Kenya in December

Short rains early in the month; coast and lodges full over Christmas.

• Masai Mara and the south-west · Masai Mara, Naivasha, Nakurufine

  Migration herds in the Mara roughly Jul–Oct; April–May rains soften roads and close some camps.

• Central highlands and Nairobi · Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Aberdaresfine

  At 1,700 m Nairobi is mild; June–August evenings are cold, so pack a fleece.

• Southern savanna · Amboseli, Tsavo East and Westfine

  Dry and dusty; Kilimanjaro views are clearest early mornings in the dry months.

• Coast · Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, Lamubest weather

  Humid year-round; the heaviest rain falls April–June and some coast hotels close in May.

• Northern drylands · Samburu, Laikipia, Lake Turkanabest weather

  Semi-arid and hot; short rains still bring green flushes to Laikipia.

Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.

• Jamhuri (Independence) Day

  12 Dec

  Start of the Christmas travel season.

• Christmas and Boxing Day big impact

  25–26 Dec

  Buses full, coast and lodges booked out, higher rates.

Crowds · Kenya

High

Prices · Kenya

High

High-price month: see what to book ahead.

Nothing unusual for the weather this month.

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Rated best or good this month

• Coast

  Best weather of the year (Mombasa, Diani, Watamu, Lamu)

• Northern drylands

  Best weather of the year (Samburu, Laikipia, Lake Turkana)

• Nairobi

  Mostly dry; holiday crowds and higher prices.