Best Time to Visit Maasai Mara
A month-by-month guide to planning your perfect safari
When to Visit Maasai Mara
The Maasai Mara offers incredible wildlife viewing year-round, but each season brings its own unique experiences and advantages. This guide will help you choose the perfect time for your safari adventure.
Maasai Mara Weather by Month
Every calendar month in the Maasai Mara has its own mix of weather, temperature, rainfall, wildlife movement, crowd levels and prices. This month-by-month guide covers all 12 months so you can match the right month to the safari you want.
| Month | Day / Night | Rain | Migration & wildlife | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28°C / 13°C | ~50 mm | Calving begins; resident cats active (herds in Serengeti) | Low | Moderate |
| February | 29°C / 13°C | ~50 mm | Peak calving & predators (herds in Serengeti) | Low | Moderate |
| March | 28°C / 14°C | 80→150 mm | Long rains late March; green-season photography | Low | Falling |
| April | 26°C / 14°C | ~150 mm | Long rains; newborns & superb birding | Lowest | Lowest |
| May | 25°C / 13°C | ~160 mm | Wettest month; quiet, rewarding sightings | Lowest | Lowest |
| June | 24°C / 12°C | ~60 mm | Strong resident game; first herds late June | Shoulder | Rising |
| July | 23°C / 11°C | ~40 mm | Migration arrives; first river crossings | High | High |
| August | 24°C / 11°C | ~50 mm | Peak migration; Mara River crossings | Highest | Highest |
| September | 26°C / 12°C | ~40 mm | Herds across the Mara; crossings possible | Busy | High |
| October | 27°C / 13°C | ~50 mm | Short rains late Oct; resident game superb | Easing | Softening |
| November | 25°C / 14°C | ~90 mm | Short rains; superb bird watching | Low | Low |
| December | 26°C / 14°C | ~70 mm | Green plains; calving begins late Dec | Festive peak | Rising |
January in the Maasai Mara
January weather in the Maasai Mara is warm and mostly dry (day ~28°C, night ~13°C, about 50 mm rain). Calving is underway, predator activity runs high and the resident lions, cheetahs and leopards never migrate - only the wildebeest herds are away in the Serengeti. With low post-holiday crowds and moderate rates, Kitumo guests enjoy unhurried sightings, first in line at dawn just five minutes from Sekenani Gate.
February in the Maasai Mara
February in the Maasai Mara is the warmest, driest green-season month (~29°C day / 13°C night, ~50 mm rain). Calving peaks on the short-grass plains and resident big cats follow the newborns - the migrating wildebeest are in the Serengeti now, but the Mara's own predators never leave. Visitor numbers stay low, roads are calm and prices sit well below peak-season levels.
March in the Maasai Mara
March in the Maasai Mara starts warm and dry, then the long rains usually begin late in the month (~28°C/14°C, rising rainfall). Landscapes turn emerald and the storm light is a photographer's dream. The migrating herds are still building far to the south, yet the Mara's resident big cats more than hold the fort - and with thin crowds and low-season rates from mid-March, our guides' tracking makes every drive count.
April in the Maasai Mara
April in the Maasai Mara is the heart of the long rains: around 150 mm of rain falls, afternoons often bring dramatic showers and roads can be muddy. In return come emerald scenery, newborn antelope, outstanding birding and the year's lowest safari prices. Sightings reward local knowledge rather than luck - exactly what our Masai guides bring to every drive.
May in the Maasai Mara
May in the Maasai Mara is the wettest month (~160 mm). Vegetation is lush and thick, so sightings reward skill over luck - precisely where our Masai guides' tracking experience shines - and some camps close for renovations. Temperatures hover near 25°C and the wildebeest are still far to the south, but you share every sighting with the year's fewest vehicles at its best value rates.
June in the Maasai Mara
June in the Maasai Mara ends the long rains (~60 mm), leaving cool mornings (~24°C days, 12°C nights) and drying tracks. Resident game is dependable all month, and the first wildebeest herds begin pushing north from the Serengeti late in June. A shoulder month: strong sightings, modest crowds and pre-peak prices.
July in the Maasai Mara
July in the Maasai Mara is dry and mild (day ~23°C, night ~11°C, only ~40 mm rain) - the coolest month. Migration herds arrive from the Serengeti and the first Mara River crossings happen late July. High season begins: book early because demand and prices climb sharply.
August in the Maasai Mara
August in the Maasai Mara is peak migration month: dry, sunny days (~24°C) with cold early drives. Dramatic river crossings continue while big cats trail the herds. This is the busiest and most expensive month - reserve 9-12 months ahead for the best villas.
