Kenya in October: Weather, Wildlife & Where to Go

October gives you Kenya's big safari moments with more room to enjoy them. The Great Migration is often still in the Maasai Mara early in the month, the plains are open and golden, and the Nairobi marathon brings Kenya's love of distance running onto the city's streets. It is a strong month to visit: the first half is usually dry and warm, and the short rains may begin late in the month, usually as afternoon storms.

The weather in October, region by region

Nairobi and the highlands: warm and mostly sunny, with typical temperatures of about 14°C to 27°C (57°F to 81°F). Showers become more likely in the last week or two.
The Maasai Mara and the southern parks: about 12°C (54°F) at dawn and 28°C (82°F) in the afternoon. The grass is short after months of grazing, and afternoon storms can return late in the month.
The north: hot, with the first rain possible toward the end of the month.
The coast: a changeover month between the two seasonal winds. Highs are around 30°C (86°F), the sea warms to about 27°C (81°F), and short showers become more common, especially on the south coast around Mombasa and Diani.

The short rains, called mvua za vuli in Swahili, usually begin in late October or November. Their timing and strength vary a lot from year to year: some Octobers stay dry to the end, others turn wet by the middle of the month.

The migration and other wildlife

The migration: in most years the herds are still in the Mara in early October and begin moving south as the month goes on. Crossings continue, usually in smaller numbers. If the herds are your priority, plan the first half of the month.
Big cats: short grass makes cheetahs and lions easier to spot on the open plains.
Elephants: Amboseli and Tsavo are at the end of the dry season, with herds close to water.
Birds: migrant birds from Europe and Asia usually start arriving in late October, and birding gets steadily richer into November.
Whales: in some years a few humpback whales are still off the coast early in the month.

The best places to go in October

The Maasai Mara and its conservancies, for the herds early in the month and the cats all month
Amboseli, for elephants under Kilimanjaro
Tsavo East and Tsavo West, big, wild and quieter than the Mara
Samburu, before the rains turn the bush green
Lake Nakuru and Lake Naivasha, an easy two days from Nairobi
Nairobi National Park, for lions and rhinos close to the city

Thousands of runners filling a Nairobi avenue at the marathon start — The Nairobi marathon usually fills the city's roads on a Sunday in late October.

The coast in October

The kusi wind fades and the northeasterly kaskazi has not yet set in, so the coast is often calmer, though windy days are still possible. The beaches are quiet, and Watamu Marine National Park and the Kisite-Mpunguti marine area near Diani are good for snorkeling and dhow trips. Expect warm, humid days with the odd shower, especially late in the month.

Holidays, events and crowds

Mazingira Day, October 10: a national public holiday dedicated to the environment
Mashujaa Day, October 20: Heroes' Day, a national public holiday honoring the people who fought for Kenya's independence
The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon: usually held on a Sunday in late October, with a full marathon, a half marathon and shorter races

Banks and offices close on public holidays, and many Kenyans travel on the long weekends. Most safari camps keep high-season rates through October, though the Mara is noticeably quieter than in August. It is a good balance of weather, wildlife and space.

Wildebeest leaping into the Mara River in a cloud of dust and spray

What to pack, and who October suits

A light rain jacket, especially for the second half of the month
A fleece for early game drives
Running kit and something warm for a pre-dawn start if you are racing in Nairobi
Sunscreen, a hat and insect repellent

October suits migration travelers who want fewer vehicles, runners heading to the Nairobi marathon, and anyone who wants dry safari days followed by a warm, quiet coast. If you want the herds at their peak, choose August or September.

Plan October with Kenya Experience and we time the Mara for the herds and the coast for the calm. We are Kenyan-led, with two U.S. companies behind us and Kenyan guides. Pay in full or monthly with no deposit; a specialist replies within two business days.

Two wildebeest bulls sparring in a cloud of dust

Karibu Kenya. Why Kenya, and why us

Everything in one trip

The great safari parks, the Indian Ocean coast, mountains, lakes and more than forty cultures, all in one country.

Conservation that works

Community conservancies and rhino sanctuaries where tourism pays for wildlife and the people who live beside it.

Easy from the U.S.

Apply for the eTA online and fly nonstop from New York to Nairobi, or one stop from most U.S. cities.

Planned by Kenyans

Kenyan guides and hosts, two U.S. companies behind you, and the option to pay monthly with no deposit.

Common questions

Is October a good time to visit Kenya?

Yes. The first half of October is usually dry, game viewing is excellent and the Mara is quieter than in August. The short rains may begin late in the month.

Is the Great Migration still in Kenya in October?

In most years the herds are still in the Maasai Mara in early October and start moving back to Tanzania during the month. Crossings continue in smaller numbers.

When do the short rains start in Kenya?

Usually in late October or November. The timing varies from year to year, so check the Kenya Meteorological Department's October to December outlook.

What public holidays are in Kenya in October?

Mazingira Day on October 10 and Mashujaa Day, or Heroes' Day, on October 20. Banks and offices close on both.

When is the Nairobi marathon?

The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is usually held on a Sunday in late October. Check the official site for this year's date and registration.

Kenya in October: the migration's last weeks