The Masai Mara has a tropical climate, with relatively mild temperatures year-round due to its altitude of about 1,500 to 2,000 meters (4,900 to 6,500 feet) above sea level. The region experiences two distinct rainy seasons and two dry seasons, which heavily influence the migration patterns of wildlife and the safari experience. Understanding the climate conditions month by month can help you plan the perfect safari.
January – February: Short Dry Season
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures average 27°C (81°F), while nighttime can drop to around 13°C (55°F).
- Weather: These months are part of the short dry season. Clear skies and pleasant temperatures make this a great time for safari.
- Wildlife: During this period, animals are concentrated around waterholes and rivers, making for excellent game viewing, especially for Big Five sightings.
- Recommendation: January is a quieter time with fewer tourists, offering a more private safari experience.
March: Start of Long Rains
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures remain around 26°C (79°F), with cooler evenings.
- Weather: March marks the start of the long rains. Showers are generally short and occur in the late afternoon or evening.
- Wildlife: With the rains, the vegetation starts to bloom, creating lush landscapes. However, animals begin to disperse due to the abundance of water.
- Recommendation: If you’re interested in photography, March offers stunning green scenery and dramatic skies.
April – May: Long Rainy Season
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures average 25°C (77°F), while nighttime temperatures can drop to around 14°C (57°F).
- Weather: This is the peak of the long rainy season, with heavy rains occurring frequently. Roads can become muddy and more challenging to navigate.
- Wildlife: Animals spread out more, making game viewing a bit more difficult. However, birdwatchers will enjoy spotting migratory birds that flock to the Mara during this season.
- Recommendation: While April and May are low season months due to the rains, camps and lodges often offer discounted rates, making it a more budget-friendly option.
June: Transition to Dry Season
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures rise slightly to 26°C (79°F), while nights remain cool at around 13°C (55°F).
- Weather: The rains start to taper off, and the dry season begins to set in by mid-June. The landscapes remain green and fresh from the rains.
- Wildlife: Animals start to gather around permanent water sources, making game viewing more consistent.
- Recommendation: June is the start of the Great Migration, with wildebeests and zebras beginning to move into the Mara from the Serengeti.
July – October: Long Dry Season and Great Migration
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures range from 25°C to 27°C (77°F – 81°F), with cool nights around 12°C to 14°C (54°F – 57°F).
- Weather: These months fall into the long dry season, with little to no rain. Days are generally sunny, and the skies are clear, offering excellent conditions for safari.
- Wildlife: This is the peak season for wildlife viewing, particularly due to the Great Migration. Millions of wildebeests, zebras, and gazelles move through the Mara, with the dramatic river crossings taking place between July and September.
- Recommendation: This is the best time to witness the Great Migration, but it is also the busiest and most expensive time to visit. Early booking is essential.
November: Short Rainy Season Begins
- Temperature: Daytime temperatures average around 26°C (79°F), with cool evenings.
- Weather: November marks the start of the short rains. These rains are generally lighter than the long rains, with short, sporadic showers, mostly in the late afternoon or evening.
- Wildlife: The wildlife remains abundant as the migration is still underway, although the big herds begin to disperse. Predators are active, capitalizing on the large concentration of prey.
- Recommendation: November offers a good mix of wildlife and green scenery, and the lighter crowds make for a more relaxed safari experience.
December: Transition to Short Dry Season
- Temperature: Similar to November, daytime temperatures are around 26°C (79°F), with cooler nights.
- Weather: By mid-December, the short rains taper off, and the short dry season begins. The landscape remains lush from the rains, providing beautiful backdrops for photography.
- Wildlife: While the main migration has moved on, there are still plenty of animals, and resident game like lions, elephants, and leopards remain plentiful in the reserve.
- Recommendation: December is a popular time to visit due to the holiday season, so it’s recommended to book early.
Final Thoughts
The Masai Mara offers incredible wildlife viewing opportunities year-round, with each season offering something unique. The dry seasons (July to October and January to February) are ideal for Big Five sightings and the Great Migration, while the rainy seasons (March to May and November) bring lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and great birdwatching opportunities. Knowing the month-to-month climate can help you plan your trip for the best experience based on your interests.