Weather in Masai Mara: Whether you prefer sunshine or rain, a trip to the Masai Mara is always a worthwhile experience. While many visitors hope for clear skies during their safari, the African rains also have their own unique charm. Before you pack your bags, here’s a look at what to expect in terms of weather and climate in the Masai Mara.
Contents
- Masai Mara National Reserve Weather
- Masai Mara Weather Month to Month
- Masai Mara Weather in January
- Masai Mara Weather in February
- Masai Mara Weather in March
- Masai Mara Weather in April
- Masai Mara Weather in May
- Masai Mara Weather in June
- Weather in Masai Mara Kenya in July
- Masai Mara Weather in August
- Masai Mara Weather in September
- Masai Mara Weather in October
- Masai Mara Weather in November
- Masai Mara Weather in December
- Conclusion
Masai Mara National Reserve Weather
The weather in Masai Mara varies throughout the year, with two distinct seasons: the dry season and the wet season.
The dry season in Masai Mara runs from June to October, with July and August being the coolest months. During this time, the weather is generally sunny and dry, with daytime temperatures ranging from 20°C to 28°C (68°F to 82°F). Nights can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C (50°F). This is the best time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the vegetation is less dense, and the animals tend to congregate around water sources.
The wet season in Masai Mara runs from November to May, with April and May being the wettest months. During this time, the weather is generally hot and humid, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F). Nights are warm, with temperatures rarely dropping below 15°C (59°F). The wet season is also known as the green season, as the landscape becomes lush and verdant. This is a great time for bird watching, as many migratory birds flock to the area. However, some roads may become impassable due to heavy rains, and wildlife viewing may be less predictable.
Find: Best Place to Stay in Masai Mara
Masai Mara Weather Month to Month
Masai Mara Weather in January
January is one of the warmest months in Masai Mara, with daytime temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F). The mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 15°C (59°F). January is also part of the dry season, which means that rainfall is minimal, and the skies are generally clear.
This is a great time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the vegetation is less dense, and the animals tend to congregate around water sources. The wildebeest migration is usually not present in the Mara during this time, but there is still plenty of resident wildlife to see, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and rhinos.
Visitors to Masai Mara in January should pack light, breathable clothing for the warm daytime temperatures, as well as layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. It’s also a good idea to bring sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. While rainfall is minimal during this time, it’s still possible to experience occasional showers, so it’s a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or poncho as well.
Masai Mara Weather in February
February is another warm month in Masai Mara, with daytime temperatures averaging around 28°C (82°F). The mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 15°C (59°F). February is also part of the dry season, which means that rainfall is minimal, and the skies are generally clear.
This is a great time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the vegetation is less dense, and the animals tend to congregate around water sources. The wildebeest migration is usually not present in the Mara during this time, but there is still plenty of resident wildlife to see, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and rhinos.
Visitors to Masai Mara in February should pack light, breathable clothing for the warm daytime temperatures, as well as layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. It’s also a good idea to bring sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen. While rainfall is minimal during this time, it’s still possible to experience occasional showers, so it’s a good idea to pack a light rain jacket or poncho as well.
February is also a popular time for bird watching in Masai Mara, as many migratory birds are present in the area. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including ostriches, storks, eagles, and vultures.
Find: 5-Star Lodges in Masai Mara
Masai Mara Weather in March
March is a transitional month in Masai Mara, as the dry season comes to an end and the wet season begins. Daytime temperatures are still warm, averaging around 27°C (81°F), but there is an increase in rainfall and humidity. The mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 15°C (59°F).
Despite the increase in rainfall, March is still a good time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the vegetation is lush and green, and the animals tend to be more active. The wildebeest migration is usually not present in the Mara during this time, but there is still plenty of resident wildlife to see, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and rhinos.
Visitors to Masai Mara in March should pack light, breathable clothing for the warm daytime temperatures, as well as layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. It’s also a good idea to bring waterproof clothing, such as a rain jacket or poncho, as well as waterproof footwear. The increased rainfall can make some roads and trails more difficult to navigate, so it’s important to be prepared for wet and muddy conditions.
March is also a great time for bird watching in Masai Mara, as many migratory birds are still present in the area. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including ostriches, storks, eagles, and vultures.
Find: Animals in the Masai Mara
Masai Mara Weather in April
April is one of the wettest months in Masai Mara, with frequent rainfall and high humidity. Daytime temperatures are still warm, averaging around 26°C (79°F), but the increased rainfall can make some areas of the park inaccessible, and the roads can become muddy and slippery.
