The short answer
- Month
- March
- Verdict
- Good
- Safari weather
- Hot, rains start late in the month
- Great Migration
- In Tanzania
- Masai Mara fee
- US$100 a day
- Coast
- Hot, mostly dry
March starts dry and hot; the long rains usually arrive in the second half of the month. Prices begin to drop.
Kenya in March at a glance
The map opens on March; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
March
Mostly dry early in the month; the long rains usually start late in March.
- Coast (best)Diani, Watamu, Lamu
- Samburu and Laikipia (mixed)Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lewa
- Rift Valley lakes (mixed)Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha
- Masai Mara (mixed)plus the Great Migration, July to October
- Amboseli and Tsavo (mixed)elephants below Kilimanjaro
Where is the Great Migration in March?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds usually in Kenya.
March
- Masai Mara
- Not in Kenya
- River crossings
- None
The calves are growing and the herds start drifting north as the plains dry.
Where the herds are: Southern Serengeti and Central Serengeti
March across the year
How March compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is March.
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 March
- Early March safaris: Still dry in most parks.
- Lake Nakuru: Rhinos are easy to see in all seasons.
- The coast: Still a good beach month.
What to avoid in March
- Leaving no flexibility late in the month, when rain can slow roads.
Events and holidays in March
- Easter (some years): Easter can fall in March; expect busy holiday weekends.
Weather in March
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with March 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 6 day trip for March
Our suggestion for March: Lake Nakuru, Lake Naivasha and the Masai Mara. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Kenya trip planner.
Tip: Go early in the month for dry weather at low prices.
Want a March safari made for you?
A local specialist will send a free itinerary and price for 6 days, built around your dates.
Other months
Thinking about February or April? See Kenya in February and Kenya in April, 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
Does it rain in Kenya in March?
The long rains usually start in the second half of March, often as afternoon storms.
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