Kenya through the year The relatively cool season, from late-June to October, gets much less rain. There's a second rainy season, the 'short rains', for a few weeks in November and December, followed roughly from mid-December to March by a dry season of hot, usually rainless, weather.

October marks the beginning of the "short rains" season in Kenya. It is generally not as wet as the "long rains" of April and May, but you should expect increasing humidity and afternoon showers, particularly toward the end of the month. In the early part of October, the weather is often mild and sunny, making it an excellent time for a safari as the vegetation is still relatively thin, making wildlife easier to spot. In the Maasai Mara, the great migration is usually winding down as the herds begin their trek back toward the Serengeti, but the sightings remain world-class. Coastal areas like Mombasa see higher humidity and average daytime temperatures around 29°C (84°F). While it does rain, the showers are usually short-lived and occur in the late afternoon or night, meaning they rarely disrupt a full day of sightseeing. For travelers, this "shoulder season" offers a great balance of lower prices and fewer crowds compared to the peak summer months.