Despite the wet conditions, April is still a good time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the lush vegetation attracts a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and zebras. The wildebeest migration is usually not present in the Mara during this time, but there is still plenty of resident wildlife to see, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Visitors to Masai Mara in April should pack waterproof clothing, such as a rain jacket or poncho, as well as waterproof footwear. It’s also a good idea to bring insect repellent, as the increased rainfall can lead to an increase in mosquitoes and other insects.
While the wet conditions may make some activities more challenging, April is also a great time for photography in Masai Mara. The lush vegetation and dramatic skies can create stunning landscapes and unique photo opportunities.
Overall, visitors to Masai Mara in April should be prepared for wet and muddy conditions, but can still expect to see a variety of wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Masai Mara Weather in May
May is another wet month in Masai Mara, with frequent rainfall and high humidity. Daytime temperatures are still warm, averaging around 25°C (77°F), but the increased rainfall can make some areas of the park inaccessible, and the roads can become muddy and slippery.
Despite the wet conditions, May is still a good time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the lush vegetation attracts a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and zebras. The wildebeest migration is usually not present in the Mara during this time, but there is still plenty of resident wildlife to see, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Visitors to Masai Mara in May should pack waterproof clothing, such as a rain jacket or poncho, as well as waterproof footwear. It’s also a good idea to bring insect repellent, as the increased rainfall can lead to an increase in mosquitoes and other insects.
While the wet conditions may make some activities more challenging, May is also a great time for bird watching in Masai Mara. The increased rainfall creates ideal conditions for birdlife, and many migratory birds are still present in the area. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including ostriches, storks, eagles, and vultures.
Overall, visitors to Masai Mara in May should be prepared for wet and muddy conditions, but can still expect to see a variety of wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the park.
Masai Mara Weather in June
June marks the beginning of the dry season in Masai Mara, with decreasing rainfall and increasing temperatures. Daytime temperatures are typically warm, averaging around 25°C (77°F), and the mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C (50°F).
June is a great time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the vegetation begins to thin out, making it easier to spot animals. The wildebeest migration is usually not present in the Mara during this time, but there is still plenty of resident wildlife to see, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Visitors to Masai Mara in June should pack light, breathable clothing for the warm daytime temperatures, as well as layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. It’s also a good idea to bring sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
June is also a popular time for hot air balloon rides in Masai Mara, as the cooler temperatures and clear skies create ideal conditions for this activity. This is a great opportunity to see the park from a unique perspective and enjoy stunning views of the landscape.
Overall, visitors to Masai Mara in June can expect pleasant weather conditions and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.
Weather in Masai Mara Kenya in July
July is one of the driest and coolest months in Masai Mara, with low rainfall and mild temperatures. Daytime temperatures are typically warm, averaging around 25°C (77°F), while the mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C (50°F).
July is an excellent time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the vegetation is thin, making it easier to spot animals. The wildebeest migration is usually in full swing during this time, with thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores crossing the Mara River in search of fresh grazing lands.
Visitors to Masai Mara in July should pack light, breathable clothing for the warm daytime temperatures, as well as layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. It’s also a good idea to bring sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
July is also a popular time for hot air balloon rides in Masai Mara, as the cooler temperatures and clear skies create ideal conditions for this activity. This is a great opportunity to see the park from a unique perspective and enjoy stunning views of the landscape.
Overall, visitors to Masai Mara in July can expect excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, pleasant weather conditions, and a unique opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events, the great wildebeest migration.
Masai Mara Weather in August
August is one of the driest and coolest months in Masai Mara, with low rainfall and mild temperatures. Daytime temperatures are typically warm, averaging around 25°C (77°F), while the mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C (50°F).
August is an excellent time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the vegetation is thin, making it easier to spot animals. The wildebeest migration is usually still in full swing during this time, with thousands of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores crossing the Mara River in search of fresh grazing lands.
Visitors to Masai Mara in August should pack light, breathable clothing for the warm daytime temperatures, as well as layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. It’s also a good idea to bring sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
August is also a popular time for hot air balloon rides in Masai Mara, as the cooler temperatures and clear skies create ideal conditions for this activity. This is a great opportunity to see the park from a unique perspective and enjoy stunning views of the landscape.
Overall, visitors to Masai Mara in August can expect excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, pleasant weather conditions, and a unique opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events, the great wildebeest migration.
Masai Mara Weather in September
September is a dry and warm month in Masai Mara, with low rainfall and increasing temperatures. Daytime temperatures are typically warm, averaging around 28°C (82°F), while the mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 13°C (55°F).
