It rains heavily in Kenya during January | Credit: Elsen Karstad

January tends to fall in Kenya’s wet season in the wider sense of the term (November to May), it lies outside of the two notable ‘long’ and ‘short’ rain periods, which means that you can expect much less rain with stunning landscapes, albeit unpredictable at times. Potential rains are generally quite short and occur in the afternoon, so it won’t affect your safari.

Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and receive a moderate amount of rain. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives little rain.

The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive very little rainfall.

• January is a good time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, though daytime temperatures can get very high. This is an excellent time to visit the Mara because January is when it experiences one of its driest spells, with only around five days of rain and eight hours of sunlight every day.

• Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in January. Birdlife is boosted by a variety of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants. For divers and snorkelers, January is probably the best month to see larger marine creatures such as whale shark, manta ray, and various sharks, dolphins and turtles. Being relatively warm and dry, January is on if the best months for climbing Mount Kenya.

There is little rainfall in Nairobi during February

Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and receive a moderate amounts of rain. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives very little rain.

The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive very little rainfall.

• February is a good time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, though daytime temperatures can get very high. Game viewing in most safari destinations is good this time of the year. While birdlife is boosted by a variety of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants. February experiences the lowest levels of precipitation in the Masai Mara, compared to that of the rest of the year, with only around three days of rain. Due to this, the chances of spotting the wildlife at the watering holes is higher.

• For divers and snorkelers, February is a good month to see larger marine creatures such as whale shark, manta ray, and various sharks, dolphins and turtles. Being relatively warm and dry, February is one of the best months for climbing Mount Kenya - Africa’s second highest peak after Mount Kilimanjaro in neighbouring Tanzania.

Bamburi beach along the Kenyan coast is hottest in March

Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, comfortable at night and receive a moderate to high rainfall. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives occasional rain. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive occasional rain.

• March is the hottest month on the coast, but if you can tolerate the heat, it’s a good time for beach holidays. March usually signals the start of the long rains in most safari destinations, which means that game viewing can be relatively challenging, as animals are dispersed away from water sources and thick vegetation tends to reduce visibility, and minor tracks may be inaccessible when inundated with water.

• Coastal areas will benefit from clear sea visibility before the arrival of the rains, so diving is excellent and marine life abounds.

Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, comfortable at night and receives plenty of rain.

Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives little rain.

• The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive high rainfall. Having said that, April can produce some moody backdrops for wildlife and landscape photography - be sure to take the correct gear along to protect yourself and your equipment from the elements.

• April is one of the wettest months on the coast and not good for beach holidays or underwater activities. As a result, game viewing can be challenging, as animals are dispersed away from water sources and thick vegetation tends to reduce visibility, and minor tracks may be inaccessible when inundated with water. Most Intra-African and Palearctic migrant birds will have flown north by April.

Fun in the warm sun on Diani Beach, Mobasa | Credit: Luxury Travel Diary

Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, comfortable at night and very wet.

Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives little rain.

The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a high rainfall. May could be a great (more cost effective) option for seasoned safari-goers because it offers the chance to experience Kenya in a completely different light. Although, this is not recommended for first-time safari enthusiasts because the chances of seeing much wildlife is slimmer.

• May is by far the wettest month on the coast, with an average monthly rainfall of greater than 300mm, making it a very poor time for beach holidays or underwater activities.

• The long rains continue into May in many safari destinations. As a result, game viewing can be challenging, as animals are dispersed away from water sources and thick vegetation tends to reduce visibility, and minor tracks may be inaccessible when inundated with water.

The kusi monsoon brings cooler weather to the Kenyan Rift Valley | Credit: Lingofacts

Nairobi and the central highlands are warm by day, cool at night and receive little rainfall.

Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain.

The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive occasional rain. Some of the rains brought in by the kusi monsoon occur early in June, however as the month progresses the cooler, drier weather develops.

The climate throughout June becomes much more comfortable than the preceding months, particularly in the highlands. Although drier, it is likely to remain cloudy keeping the sun and higher temperatures at bay. This can be a great time to travel with children as you don’t need to worry about humidity and constant sun cream application.

