The short answer
- Month
- October
- Verdict
- Very good
- Safari weather
- Dry, warm
- Great Migration
- Leaving the Mara during the month
- Masai Mara fee
- US$200 a day
- Coast
- Dry and sunny
October is still dry. The herds usually begin moving south as the short rains approach, so early October is better for the migration.
Kenya in October at a glance
The map opens on October; tap another month to compare.
Choose your month
October
Dry, with the migration often still in the Mara early in the month.
- 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
- Samburu and Laikipia (mixed)Samburu, Ol Pejeta, Lewa
Where is the Great Migration in October?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds usually in Kenya.
October
- Masai Mara
- Partly in Kenya
- River crossings
- Likely
Crossings continue, then the herds start heading back into Tanzania as the short rains approach.
Where the herds are: Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti
October across the year
How October compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is October.
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 October
- Masai Mara: Early October for the last crossings, then excellent resident wildlife.
- The coast: A good month for Diani.
What to avoid in October
- Late October if the migration is your main goal.
Events and holidays in October
- Mashujaa Day (20 October): Heroes' Day, a public holiday.
Weather in October
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with October 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 October
Our suggestion for October: Lake Nakuru, the Masai Mara and Diani Beach. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Kenya trip planner.
Tip: Track where the herds are in our migration tracker before you book.
Want a October 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 September or November? See Kenya in September and Kenya in November, 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 the migration still in Kenya in October?
Often in the first half of October, before the herds head back to Tanzania.
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