Best Time for a Kenya Safari, Diani and Lamu Trip: Month by Month

Kenya has two rainy seasons, the long rains in roughly March to May and the short rains around October to November. The coast is hotter and more humid than the highlands and is shaped by the monsoon winds.

Use this page with the combination guide and the best time to visit Kenya page to choose a month.

This guide is part of our Uganda road routes and driving guide. When you are ready to plan, see our Uganda safari packages or the Ameera Africa Safaris Uganda tours homepage.

Month-by-Month Overview

Safari Seasons

The dry months make wildlife easier to find because animals concentrate around water and the grass is shorter. July to October is the headline period for the Mara, though timing varies each year. The green seasons have fewer visitors and many birds, as described in the Masai Mara best time page and Amboseli best time page.

Coast Seasons

Diani and the wider coast are warm all year. The north-east monsoon brings heat and calm seas from roughly December to March, while the south-east monsoon from about June to September is cooler and breezier, with stronger winds. The long rains in April and May are the wettest period and some small properties close. Our Diani Beach guide adds local detail.

Lamu Through the Year

Lamu follows the coast pattern, with hot, calmer weather early in the year and breezier months in the middle. Dhow sailing conditions change with the winds. The island hosts cultural events, including a festival in November and religious celebrations that move through the calendar, and these can raise demand for accommodation. Check dates with your operator when planning.

The Best Combined Windows

January and February deliver warm beach weather and good wildlife, if without the migration. July to October gives the migration and a cooler coast, though sea winds are stronger. December is lively but busy. Avoid April and May if your priority is beach weather, although the Mara is quiet and green then. The medium itinerary works across these windows.

Choosing Between Two Windows

If wildlife is your main goal, favour July to October for the Mara and accept a breezier coast. If the beach matters more, choose January or February, when the sea is calm and the sun reliable, and accept a safari without the migration. Both windows produce excellent trips, and both need early booking. A third option is the November to early December period, when short rains have refreshed the landscape and crowds are thinner, though showers are likely.

Booking Tips

Mara camps fill early for July to October, and the coast is busy over Christmas and New Year. Book safari and Lamu flights well ahead. See the East Africa best time guide for wider context.

Planning a Uganda safari? Send us your dates and we will build the route, permits and transport around what you want to see.

Related Tours, Guides and Resources

• Ameera Africa Safaris homepage: Uganda safaris, tours and holidays
• Uganda safari packages
• Uganda travel guide
• How to book a Uganda safari
• Plan your safari with our team