BEST TIME FOR HIKING IN KENYA: SEASON-BY-SEASON GUIDE
Your experience in hiking depends on the weather conditions you will have while hiking and your preferred weather conditions. There are weather conditions or seasons that can make your hiking experience bad and a season that can make your experience memorable.
In Kenya, we have different seasons ranging from dry, short rains to long rains and the cold season without rain. This season varies depending on the region you are in. The seasons in the coastal region are not the same as in the Rift Valley, Central, or Western region. Some seasons are almost the same in all regions, like the long rains in April and the dry season in January.
Kenya is flexible when it comes to choosing a hiking destination. You can choose depending on the weather conditions in those areas. For example, the central region and Nairobi experience a cold season without rain in July. You can have your vacation during this period in the coastal region, which is warm throughout the year with short rain.
This flexibility makes Kenya a year-round hiking destination to visit.
Related: 5 Best Hiking Trails In Kenya For Forest Lovers 2025
Best Time For Hiking In Kenya: Seasonal Breakdown
- Best Time For Hiking In Kenya Dry Season (June To October)
This season is usually dry with mild temperatures, not as hot as the dry season from January to March. The sky is clear, giving the best view for photography. This season offers a beautiful surrounding landscape and panoramic views. For example, while hiking the Elephant Hills during this season, you can have views of Ndakaini and Sasumua Dam, Kinangop Peak, and Mount Satima. The views are so rewarding on a clear day.
The trails at Elephant Hills, Mount Kinangop, and Seven Ponds are easily accessible, making the hike easier. During the dry season, the trails are dry and easily accessible.
Most destinations are crowded in this season. Most people prefer to go hiking during the dry period. This is the best season to hike Mount Kenya. You will have a beautiful view of the landscape, other peaks, its rugged glacier-clad summits, and forested middle slopes.
Animal migration takes place from July to October. You can experience the famous Wildebeest migration, which is anticipated by many. There are also zebras, gazelles, lions, hyenas, and elephant migration.
These spectacular migrations happen from Serengeti National Park in Tanzania to Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya. You can have a beautiful view of the migration in Maasai Mara National Park in Kenya.Best Time For Hiking In Kenya The Short Rainy Season (November To December)
This season is experienced in almost all regions. The short rain brings vibrant plant life, adding to the scenic beauty. This season is the best time to visit destinations in the semi-arid area. The landscapes are beautiful and satisfying, with a carpet-like green vegetation cover.
The low temperatures give you an easy time hiking and enjoying the panoramic views. Most of the views are not visible due to the clouds, and some destinations can be cold during this season, like Mount Kenya, the Aberdare Ranges, and Kakamega Forest. Most trails are muddy and slippery, especially in the Aberdare Ranges, Zania Falls, and Ngare Ndare Forest, but manageable.
The waterfalls are beautiful during this season, and the destinations are not crowded. You can visit Zania Falls, Ragia Falls, and the Ngare Ndare waterfalls. The trail will be difficult, but the view of the waterfalls is rewarding.
The bird migration happens from November to April; during this time, the birds migrate from North Africa and Europe to Kenya. This is in the wet season, a period when the birds are nesting. If you are a bird lover and would love to take pictures of different varieties of bird species, this is the best time.
This is the best season to visit destinations like Mount Kalebwani in Makueni County, Mathew Hills along the Mai Mahiu Highway, Mount Ole Sekut in the south Rift Valley in Oltepesi Town, and the Sleeping Warriors in Naivasha. The surrounding landscape is green and beautiful, and the temperatures are low, giving you easy time to hike.
- Best Time For Hiking In Kenya Hot Season (January To March)
The temperatures are high in this season. This is the best season to climb Mount Kenya, which is always snowy and cold. During this period, it is dry and sunny, offering beautiful panoramic views.
The trails in all destinations are accessible and dry. Most destinations are crowded due to the favorable weather conditions.
This is the best season to go hiking to Elephant Hills, Mount Satima, Mount Kinangop, The Seven Ponds, Ngare Ndare Forest, Ragia Forest, and Zania Forest. These trails are located in cold areas; therefore, during this season it is not very cold, there is little precipitation, and it is foggy in the morning. The trails are accessible, giving you a humble time hiking. The sky is clear, giving a stunning view of the surrounding landscapes.
Despite being a dry season in the Aberdare Ranges, weather changes drastically. It may be sunny, then in the afternoon it starts raining. No matter the season while visiting this destination, equip yourself with a raincoat in case the weather changes.
You can go hiking in the semi-arid areas, though come equipped with enough water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a beach hat. This is a very flexible season to hike and visit any destination due to the favorable weather.
Related: 5 Reasons Why Kenya is Top Hiking Destination
- Best Time For Hiking In Kenya Long Rainy Season (April to May)
Most regions receive rain during this period. In some regions, the rains are extreme, causing floods and landslides. Most hiking trails are extremely slippery and muddy. The landscape has beautiful green vegetation. The Seven Ponds in Aberdare Ranges are very scenic; the ponds increase from 7 to more than 16 ponds. Most trails in the Aberdare Ranges are swampy and not easily accessible.
This season is the best for those who love hiking on serene trails without many people. If you are the one, come prepared with waterproof attire and a raincoat to keep you dry as you hike. Wear waterproof high-rise boots to keep your feet dry.
The best hiking destinations in this season are the Karura Forest trail and the Arboretum hiking trail. They offer short and safe hiking space in all seasons. The views are beautiful and green. For bird lovers, this is the best season to visit these trails. You can take your camera and capture bird species to add to your list. You can still enjoy nature despite the season.
Destinations like Hell’s Gate flood in its Gorges, making it difficult to pass through. This year’s long rains were heavy and caused floods in most areas. The bridge, which is the shortcut to Ol Donyo Sabuk National Park, was covered with water. Visitors were made to use the long route through the highway.
This is the best season to visit the coastal region. It has Diani Beach, which offers water sports; Watamu and Turtle Bay, which have a beautiful view of the coral reef; and Lamu, which has the best vocational experience.
You can also go for a game drive in Tsavo National Reserve, Amboseli National Park, Nairobi National Park, Maasai Mara National Park, Aberdare Ranges National Park, Lewa Conservancy, and Mount Kenya National Park.
Conclusion
Kenya has flexible seasons all year round to hike and visit tourist attraction sites. People prefer the dry season, which leads to most destinations being crowded. Many prefer to go on vacations during the festive season, November to December. Many destinations are crowded during the period and holidays.
Book with us for an unforgettable adventure in any season of your choice. We are here to give you a fun, cheap, and memorable adventure. Do not do it alone when we can make it better.
