Weather
Early December can bring occasional showers, but by mid-month the weather usually turns dry and warm. Days are hot, particularly at the coast, and evenings are mild. In Nairobi and the highlands the temperature is pleasant. It is a comfortable month for game drives, and the green after the short rains makes for beautiful photographs. Check our packing guide for light layers and sun protection.
Wildlife
The migration herds are in Tanzania, so December in the Mara is about resident animals: lions, leopards, cheetahs, elephants and hyenas. Many species have young at this time, which adds charm to sightings. Amboseli, Tsavo and Samburu are also good, with dependable game viewing and fewer vehicles than the peak months. If you would like to see how two parks compare, read Maasai Mara vs Amboseli vs Tsavo.
Christmas and New Year
From about 20 December to the first week of January, lodges raise prices and often require minimum stays. Many camps hold festive dinners, bush breakfasts and carol evenings. Families flock to the coast, so beach hotels in Diani and Watamu are crowded and booked far ahead. Jamhuri Day on 12 December is also a public holiday, so domestic travel is busy around that date.
Smart planning
- Book flights, camps and car transfers as early as possible.
- Choose a conservancy or a quieter park if you dislike crowds.
- Allow extra time for Nairobi traffic; the city is busy before Christmas.
- Think about a split trip: a few safari days followed by a beach week. Our safari and beach holiday guide shows how.
For families
December is school holiday time, and Kenya is excellent for children when the schedule is realistic. Our family safari planning guide offers advice on pacing and activities.
If you can travel in the weeks either side of Christmas you will save money and avoid the crush, but if Christmas is the time you have, book early and enjoy a festive Kenya that few places match.
Quick answers
Is December a busy time in Kenya?
Yes. From about 20 December to early January lodges and beach hotels are busy and prices are at their highest, so book early.
What is the weather in Kenya in December?
Warm and mostly dry after the short rains fade early in the month, with hot, humid weather at the coast.
Can I see the migration in December?
No. The herds are in Tanzania, but resident big cats, elephants and giraffes remain excellent in the Mara and other parks.
Safaris that fit this guide
These Cherish Africa Safaris trips match what this guide covers. We can adjust any of them to your dates, group size and budget.
- 7 Days Masai Mara & Diani Flying Package: Safari & Beach Getaway
- 6 Days Bush & Beach Safari: The Best of Kenya’s Wilderness and Coastline
- 8 Days Tsavo Bush & Diani Beach Safari: A Perfect Blend of Adventure and Relaxation
Keep reading: Shimba Hills National Reserve: Sable Antelope and Waterfalls Near Diani, Kilifi, Kenya: Quiet Beaches, Creekside Ruins and Local Life, Malindi, Kenya: Beaches, History and Day Trips From the Coast.
Not sure which trip suits you? Browse all our Kenya safari tours or send us an enquiry.
Why Kenya in December is so popular
Kenya in December combines warm weather, lush scenery after the short rains, abundant wildlife and the festive season, so it is one of the busiest times of year. Many visitors escape the northern winter to spend Christmas in the sun, and local holidaymakers also travel, so camps, flights and coast hotels fill early. If you want a December safari, book months ahead, and expect higher prices than in the green season. In return you get a relaxed, celebratory atmosphere, generally good game viewing and the chance to combine a safari with a beach holiday.
Weather in Kenya in December
December is warm and mostly dry in the south and central regions, though short rains in November and early December can leave the landscape green and dust-free. Days are sunny, often between twenty-five and thirty degrees in the lowlands, with cooler mornings in the highlands and around Nairobi. Showers, when they come, tend to be brief and in the afternoon. The coast is hot and humid, with temperatures around thirty degrees and warm sea water. Pack light layers, a rain jacket and sun protection. See our best time to visit Kenya guide for the full calendar.
Wildlife in Kenya in December
- Masai Mara: resident wildlife is excellent, with big cats, elephants, giraffes and plenty of birds. The main wildebeest migration has usually returned to the Serengeti by this time, though some herds may remain.
- Amboseli: elephants and good photographic light, with the possibility of Kilimanjaro views in the morning.
- Samburu: dry-country species and river wildlife, with warm days.
- Lake Nakuru: rhinos, giraffes and good birdwatching.
- Birds: migratory species from Europe and Asia are present, boosting bird lists across the country. See the birdwatching guide.
Green landscapes and calving seasons for many antelope mean predators are active. Our Great Migration guide explains where the herds are at different times.