• June is one of the wettest months on the coast and not good for beach holidays or underwater activities.

• Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in June.

• First held in 2008, the annual Lake Turkana Festival, a colourful showcase for 14 traditionalist ethnic communities associated with the northern deserts, takes place at the small town of Loiyangalani, usually in June.

The Great Migration is well underway as the herds make their way to the Masai Mara

Nairobi and the central highlands are warm by day, cool at night and receive practically no rain.

Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain.

The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate to high rainfall. Come prepared with lots of layers especially for morning and night drives - this is even more important in higher altitude parks and conservancies such as the Mara and Laikipia.

• July is an ideal time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, being the coolest month, and relatively dry. Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in July. The wildebeest migration sometimes arrives in the Masai Mara towards the end of the month, making it a spectacular opportunity to possibly view river crossings.

Humpback whales migrate along the coast of Kenya around August

Nairobi and the central highlands are warm by day, cool at night and receive practically no rain.

Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain.

The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a rather high rainfall.

• August is an ideal time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, being the second-coldest month, and relatively dry. Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in August. August is usually when the migration arrives in Kenya from Tanzania, and prime wildlife-viewing season in the Masai Mara.

• Although safari guides will try their best to take you to the quieter areas at the right time, if you are looking for a less crowded experience, then consider a different time of the year.

• Humpback whales are often seen off the coast over August-September.

• Kenya’s quirkiest annual event since it was first held in 1990 is the International Camel Derby Festival, a three-day event that takes place in Maralal, usually on the second weekend in August.

Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool at night and receive practically no rain.

Mombasa and the coast is hot by day, relatively cool at night, and receives a fair amount of rain.

The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate rainfall.

• September is a good time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, being relatively cool and dry.

• Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in September. The wildebeest migration is usually well ensconced in the Masai Mara, making it arguably the best time to visit this reserve.

• Humpback whales are often seen off the coast over August-September. Being relatively dry in the highlands, September is one of the best months for climbing Mount Kenya.

October is a good time to visit the Masai Mara after the crowds have dispersed

Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and might receive occasional rain.

Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives a moderate to high rainfall.

The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate rainfall.

• October is a fair time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, being relatively cool and not too wet.

• Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in October. The wildebeest migration is usually still to be found in the Masai Mara, making it a great time to be on safari there. The post-migration calm and pleasant climate make October a good time to visit Kenya. Wildebeest and zebra can still be seen in their numbers throughout the Mara, offering great photographic opportunities.

The Mombasa Carnival is the highlight of November | Credit: Travel Kenya

Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and receive a high rainfall.

Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and receives a moderate to high rainfall. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive a moderate rainfall.

• November isn’t the best time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, since it is quite wet and daytime temperatures can get very high. Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in November, though there is a risk of it being interrupted by storms during the short rains. This transitional month also usually heralds the arrival of large numbers of intra-African and Palaearctic migrant birds.

• For divers and snorkelers, November is a good month to see larger marine creatures such as whale shark, manta ray, and various sharks, dolphins and turtles.

• The multicultural Mombasa Carnival, Kenya’s most colourful street festival, is held in the eponymous port city every November.

December is a great time of the year to spot the whale shark off the coast

Nairobi and the central highlands are hot by day, cool by night and receive a moderate to high amount of rain. Mombasa and the coast is very hot by day, rather hot at night, and might receive occasional rainfall. The Rift Valley and western interior are hot by day, cool at night and receive occasional rain.

From December onwards the Tsavo sees an increase in humidity and although it can get rather intense, it’s still a good time to visit the coastal regions. The ocean breeze also helps to alleviate the heat and the warm water is a pleasure.

• December isn’t the best time for beach holidays on the Kenyan coast, since it is quite wet and daytime temperatures can get very high. Game viewing in most safari destinations is good in December. Birdlife is boosted by a variety of intra-African and Palaearctic migrants.

• For divers and snorkelers, December is a good month to see larger marine creatures such as whale shark, manta ray, and various sharks, dolphins and turtles.