The short answer
- Month
- February
- Verdict
- Excellent
- Safari weather
- Hot and dry
- Great Migration
- In Tanzania (calving)
- Masai Mara fee
- US$100 a day
- Coast
- Hot and sunny
February is usually the hottest, driest month. Animals gather near water, and prices are lower than in the July to October peak.
Kenya in February at a glance
The map opens on February; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
February
Hot and dry. Excellent game viewing before the rains, and a good beach 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 February?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds usually in Kenya.
February
- Masai Mara
- Not in Kenya
- River crossings
- None
Calving season: around half a million calves are born in a few weeks, drawing lions, cheetahs and hyenas.
Where the herds are: Southern Serengeti
February across the year
How February compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is February.
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 February
- Masai Mara and Amboseli: Excellent sightings on short grass.
- Samburu: Dry country with animals concentrated along the river.
- The coast: Hot, calm and sunny.
What to avoid in February
- Long midday drives in the heat; rest at camp.
Events and holidays in February
- Calving in Tanzania: The migration herds give birth on the southern Serengeti plains.
Weather in February
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with February 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 7 day trip for February
Our suggestion for February: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha, Lake Nakuru and the Masai Mara. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Kenya trip planner.
Tip: February is one of the best value months for a full Kenya circuit.
Want a February safari made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 7 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about January or March? See Kenya in January and Kenya in March, 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 February good for a safari in Kenya?
Yes. It is dry, animals are easy to find and the Masai Mara fee is US$100 a day.
Sources we checked
Kenya month by month
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