Planning
When to go.
When to go on safari in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda: dry and rainy seasons month by month, the Great Migration calendar, gorilla trekking and the best months for climbing.
Seasons at a glance
An indicative guide only — rains vary from year to year and between regions. Every month has something to offer; the green seasons bring fewer visitors and lower prices.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenya — Maasai Mara & southMigration herds usually July–October. | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | M — Mixed / transitional | R — Main rains | R — Main rains | M — Mixed / transitional | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | M — Mixed / transitional | M — Mixed / transitional |
| Tanzania — northern circuitCalving around Ndutu roughly late January–March. | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | M — Mixed / transitional | R — Main rains | R — Main rains | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | M — Mixed / transitional | M — Mixed / transitional |
| Uganda — gorillas & chimpsTrekking runs all year; drier months are easier underfoot. | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | M — Mixed / transitional | R — Main rains | R — Main rains | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | M — Mixed / transitional | R — Main rains | R — Main rains | D — Mostly dry |
| Mount Kenya & KilimanjaroAvoid the heaviest rains for summit attempts. | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | M — Mixed / transitional | R — Main rains | R — Main rains | M — Mixed / transitional | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | D — Mostly dry | R — Main rains | M — Mixed / transitional |
- D Mostly dry
- M Mixed / transitional
- R Main rains
Best time by experience
- Mara River crossings: roughly July to October in the Maasai Mara and northern Serengeti. Crossings are never guaranteed.
- Wildebeest calving: roughly late January to March on the southern Serengeti plains around Ndutu.
- General game viewing: the dry seasons, late June to October and January to February.
- Gorilla trekking: possible all year; June to August and December to February are usually drier.
- Lower prices and quieter parks: April to early June and November.
Read more in our guides to when to visit Kenya, the Great Migration and what happens when it rains.
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