The short answer
- Month
- August
- Verdict
- Excellent
- Safari weather
- Dry
- Great Migration
- In the Masai Mara: peak crossings
- Masai Mara fee
- US$200 a day
- Coast
- Dry, breezy
August is peak season. The migration fills the Masai Mara, river crossings are most likely, and the big cats follow the herds.
Kenya in August at a glance
The map opens on August; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
August
Peak migration in the Masai Mara, with river crossings. Busiest and most expensive month.
- Samburu and Laikipia (best)Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lewa
- Rift Valley lakes (best)Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha
- Masai Mara (best)plus the Great Migration, July to October
- Amboseli and Tsavo (best)elephants below Kilimanjaro
- Coast (best)Diani, Watamu, Lamu
Where is the Great Migration in August?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds usually in Kenya.
August
- Masai Mara
- In Kenya
- River crossings
- Peak season
Peak migration in the Masai Mara, with river crossings most days somewhere along the Mara River.
Where the herds are: Northern Serengeti and Masai Mara
August across the year
How August compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is August.
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 August
- Masai Mara: River crossings and dramatic predator action.
- Conservancies: Quieter game drives a short drive from the river.
- Diani: Dry, breezy beach weather.
What to avoid in August
- Short stays in the Mara: allow three or four nights for crossings.
Events and holidays in August
- Peak river crossings: August and September are usually the best months.
Weather in August
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with August 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 8 day trip for August
Our suggestion for August: Lake Naivasha, four nights in the Masai Mara, then Diani Beach. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Kenya trip planner.
Tip: Book six months or more ahead for August.
Want a August safari made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 8 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about July or September? See Kenya in July and Kenya in September, 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 August the best time for the Masai Mara?
For the migration, usually yes, with river crossings most likely. It is also the busiest month.
Sources we checked
Kenya month by month
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