The short answer
- Month
- September
- Verdict
- Excellent
- Safari weather
- Dry and warm
- Great Migration
- In the Masai Mara: crossings continue
- Masai Mara fee
- US$200 a day
- Coast
- Dry and sunny
September is dry and warm, with the herds still in the Masai Mara and frequent river crossings.
Kenya in September at a glance
The map opens on September; tap another month to compare.
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September
Still peak migration season and dry across the parks.
- 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 September?
Choose your month
Highlighted months: herds usually in Kenya.
September
- Masai Mara
- In Kenya
- River crossings
- Peak season
Still peak season in the Mara. Herds cross back and forth as they chase fresh grass.
Where the herds are: Masai Mara and Northern Serengeti
September across the year
How September compares with the rest of the year in each region. The ringed column is September.
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 September
- Masai Mara: Migration and crossings.
- Samburu: Hot and dry, with elephants along the river.
What to avoid in September
- Expecting low prices: it is still high season.
Events and holidays in September
- River crossings: Often frequent, depending on rain in Tanzania.
Weather in September
Average highs, lows and rainfall, with September 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 September
Our suggestion for September: Amboseli, Lake Naivasha and three nights in the Masai Mara. Every trip can be made private, or try your own route in our Kenya trip planner.
Tip: Late September often has the migration with fewer families travelling.
Want a September 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 August or October? See Kenya in August and Kenya in October, 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 September good for the Great Migration?
Yes, usually one of the best months, with the herds in the Masai Mara.
Sources we checked
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