If you are planning a safari in Masai Mara, you may be wondering how the weather is like in the Mara region. While many people may hope for clear blue skies and sunshine on a safari trip to the Masai Mara, the rainy season in Africa also has its own beauty. Climate change is making the weather and rain patterns here very unpredictable but generally, the Masai Mara has a hot and dry climate with two main seasons: The Long Rains (from March to May) and The Short Rains (from October to November).
The Long Rains bring most of the annual rainfall in a short period, usually between late March through April. During this time, it can be quite wet at times but the rain is usually in short bursts. The Short Rains follow the Long Rains and usually come between late October to early November, with a longer dry period following them until March. During the dry seasons, temperatures can reach up to 30°C during the day and drop significantly at night.
The climate in the Masai Mara is not as hot as you might think. This is because of its altitude, which is between 1500 and 1900 meters. The climate is cooler and wetter than what you would typically expect in Africa. Although the daytime temperatures are warm, the nights are much cooler. It is recommended to bring a sweater for the early morning game drives.
January:
In Masai Mara, this month is the hottest of the year, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C during the day. It’s also the dry season between the short and long rainy seasons, with only occasional rain showers.
February:
Temperatures cool off slightly in February, with daytime temperatures at about 27°C. There are usually some light rains during this month.
March:
March marks the beginning of the Long Rains season which can last until May. Rainfall can be quite heavy at times and while the skies may be cloudy, there is still plenty of sunshine in between showers.
April:
April is usually the wettest month in the Masai Mara, with temperatures still reaching a high of 27°C but mixed with heavy rains and storms. It’s also during this time when wildlife viewing is at its best, as animals gather around water sources to drink.
May:
May marks the end of the long rainy season and temperatures start to cool down. While rainfall is still high, it’s usually not as intense as in April and skies tend to clear up more often.
June:
June marks the beginning of the dry season, with temperatures cooling off even further and rainfall starting to taper off. Wildlife viewing at this time of year is very good, as animals begin to congregate around watering holes.
July:
July is generally the hottest month in Masai Mara, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C during the day. Wildlife viewing is still good and animals can be seen congregating around water sources to drink.
August:
August marks the peak of the dry season, with temperatures reaching up to 33°C during the day. However, wildlife viewing is still excellent as animals gather around water sources to drink.
September:
September marks the start of the Short Rains season which can last until November. Temperatures are slightly cooler with day temperature at about 28°C and rain showers tend to be short and scattered.
October:
October is usually the wettest month in the Masai Mara during this season, with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 30°C and occasional downpours. Wildlife viewing is still good as animals congregate around water sources for drinking.
November:
November is usually the last month of the Short Rains season in Masai Mara, with temperatures at around 26°C during the day. Rainfall tends to be sparse and skies usually clear up more often.
December:
December marks the end of the rainy season in the Masai Mara, with temperatures cooling off further and rainfall tapering off. Wildlife viewing is excellent at this time as animals gather around water sources for drinking. It’s also a great time to go on game drives and spot wildlife in their natural habitat.
What to wear during my safari to Masai Mara?
No matter what time of year you visit the Masai Mara, it’s important to bring along clothing that is suitable for both hot and cold weather. In the daytime, temperatures can range from 25°C to 35°C so make sure to pack light clothes such as shorts and t-shirts. At night, temperatures can drop significantly so make sure to pack a sweater and a light jacket. During the rainy seasons, it’s best to bring along waterproof jackets and trousers for protection from the rain. You should also wear sturdy shoes for game drives and hikes in the reserve.
During the dry season which happens to be peak tourist season, the days tend to be very hot and sunny. It’s important to pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses and sunscreen for protection from the sun. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton are also recommended in order to stay cool during hot days.
Finally, don’t forget your binoculars or camera! The Masai Mara is home to an abundance of wildlife so make sure to bring along your camera or binoculars in order to capture the beauty of this stunning reserve.
FAQs
Q: What is the best time of year to visit Masai Mara?
A: The best time to visit Masai Mara depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. For wildlife viewing, the dry season between July and October is ideal as animals tend to congregate around water sources during this time. However, if you’re looking for a more active experience, the rainy season between March and May is also great.
