a variety of experiences rather than just the beaches.
- A copy of your passport is helpful to have on hand in case of security checks.
Looking for prices of hotels in Mombasa or best hotels in south coast or best resorts in Mombasa? Or finding nice places to visit in Mombasa or near? Travel to Msambweni in Kenya instead to experience the utmost luxury and privacy. Msambweni Beach House, the best 5-star hotel in Kenya should be your top choice. It is the perfect place to relax and unwind in nature while being close to the hustle-bustle of city life.
