Climate and Chilly Early Mornings of the Masai Mara

If you didn’t know better, you might assume that the Masai Mara’s climate is intensely hot. However, you’d be mistaken, though it’s understandable given the common perception of Africa. The Masai Mara’s altitude actually results in a cooler and more humid climate than one might expect. Nestled at an elevation ranging from 1500 to 1900 meters, the area enjoys warm daytime temperatures and cooler nights. Remember to bring a sweater for those chilly night and early morning game drives.

Monthly Patterns of Weather & Climate Masai Mara

The weather and climate in the Masai Mara, with its seasonal variations, make it an excellent destination for safaris throughout the year. Daytime temperatures are generally comfortable, but the afternoon and evenings can be quite cool.

Weather Overview and Average Afternoon Temperatures

• January – February: This period marks the dry season between the short and long rainy seasons, with only occasional rain showers.

• March – May: Known as the long rainy season, April is the wettest month. While it doesn’t rain continuously, showers occur frequently. Safari trails may become slippery. Early morning game drives are slightly cooler, with average temperatures around 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit).

• June – August: Average daytime temperatures hover around 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit), with nighttime lows of about ten degrees Celsius (50 degrees Fahrenheit). The weather is typically sunny and dry, with rare rain showers.

• September – October: Expect occasional rain showers during this period, though it remains mostly dry. Daytime temperatures in October rise slightly to 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). It can be a bit cooler after rain, with early morning game drives feeling chilly at about twelve degrees Celsius (54 degrees Fahrenheit).

• November – December: This is the lighter of the two rainy seasons. Expect brief rain showers during these months. Average afternoon temperatures are around 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit).

Rainfall and Two Rainy Seasons in Masai Mara

On average, the region’s rainfall patterns result in approximately 1400 millimeters (55 inches) of rain annually. April is the month with the highest likelihood of rain showers, while July experiences slightly higher rainfall. The Masai Mara has two rainy seasons: the short rains season in November and December, and the long rainy season from March to May. The heaviest rainfall occurs in April, but flooding can happen during both rainy seasons.

Climate Charts for Masai Mara