September in the Maasai Mara
September in the Maasai Mara stays dry and warm (~26°C days) with the migration still spread across the reserve and crossings still possible. Wildlife viewing is outstanding around shrinking water sources. Crowds ease slightly from August; prices remain at high-season levels.
October in the Maasai Mara
October in the Maasai Mara brings warmer days (~27°C) and building heat before the short rains arrive late in the month (~50 mm). Late in the month some migration herds start moving back toward the Serengeti, while the Mara's resident wildlife - its big cats above all - stays superb. Crowds thin, rates soften and there is more room at every sighting.
November in the Maasai Mara
November in the Maasai Mara is short-rains season (~90 mm): brief afternoon showers freshen the plains, migratory birds arrive and the reserve turns green again. Daytime ~25°C. Tourist numbers are low and prices drop - one of the best-value months with excellent birding.
December in the Maasai Mara
December in the Maasai Mara mixes warm days (~26°C) with showers easing into a dry festive spell. Calving begins on the green plains and resident game is plentiful. Demand and rates rise over Christmas and New Year week; early December stays quiet and affordable.
Temperatures are typical daytime highs and nighttime lows; rainfall figures are monthly averages and vary year to year. For seasonal depth, read our wildebeest migration guide.
Looking for information on park fees during different seasons? Check our Park Fees guide
Green Season
JanuaryFebruaryMarch
Weather
28°C
High Temp
13°C
Low Temp
60
Avg Rain (mm)
Warm, occasional showers
Conditions
Wildlife Viewing
Great Migration
Big Cats
Elephants
Bird Watching
River Crossings
Overall Game
Good game viewing with emphasis on predator-prey interactions
Highlights
- Peak calving season with abundant newborns
- Increased predator activity following the herds
- Lush, vibrant landscapes with excellent photo opportunities
- Fewer vehicles and more exclusive wildlife sightings
Considerations
- Brief rain showers possible but rarely all-day rain
- Wildlife more dispersed requiring experienced guides
- Some trails may be muddy after rains
- Warm days but morning game drives can be cool
Long Rains
AprilMayJune
Weather
25°C
High Temp
13°C
Low Temp
123
Avg Rain (mm)
Frequent rainfall, overcast
Conditions
Wildlife Viewing
Great Migration
Big Cats
Elephants
Bird Watching
River Crossings
Overall Game
Fair game viewing, improving towards June as rains subside
Highlights
- Lowest prices and best value of the year
- Extremely few tourists for a private safari experience
- Dramatic skies and spectacular sunsets
- Lush, green landscapes full of wildflowers
Considerations
- Some lodges close in May (peak rainy period)
- Roads may be challenging requiring 4x4 vehicles
- Regular rainfall (though rarely all day)
- Wildlife viewing requires more patience and expertise
Dry Season
JulyAugustSeptemberOctober
Weather
25°C
High Temp
12°C
Low Temp
45
Avg Rain (mm)
Mostly sunny, dry
Conditions
Wildlife Viewing
Great Migration
Big Cats
Elephants
Bird Watching
River Crossings
Overall Game
Excellent game viewing with highest concentration of wildlife
Highlights
- Peak Great Migration period with dramatic river crossings
- Excellent wildlife visibility due to sparse vegetation
- Comfortable weather with little to no rain
- Highest wildlife concentration around water sources
Considerations
- Highest prices of the year
- Crowded at popular viewing spots
- Advance booking essential (6-12 months ahead)
- Dusty conditions may affect photography
Short Rains
NovemberDecember
Weather
26°C
High Temp
14°C
Low Temp
80
Avg Rain (mm)
Partly cloudy, afternoon showers
Conditions
Wildlife Viewing
Great Migration
Big Cats
Elephants
Bird Watching
River Crossings
Overall Game
Good overall game viewing with increasing vegetation
Highlights
- Beautiful green landscapes emerging
- Excellent bird watching with migratory species
- Newborn animals as calving begins
- Dramatic skies perfect for photography
Considerations
- Occasional afternoon showers may interrupt activities
- Some roads may become muddy but generally accessible
- Holiday season (December) brings higher prices
- Wildlife more dispersed as water becomes available everywhere
Ready to Plan Your Maasai Mara Safari?
Let us help you choose the perfect time for your safari adventure. Whether you're looking for the Great Migration, big cat sightings, or a peaceful off-season experience, we can create the perfect itinerary for you.