Weather and Climate in Masai Mara
Whether it’s sunny or rainy, visiting the Masai Mara in Kenya is always an exciting adventure. The Masai Mara National Reserve, located in Kenya, is famous for its special location and weather, with milder temperatures and more rain because it’s high up. While many people like sunny weather for their safari in the Masai Mara, the African ‘rains’ are special too.
Remember the 1980s band Toto singing about the ‘rains down in Africa’? Before you pack your bags, let’s check out the weather and climate you can expect in the Masai Mara. But first, here is how to reach us to start planning your Masai Mara safari.
Booking Your Masai Mara Safari with US
We invite you to explore the wonders of the Masai Mara National Reserve on an awe-inspiring safari organized by our experts. Reach out to us by phone (+254719222430 or +254748258880) or email ([email protected]) to begin planning your adventure. You can also contact us via:
Phone & WhatsApp: +254-748-258-880
Email: [email protected] or [email protected]
Visit our social media platforms for a glimpse of the breathtaking landscapes of the Masai Mara:
Masai Mara National Park Photos
Masai Mara Weather – Month by Month Guide
The weather and climate in the Masai Mara are great for safaris all year round. Daytime temperatures are nice, but evenings can get pretty chilly.
June – August: This is the dry season, with clear skies and cooler temperatures. Winds NE at 5 to 10 mph are common, making the evenings feel even cooler.
Average Temperatures Overview
January – February: This is the dry time between the short and long rainy seasons, with only a little rain now and then.
March – May: This is the long rainy season, and April is the wettest month. It doesn’t rain all day, but it rains often. Safari trails can be slippery. Early morning game drives can be chilly, with average temperatures around 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit).
June – August: The average daytime temperature is about 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit). At night, it can drop to around 10 degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). It’s usually sunny and dry, with just a bit of rain here and there.
September – October: You might see some rain showers, but it’s mostly dry. Daytime temperatures in October can go up to 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). After it rains, it might feel a bit cooler. Early morning game drives can be chilly, around 12 degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit).
November – December: This is the lighter rainy season. Expect short rain showers during these months. Average afternoon temperatures are about 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit).
Masai Mara Climate
You might think the Masai Mara is super hot, but it’s not! Because it’s high up, the weather is cooler and wetter than you’d expect. The Masai Mara is between 1500 to 1900 meters high, so you can enjoy warm days that are often partly cloudy, with a mix of sun and clouds.
The different types of clouds, from partly cloudy to mostly cloudy, can change the temperature, so it’s important to check the forecast. Expect lots of sunshine during the day, which balances the cooler nights. Don’t forget your sweater for those early morning game drives!
Temperature Patterns
The Masai Mara’s temperature patterns are a nice mix of mild daytime warmth and cooler nights, making it a comfy place for safari fans. Average daytime temperatures in the Masai Mara range from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F), providing a pleasant climate for exploring the vast savannahs. At night, temperatures can drop to around 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), so packing a sweater for those early morning game drives is a good idea.
The altitude of the Masai Mara, which varies between 1500 to 1900 meters, plays a big role in these temperature patterns. Higher areas tend to be cooler than the lower regions, offering a refreshing break from the heat often associated with African safaris. These steady temperature patterns make the Masai Mara a great place for safari travel all year long.
Rainfall in the Masai Mara
On average, it rains about 1400 millimeters (55 inches) each year. April is the month with the most rain, and July has the least. The Masai Mara has two rainy seasons: the short one in November and December, and the long one from March to May. The heaviest rain is in April, but flooding can happen in both rainy seasons.
Best Time to Visit Masai Mara
If you’re planning a trip to the Masai Mara, the best time to visit is during the dry season, which runs from June to October. During these months, the weather is particularly pleasant, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 22°C to 28°C (72°F to 82°F). This period is also prime time for game viewing, as animals gather around water sources, making them easier to spot.
April is the wettest month in the Masai Mara, with an average rainfall of 140 mm (5.5 in). While the rains bring a lush, green landscape, they can also make some safari trails slippery and tricky to walk on. Despite this, the Masai Mara’s weather and climate make it a year-round destination, with each season offering its unique charm. However, the dry season remains the most popular time to visit, thanks to the nice weather and great wildlife viewing chances.
Weather and Wildlife
The weather in the Masai Mara is very important for the behavior and migration patterns of its wildlife. During the rainy season, the grasslands come to life, turning a bright green and providing lots of food for the animals. This period also sees many animals having their babies, making it an exciting time for wildlife fans.
In contrast, the dry season brings the animals together around the remaining water sources, making it easier to spot them during game drives. The Masai Mara’s weather and climate support a wide range of wildlife, including the famous Big Five: lion, leopard, rhinoceros, elephant, and Cape buffalo. This rich variety of animals, along with the region’s changing weather patterns, makes the Masai Mara one of the most popular safari destinations in Africa.
Send Your Enquiry for a Masai Mara Safari
We hope you found all the information you need to decide that the Masai Mara is the perfect place for your next adventure. Still have questions? Or maybe you want more details about the different lodges? Please fill in the contact form, and we will get back to you soon!
