The short answer
- Month
- April
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Safari weather
- Long rains: the wettest month
- Great Migration
- In Tanzania
- Masai Mara fee
- US$100 a day
- Coast
- Rainy, humid
April is the peak of the long rains. Rain often falls in heavy afternoon storms, and mornings can be clear. Many lodges offer their best rates.
Kenya in April at a glance
The map opens on April; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
April
The long rains: the wettest month inland. Lowest prices, but some camps close.
- Coast (mixed)Diani, Watamu, Lamu
- Samburu and Laikipia (wet or difficult)Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lewa
- Rift Valley lakes (wet or difficult)Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha
- Masai Mara (wet or difficult)plus the Great Migration, July to October
- Amboseli and Tsavo (wet or difficult)elephants below Kilimanjaro
Where is the Great Migration in April?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds usually in Kenya.
April
- Masai Mara
- Not in Kenya
- River crossings
- None
The long rains. Herds spread through central Serengeti; many camps close.
Where the herds are: Central Serengeti
April across the year
How April compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is April.
Swipe sideways to see all 12 months →
| Region | J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Masai Maraplus the Great Migration | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Best |
| Rift Valley lakesNakuru, Naivasha | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Best |
| Amboseli and Tsavosouth | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Mixed |
| Samburu and Laikipianorth | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Mixed |
| CoastDiani, Watamu | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Wet or difficult | Wet or difficult | Mixed | Best | Best | Best | Mixed | Best |
Where to go in April
- Masai Mara by air: Flying avoids muddy roads.
- Nairobi: The elephant orphanage, Giraffe Centre and Nairobi National Park work in any weather.
What to avoid in April
- Long road transfers.
- Walking safaris and remote camps that close for the rains.
Events and holidays in April
- Easter (some years): A long public holiday weekend.
Weather in April
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with April highlighted.
Average daily high / low and monthly rainfall
| Month | Nairobiabout 1,700 m | Masai Maraabout 1,600 m | Amboselidry, below Kilimanjaro | MombasaDiani is similar |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 25° / 12°55 mm | 28° / 13°85 mm | 30° / 15°50 mm | 32° / 24°35 mm |
| Feb | 26° / 12°40 mm | 28° / 13°90 mm | 31° / 15°45 mm | 33° / 24°15 mm |
| Mar | 26° / 13°80 mm | 28° / 14°120 mm | 30° / 16°80 mm | 33° / 25°55 mm |
| Apr | 24° / 14°170 mm | 26° / 14°195 mm | 28° / 17°140 mm | 31° / 24°155 mm |
| May | 23° / 13°150 mm | 25° / 13°120 mm | 27° / 15°45 mm | 29° / 23°240 mm |
| Jun | 22° / 12°40 mm | 25° / 11°40 mm | 26° / 13°5 mm | 28° / 22°90 mm |
| Jul | 21° / 11°15 mm | 24° / 10°30 mm | 25° / 12°5 mm | 28° / 21°70 mm |
| Aug | 22° / 11°25 mm | 25° / 11°45 mm | 26° / 12°5 mm | 28° / 21°65 mm |
| Sep | 24° / 11°25 mm | 27° / 11°45 mm | 28° / 13°5 mm | 29° / 21°65 mm |
| Oct | 25° / 13°50 mm | 28° / 12°60 mm | 30° / 14°30 mm | 30° / 22°90 mm |
| Nov | 23° / 13°125 mm | 27° / 13°115 mm | 29° / 16°110 mm | 31° / 23°95 mm |
| Dec | 23° / 13°90 mm | 27° / 13°100 mm | 29° / 15°80 mm | 32° / 24°70 mm |
Rounded long term averages. Blue shading marks the wetter months. Individual years can be hotter, colder or wetter.
A 5 day trip for April
Our suggestion for April: Nairobi, then a fly in Masai Mara safari. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Kenya trip planner.
Tip: Choose a lodge with a good roof and plan game drives for the mornings.
Want a April safari made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 5 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about March or May? See Kenya in March and Kenya in May, or compare every season in our guide to the best time to visit Kenya.
Rather have a trip to Kenya made just for you?
Answer a few quick questions and a local specialist will send you a free, no-obligation itinerary and price.
Frequently asked questions
Is April a bad time to visit Kenya?
It is the wettest month, but it is green, quiet and the cheapest time of year. Expect rain most afternoons.
Sources we checked
Kenya month by month
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