The Maasai Mara is good all year, because lions, elephants, giraffes and more live there in every month. What changes is the weather, the crowds, the price and whether the Great Migration herds are in the reserve. This guide shows what each month is like, so you can choose the season that suits you.
Maasai Mara month by month
| Month | Weather (typical high / low) | What it is like |
|---|---|---|
| January | 28 / 11 °C. Dry and hot. | Quieter, with many newborn animals. |
| February | 28 / 13 °C | Wildebeest calving draws lions and hyenas. |
| March | 28 / 14 °C | Calving continues, with fewer crowds and lower rates. |
| April | 27 / 14 °C. Long rains start. | Excellent birding, but wildlife can be harder to spot. |
| May | 26 / 14 °C | Quiet and green. Herds can start to arrive. Lower rates. |
| June | 25 / 13 °C. Dry season begins. | Busy and higher rates as the migration season starts. |
| July | 24 / 12 °C | Often the busiest month. Book accommodation well ahead. |
| August | 24 / 12 °C. Dry and mild. | Crowded at the river crossings. |
| September | 25 / 13 °C | Fewer crowds than July and August. Herds start heading back south. |
| October | 26 / 14 °C | Dry season ending, quieter, with sparse grass. |
| November | 27 / 14 °C. Short rains begin. | Green, with good birdlife and fewer visitors. |
| December | 28 / 14 °C | Lush scenery, newborns and active predators. |
Best time for the Great Migration
The herds usually reach the Maasai Mara from about July and stay through October, though the first animals can arrive earlier and leave later depending on the rains. Crossings of the Mara River can’t be promised on any given day, so we build in enough time to give you the best chance. See our Great Migration calendar for the full year.
Best time for a honeymoon or family trip
The dry months are the easiest for game drives, and the quieter green months suit couples who want space. Tell us if you are celebrating or travelling with children, and we plan the pace and camps around you.
Best time on a budget
January, March, April, May and November usually have lower rates and fewer visitors. Expect some rain in April, May and November.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to visit the Maasai Mara?
It depends on what you want. July to October is best for the migration and river crossings, January to March is best for calving and quieter roads, and April, May and November are best for value and green scenery.
When are the rainy seasons in the Mara?
The long rains fall from about March or April to May, and the short rains from November to December.
Is the Maasai Mara crowded?
June to August are the busiest months. September is a little quieter, and the green months are quiet.
How many days do I need in the Maasai Mara?
We suggest at least three nights, so you have several full days of game drives and a better chance of seeing a river crossing in season.
Tell us your dates
Share your month and who is travelling, and a planner replies, usually the same day, with ideas and a clear quote.
Sources: Rough Guides, Best Time to Visit Masai Mara; Asilia Africa migration guide. Seasons and wildlife vary from year to year. Always check current conditions before you travel.