September is still an excellent time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the vegetation remains thin, making it easier to spot animals. The wildebeest migration is usually still present in the Mara during this time, although the herds may begin to move south towards the Serengeti.
Visitors to Masai Mara in September should pack light, breathable clothing for the warm daytime temperatures, as well as layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. It’s also a good idea to bring sun protection, such as hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
September is also a great time for hot air balloon rides in Masai Mara, as the cooler temperatures and clear skies create ideal conditions for this activity. This is a great opportunity to see the park from a unique perspective and enjoy stunning views of the landscape.
Overall, visitors to Masai Mara in September can expect excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, warm weather conditions, and a unique opportunity to witness one of nature’s most spectacular events, the great wildebeest migration. However, it’s important to note that September is also a popular time to visit Masai Mara, so it’s recommended to book accommodations and activities well in advance.
Masai Mara Weather in October
October is a transitional month in Masai Mara, as the dry season comes to an end and the wet season begins. The weather can be unpredictable during this time, with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms, although it is generally still warm and dry. Daytime temperatures are typically around 28°C (82°F), while the mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 15°C (59°F).
October is still a good time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the vegetation remains thin, making it easier to spot animals. However, the wildebeest migration is usually no longer present in the Mara during this time, as the herds have moved south towards the Serengeti.
Visitors to Masai Mara in October should pack light, breathable clothing for the warm daytime temperatures, as well as layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. It’s also a good idea to bring waterproof clothing and footwear, as well as insect repellent, as the increased rainfall can lead to an increase in mosquitoes and other insects.
October is also a great time for bird watching in Masai Mara, as many migratory birds begin to arrive in the area. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including ostriches, storks, eagles, and vultures.
Overall, visitors to Masai Mara in October can expect good wildlife viewing opportunities, warm weather conditions, and a unique opportunity to witness the arrival of migratory birds. However, it’s important to be prepared for occasional rain showers and thunderstorms, and to pack accordingly.
Masai Mara Weather in November
November marks the beginning of the short rainy season in Masai Mara, with increasing rainfall and humidity. The weather can be unpredictable during this time, with occasional heavy rain showers and thunderstorms, although it is generally still warm. Daytime temperatures are typically around 26°C (79°F), while the mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 15°C (59°F).
Despite the increased rainfall, November is still a good time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the lush vegetation attracts a variety of animals, including elephants, giraffes, and zebras. The wildebeest migration is usually no longer present in the Mara during this time, but there is still plenty of resident wildlife to see, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, and hyenas.
Visitors to Masai Mara in November should pack waterproof clothing, such as a rain jacket or poncho, as well as waterproof footwear. It’s also a good idea to bring insect repellent, as the increased rainfall can lead to an increase in mosquitoes and other insects.
November is also a great time for bird watching in Masai Mara, as many migratory birds are present in the area. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including ostriches, storks, eagles, and vultures.
Overall, visitors to Masai Mara in November should be prepared for wet and muddy conditions, but can still expect to see a variety of wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. It’s also a good idea to book accommodations and activities in advance, as some lodges and camps may close during the rainy season.
Masai Mara Weather in December
December is a transitional month in Masai Mara, as the short rainy season comes to an end and the dry season begins. The weather can be unpredictable during this time, with occasional rain showers and thunderstorms, although it is generally still warm and humid. Daytime temperatures are typically around 27°C (81°F), while the mornings and evenings can be cool, with temperatures dropping to around 15°C (59°F).
December is still a good time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing, as the vegetation is lush and green, and the animals tend to be more active. The wildebeest migration is usually not present in the Mara during this time, but there is still plenty of resident wildlife to see, including lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants, and rhinos.
Visitors to Masai Mara in December should pack light, breathable clothing for the warm daytime temperatures, as well as layers for the cooler mornings and evenings. It’s also a good idea to bring waterproof clothing, such as a rain jacket or poncho, as well as waterproof footwear. The increased rainfall can make some roads and trails more difficult to navigate, so it’s important to be prepared for wet and muddy conditions.
December is also a great time for bird watching in Masai Mara, as many migratory birds are still present in the area. This is a great opportunity to see a variety of bird species, including ostriches, storks, eagles, and vultures.
Overall, visitors to Masai Mara in December should be prepared for unpredictable weather conditions, but can still expect to see a variety of wildlife and enjoy the natural beauty of the park. It’s also a good idea to book accommodations and activities in advance, as some lodges and camps may close during the rainy season.
Conclusion
Overall, the best time to visit Masai Mara for wildlife viewing is during the dry season, from June to October. However, the wet season can also offer unique opportunities for bird watching and photography, as well as a more peaceful and less crowded experience.