Kenya has two distinct seasons. Before you plan your trip, in addition to applying for your Kenya visa you should also find out what the best period to visit Kenya is. This will largely depend on the area you want to visit and the activities you want to undertake in Kenya.
Climate in Kenya
Kenya is a country that can be visited throughout the year. However, bear in mind that this African country has many climatic variations under the influence of humidity, altitude and monsoon winds. There are basically two seasons in Kenya: the dry season and the wet season. The dry season falls between June and September, with average temperatures between 23ºC and 28ºC. However, at higher altitudes and at night, temperatures can drop to 10ºC. During the wet months (November to May) temperatures can reach 30ºC in coastal areas and rainfall is heavy but short. The months of January and February are slightly drier. The best time to travel to Kenya therefore depends on the activities you wish to undertake and the regions you wish to visit.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro, located in the Amboseli National Park, is one of the most important sites in Kenya. Many people wonder when is the best time to climb this mountain, given the countryʼs climate. Although it is possible to climb Kilimanjaro at any time of the year, the best time to enjoy its beauty and wildlife is between December and February. Another good option is to visit between June and September. The months of March to June should be avoided due to heavy rainfall that makes the paths muddy and the mountain difficult to climb.
The best time to go on safari
Kenya has several national parks where you can go on safari. One of the best times to go on safari is between January and March, when temperatures are warm and rainfall is low. However, if you want to experience the Great Migration up close in parks such as the Masai Mara, the ideal time to go on safari is in the dry season (especially August or September). During these months the animals are concentrated around lakes and waterholes, and the environment is less dense, making animals such as zebras and wildebeests easier to spot. Although safaris are also possible during the rainy season, it is usually more difficult to spot animals during these months.
The best time to visit the Kenyan coast
Another popular tourist attraction of Kenya are the beaches, such as Diana Watamu and Malinidi. These are little known places that are definitely worth a visit. However, it is better to avoid this region between December and May due to heavy rainfall. It is better to travel to the Kenyan coast during the dry season to enjoy the nice weather. Diving and snorkelling enthusiasts should also consider October and November, as these are the months when the water is clearest and whale sharks can be spotted.
Applying for a Kenya visa
To visit Kenya, you should not only check the weather and the best time to travel, but also apply for a visa before departure. To do this, you must first complete the online Kenya visa application form. Then you pay the fee of £64.95 per person with Visa, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. Finally, you need to upload a passport photo, a passport scan, a booking confirmation from your accommodation (or a letter of invitation and a scan or photo of the passport or ID card of the person you are visiting if you are staying with friends or family) and a ticket for a return or onward flight. After this process is completed, the application is processed within 9 days on average and once the visa is granted, it must be printed out and carried with you throughout your trip.
Keep the requirements for applying for the Kenya visa in mind. For example, you must have a passport that is valid for at least 6 more months at the time of arrival and which contains at least one blank page. In addition, you can only enter the country through one of the 10 permitted airports, 10 seaports or 11 border crossings. The Kenya visa allows you to stay in the country for a maximum of 90 days. This maximum stay is equal to the validity of the visa and gives you enough time to get to know Kenya.
Please note: this news article about the visa for Kenya is more than one year old. It might contain outdated information and advice, and no rights can therefore be derived from this article. Are you going on a trip soon and do you wish to do know what rules currently apply? Read all about the up-to-date information about the visa for Kenya.