The short answer
- Month
- November
- Verdict
- Good
- Safari weather
- Short rains, usually brief
- Great Migration
- Back in Tanzania
- Masai Mara fee
- US$200 a day
- Coast
- Showers
November's short rains are lighter than the long rains, often a shower in the afternoon. Safaris run normally and lodges offer lower rates.
Kenya in November at a glance
The map opens on November; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
November
The short rains: usually brief afternoon showers. Good value safaris.
- 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
- Coast (mixed)Diani, Watamu, Lamu
- Samburu and Laikipia (wet or difficult)Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lewa
Where is the Great Migration in November?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds usually in Kenya.
November
- Masai Mara
- Not in Kenya
- River crossings
- None
The short rains pull the herds south through eastern and central Serengeti.
Where the herds are: Central Serengeti
November across the year
How November compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is November.
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 November
- Masai Mara: Green and quiet, with resident big cats.
- Nairobi: A good stopover month.
What to avoid in November
- Remote northern areas after heavy rain.
Events and holidays in November
- Lamu Cultural Festival: Usually held in November, with dhow races and Swahili music.
Weather in November
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with November 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 November
Our suggestion for November: 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: Look for shoulder season rates on mid range lodges.
Want a November 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 October or December? See Kenya in October and Kenya in December, 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 November a good time for a Kenya safari?
Yes, good value, with brief showers and green landscapes.
Sources we checked
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