Weather in Masai Mara

Planning a trip to Masai Mara? In this section, you will find the most up-to-date information on weather conditions, including detailed charts and forecasts for the near future.

Masai Mara is famous for its mild and pleasant climate, which makes visiting the reserve comfortable at almost any time of the year. Thanks to its location at high altitude, there is no oppressive heat here, which is characteristic of many other low-lying regions of Africa. The temperature levels remain surprisingly stable throughout the year: average daily highs usually fluctuate within a comfortable range of +25°C to +28°C, creating ideal conditions for long safaris.

Wet and dry periods are clearly defined in the reserve's weather calendar. According to statistics, the rainiest time is April, as well as the period of "short rains" in November and December, when the number of days with precipitation increases significantly. In contrast, the months from June to September are considered the dry season: rains happen rarely during this time (only 5–8 rainy days per month), and the air becomes slightly cooler and fresher.

It is important for travellers to consider the diurnal temperature variation characteristic of the savannah. Although the days in Kenya are warm and sunny, the nights and early mornings in Masai Mara can be quite brisk, with temperatures dropping to +14°C...+15°C. Therefore, when planning morning trips to see the animals, it is worth stocking up not only on light clothing but also on warm items.

The climate in Masai Mara is distinguished by enviable stability and comfort, making a visit to the reserve pleasant at any time of the year. There are practically no extreme temperature spikes here: annual averages fluctuate within a narrow range from 20°C to 22°C. According to statistics, the warmest month is October, when the daily maximum reaches 28.3°C, while February is only slightly behind with a figure of 27.8°C. The coolest period falls in June and July, however, even then the average temperature holds at a pleasant 20.1°C.

The concepts of "winter" and "summer" are quite relative here due to the proximity to the equator. In the coolest months (June–August), the air warms up to a comfortable 25.6–25.7°C during the day, creating ideal conditions for observing animals without sweltering heat. In the warmer season, for example in February or October, the sun warms more actively, but thanks to the high-altitude location, it is rarely stuffy here. This is a mild climate that is tolerated very well by most travellers.

An important feature of the local temperature regime is the significant daily fluctuations. The difference between daytime warmth and nighttime coolness averages 11–12 degrees. Regardless of the season, nights in the savannah are always fresh: the minimum temperature drops to 14–15°C, and in July it can reach the 14.4°C mark. Therefore, when getting ready for a morning safari, tourists are advised to have warm clothing with them, as it can be quite brisk at dawn.

Precipitation in the Masai Mara reserve is distributed unevenly throughout the year, clearly marking the change of seasons. The driest period falls during the summer months — from June to August. At this time, the amount of precipitation is minimal (about 1 mm), and the number of rainy days drops to 5–6 per month, which makes this season popular for safaris thanks to dry roads and low grass.

Periods of high humidity are observed twice a year. The rainiest month in terms of precipitation frequency is April, when an average of 19 days with rainfall is recorded. The second wet season, often called the "short rains", lasts from November to January, when it rains approximately 16 days per month. A similar picture is observed in March.

Despite the large number of rainy days in the wet season, the total volume of precipitation remains moderate. Rains in Kenya often take the form of short-lived downpours or drizzle, which are quickly replaced by the sun, refreshing the air and filling the savannah with life.

When packing for a trip to Masai Mara, it is worth remembering the principle of layering in clothing. Since the temperature here is quite stable throughout the year (during the day the air warms up to +26...+28°C, and at night it cools down to +14...+16°C), you will need items for both warmth and coolness. An ideal set for a safari includes light t-shirts or shirts made of natural fabrics for the daytime and a warm fleece jacket or windbreaker for early morning drives and evening gatherings when the temperature drops to a minimum.

Although the total volume of precipitation is small, the number of rainy days can be significant, especially in April (up to 19 days) and in the period from November to January. Therefore, be sure to put a light raincoat, waterproof jacket, or umbrella in your suitcase, even if the forecast promises a small amount of millimetres of rainfall. Regarding the colour scheme, in Kenya it is better to prefer neutral shades (khaki, beige, olive) so as not to attract insects and to look harmonious against the background of the savannah landscape.

Regarding footwear, comfortable closed boots or trainers with thick soles are best, as they will protect your feet from dust and thorns. Do not forget about accessories: a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and high SPF cream are mandatory year-round, as the equatorial sun is very active even in cloudy weather. In the dry season (from June to September) there can be more dust, so a bandana or light scarf will also become a useful addition to your wardrobe.