The short answer
- Month
- December
- Verdict
- Very good
- Safari weather
- Short rains end; mostly dry
- Great Migration
- In Tanzania
- Masai Mara fee
- US$200 a day
- Coast
- Hot and sunny
December usually dries out after the short rains. It is a popular month for safari and beach combinations, especially over the holidays.
Kenya in December at a glance
The map opens on December; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
December
Mostly dry again by mid month, and busy over Christmas.
- Rift Valley lakes (best)Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha
- Masai Mara (best)plus the Great Migration, July to October
- Coast (best)Diani, Watamu, Lamu
- Samburu and Laikipia (mixed)Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lewa
- Amboseli and Tsavo (mixed)elephants below Kilimanjaro
Where is the Great Migration in December?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds usually in Kenya.
December
- Masai Mara
- Not in Kenya
- River crossings
- None
Back on the southern plains ready for calving. The Masai Mara is quiet, with excellent resident wildlife.
Where the herds are: Southern Serengeti and Central Serengeti
December across the year
How December compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is December.
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 December
- Masai Mara and Amboseli: Good game viewing as the bush dries.
- Diani Beach: Hot, sunny and festive.
What to avoid in December
- Last minute bookings over Christmas.
Events and holidays in December
- Jamhuri Day (12 December): Independence Day, a public holiday.
- Christmas and New Year: Peak holiday season on the coast and in the parks.
Weather in December
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with December 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 9 day trip for December
Our suggestion for December: Amboseli, the Masai Mara and Diani Beach. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Kenya trip planner.
Tip: Book holiday dates several months ahead.
Want a December safari made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 9 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about November or January? See Kenya in November and Kenya in January, 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 December a good time to visit Kenya?
Yes, mostly dry with good safaris and beach weather, but busy over the holidays.
Sources we checked
Kenya month by month
More Kenya guides
Best time to visit Kenya: safari seasons, rains and the migration
June to October and January to February are the best months for a Kenya safari, with dry weather and animals gathered near water. July to October adds the Great Migration in the Masai Mara, at peak prices.
Updated 16 October 2026
The Great Migration in Kenya: when and where to see it
Around 1.5 million wildebeest, with zebras and gazelles, circle between Tanzania's Serengeti and Kenya's Masai Mara. They are usually in the Mara from July to October, with river crossings peaking in August and September.
Updated 16 October 2026
How much does a Kenya safari cost? Prices, park fees and a calculator
Expect about US$150 to 250 per person per day on a budget safari, US$300 to 500 mid range and US$700 or more for luxury, including park fees. Park fees alone can be US$200 to 600 per person on a short Masai Mara trip.
Updated 16 October 2026
Masai Mara safari guide: reserve or conservancy, how long and how to get there
The Masai Mara is Kenya's most famous safari, with big cats all year and the Great Migration from July to October. Choose between the busy national reserve and quieter private conservancies, and allow at least two or three nights.
Updated 16 October 2026