Masai Mara Weather
The Masai Mara has a mild climate year-round, with warm days, cool mornings and two main rainy seasons. Daytime temperatures generally range from 24°C–28°C, while early mornings and nights can fall to around 10°C–14°C.
The dry seasons are generally January–February and June–October, while the long rains occur from March–May and the short rains from November–December. Rain does not necessarily mean an entire day of bad weather; showers can be brief, with sunny periods in between.
| Month | Weather | Day Temp | Rain | Safari Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | Warm & dry | 27–28°C | Low | Excellent |
| Feb | Warm & dry | 28–30°C | Low | Excellent |
| Mar | Warm, rain increasing | 26–28°C | Moderate | Good |
| Apr | Wet & cooler | 24–26°C | High | Green, quieter |
| May | Wet, improving | 24–26°C | High/Moderate | Green, quieter |
| Jun | Cool & dry | 24–25°C | Low | Excellent |
| Jul | Cool & dry | 23–25°C | Very low | Peak season |
| Aug | Dry & mild | 24–26°C | Very low | Peak season & migration |
| Sep | Warm & dry | 25–27°C | Very low | Excellent |
| Oct | Warm & mostly dry | 26–28°C | Low/Moderate | Excellent |
| Nov | Warm, short rains | 25–27°C | Moderate | Green, quieter |
| Dec | Warm, occasional rain | 26–28°C | Moderate | Good |
Best weather: June–October for dry conditions.
Great Migration: Usually July–October, although timing varies.
Wettest months: April–May.
What to pack: Layers for cold early-morning drives, a light waterproof jacket during rainy months, and comfortable closed shoes.
If flying to the Mara, 15 kg in soft-sided luggage is a useful packing limit to keep in mind. For an early-morning balloon safari, bring an extra warm layer because temperatures can be cold before sunrise.
January and February:
These months fall within the rainy season in the Maasai Mara, which typically runs from November to June. The weather is typically hot and humid, with temperatures reaching as high as 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit). Rainfall is also heavy during this time, with an average of 150 mm (6 inches) of rain per month. The heavy rainfall causes the grass to grow tall, making it harder to spot wildlife, but it attracts a lot of birds and aquatic animals like hippos and crocodiles.
March and April:
The weather in the Maasai Mara starts to cool off a bit in March and April, with temperatures dropping to around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). Rainfall also starts to decrease during these months, with an average of 100 mm (4 inches) of rain per month. The grass is still tall during this time, but the weather is more pleasant, making it an ideal time to visit if you’re interested in bird-watching or experiencing the Maasai culture.
May and June:
These months mark the beginning of the dry season in the Maasai Mara, which typically runs from June to September. The weather is hot and dry, with temperatures reaching as high as 35 degrees Celsius (95 degrees Fahrenheit). Rainfall is minimal during this time, with an average of only 50 mm (2 inches) of rain per month. The dry season is the best time to experience the Maasai culture, as the Maasai people are not busy with farming and have more free time to interact with visitors.
July and August:
These months are the peak of the dry season in the Maasai Mara, and the weather is extremely hot and dry. Temperatures can reach as high as 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), and there is very little rainfall. This is also the time of year when the Great Wildebeest Migration takes place, making it an ideal time to visit if you’re interested in wildlife viewing.
September and October:
The dry season starts to come to an end in September and October, with temperatures dropping to around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) and rainfall increasing to an average of 75 mm (3 inches) per month. This is still a great time to visit if you’re interested in wildlife viewing, but the grass is starting to grow tall, making it harder to spot the animals.
November and December:
These months mark the beginning of the rainy season in the Maasai Mara, with temperatures dropping to around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit) and rainfall increasing to an average of 150 mm (6 inches) per month. The heavy rainfall causes the grass to grow tall, making it harder to spot wildlife, but it attracts a lot of birds and aquatic animals like hippos and crocodiles.
In summary, the best time to visit the Maasai Mara depends on your interests. For wildlife viewing and to see the Great Wildebeest Migration, the best time to travel is between July and October. For bird-watching enthusiasts, the rainy season between November and June is the best time to visit. And if you’re interested in experiencing the Maasai culture, the dry season between June and September is the best time to visit.