Christmas and New Year safaris
Camps often hold special festive menus, decorations and evening events, which can be fun for families. Rates rise during the peak period around Christmas and New Year, and many places have minimum stays. Roads and parks can be busier than usual, so ask your guide to plan early starts and quieter areas. If you want a peaceful trip, consider travelling in early December or in the first week of January. Booking early secures the best camps and flights, and it also helps with fixed-date transfers.
Smart planning for Kenya in December
- Book accommodation, flights and transport as early as possible, ideally six to nine months ahead.
- Confirm park fees and conservancy charges, which may be higher in peak periods. See the park fees guide.
- Pack for both dry and wet conditions.
- Allow extra time for airport and road transfers, which can be crowded.
- Arrange travel insurance and entry authorisation early. See the entry requirements guide.
Kenya in December for families
December suits families with school holidays, warm weather and a mix of activities. Choose child-friendly camps with pools, shorter game drives and flexible meals. Combine a short safari with a beach stay, for example in Diani, where children can swim and play. See our safari and beach holiday post and what to pack list. Keep days balanced: one drive in the morning, rest at midday, and an optional drive in the evening for older children.
Is Kenya in December right for you?
Choose December if you want warm weather, good wildlife and a festive mood, and you are happy to pay peak prices and book early. If you prefer quiet and low cost, consider the green season instead. To plan your Christmas safari, contact our team.
Beach time in Kenya in December
December is prime beach season on the Kenyan coast. The sea is warm and clear in many places, and days are hot and bright. Diani offers white sand and resort comfort, Watamu and Malindi combine marine parks with local culture, and Kilifi provides a quieter alternative. Read our guides to Diani Beach, Watamu and Malindi to choose your base. Coast hotels are busiest between Christmas and the first week of January, so book early, and expect minimum-stay rules. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and light clothing, and take sensible precautions against mosquitoes in the evenings.
Sample 10-day plan for Kenya in December
A balanced December itinerary could include two nights in Nairobi or Karen to adjust, three nights in the Masai Mara for big cats, two nights in Amboseli for elephants and mountain views, then a flight to the coast for three nights of relaxation. This plan gives variety, a mix of drives and beach time, and fits school holidays. See our 10-day itinerary for another route, and the 6-day itinerary if you are short of time.
Costs and budgeting in December
Peak-season rates apply in many camps, and park fees in the Mara are at the higher level from July to December. Flights and car hire also cost more around Christmas. Budget for these seasonal increases, and ask us for a quote that itemises each cost. Read our safari cost breakdown to see where savings are possible, for example by choosing mid-range camps or travelling in early December.
What to pack for Kenya in December
- Light, breathable clothing in neutral colours for game drives, and a fleece or light jacket for cool mornings.
- A waterproof jacket or poncho for the occasional shower.
- Swimwear, a sarong, flip-flops and a wide-brimmed hat for the coast.
- High-factor sunscreen, sunglasses and insect repellent.
- Binoculars, a camera with a zoom lens, spare batteries and memory cards.
- Small gifts or games for children, and a refillable water bottle.
See our what to pack for a Kenya safari guide for a fuller checklist.
Festive etiquette and local life
Christmas is widely celebrated in Kenya, and many Kenyans travel to their home villages. Roads can be busy before and after the holiday, and shops and services may have shorter hours on 25 and 26 December. Staff in camps and hotels often work long hours over the festive period, so a small extra tip is appreciated. Read our tipping guide for suggestions. Be patient with delays, and remember that the holiday season is also an important time for local families.
Making the most of Kenya in December
Start early in the day, book flights and camps well ahead, and keep your plans flexible. Balance busy game drives with relaxing time at camp, and choose a few places rather than many. Whether you spend Christmas watching lions in the Mara or toasting the New Year on a beach, Kenya in December offers a memorable mix of nature, culture and celebration.
Health and safety tips for Kenya in December
Crowded airports and festive travel can bring minor problems such as pickpocketing, so keep valuables secure and stay alert in busy places. Drink bottled water, wear sun protection and take malaria precautions as your doctor advises. Make sure your insurance covers the holiday period, and keep emergency numbers handy. A little caution lets you enjoy the celebrations without worry.
Plan it with people who live here
We are a Nairobi-based team and every trip starts from our own doorstep. If you would like help turning these ideas into a real itinerary, message us on WhatsApp (+254 794 588 242), write to info@cherishafricasafaris.com, or use our contact form. We usually reply the same day.
