Greetings! I’m your local safari guide here in Amboseli, and if there’s one thing we always say out in the bush—it pays to know the weather. Amboseli’s weather can make or break your safari experience. Whether you’re chasing sunrise shots of elephants beneath Kilimanjaro or trying to avoid the muddiest roads, this guide will help you plan right and pack smart.
1. Amboseli’s Climate: What to Expect Year-Round
Amboseli has a semi-arid climate, meaning it’s usually dry with two distinct rainy seasons. Thanks to underground rivers from Mount Kilimanjaro, we’ve got permanent swamps that attract wildlife even during dry months. The park sits at around 1,100 meters above sea level, so while the days can be hot, mornings and nights are often cool.
In a nutshell:
- Hot and dry days, especially between January–February and June–October
- Cool mornings and nights year-round
- Short rains: November–December
- Long rains: March–May
2. Temperature and Seasons Breakdown
Dry Season (June–October & January–February)
- Average daytime temperature: 25–29°C (77–84°F)
- Morning temperatures: as low as 12–14°C (54–57°F)
- Night temperatures: can drop below 10°C (50°F)
This is peak safari season. Clear skies, minimal rain, and animals gathering around swamps and waterholes.
What to wear:
- Layered clothing: a fleece or hoodie for early mornings
- Light breathable shirts and trousers for day
- A wide-brim hat and sunglasses
- Sunscreen and lip balm—UV index is high even when it feels cool
Wet Season (March–May & November–December)
- Average daytime temperature: 26–30°C (79–86°F)
- Humidity increases significantly
- Expect thunderstorms, afternoon showers, and muddy roads
This is a great time for photographers: dramatic skies, lush landscapes, and migratory birds.
What to wear:
- Waterproof jacket or poncho
- Quick-dry clothes
- Extra pair of shoes or sandals (roads can get sticky!)
- Warm base layer for cooler evenings
3. Rainfall and Humidity Patterns
Amboseli receives an average of 350–400mm of rainfall per year, with the long rains from March to May being heavier. The short rains in November and December are more unpredictable.
During wet months:
- Visibility can be reduced by cloud cover and rain
- Sky clarity varies; sometimes Kilimanjaro disappears for days
- Humidity levels rise, especially in the afternoon
Tips:
- Mornings are usually clearer. Plan your photography or Kilimanjaro views before 9 AM.
- Rain can be sudden—bring a lightweight umbrella or pack cover.
4. Sunlight, Sky, and Wind
- Sunrise time: ~6:20 AM
- Sunset time: ~6:30 PM
- Daylight hours: 12 consistent hours year-round
- Cloud cover can shift quickly
- Wind conditions are usually mild, but evenings can be breezy
UV index is high. Even on cloudy days, you’ll tan—or burn.
What to bring:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Sunblock SPF 30 or higher
- Moisturizer and scarf if you’re sensitive to dust
5. Weather Tools and Trends
Want real-time updates?
- Check local forecasts before your trip (AccuWeather or Kenya Met Department)
- Use mobile weather apps while you’re here for daily planning
Planning Ahead?
- Historical weather Amboseli shows September and October as driest, with May and April the wettest
- Weather trend Amboseli shows shifting rain patterns due to climate change—so always be flexible
6. Travel Tips and Packing Advice
Safari Season Weather Essentials
For dry season safaris:
- Neutral-colored clothing (avoid blue or black—tsetse flies love it!)
- Camera lens cloth (for dusty game drives)
- Water bottle and electrolytes
For wet season safaris:
- Waterproof bag for electronics
- Fast-drying socks and trousers
- Snacks—road conditions may extend game drives
Travel Insurance
Don’t forget it—weather extremes Amboseli can cause delays or detours. Make sure your policy includes weather-related disruptions.
Local Advice
- Ask your lodge about the weather advisory Amboseli each morning
- Guides like me always adjust routes based on visibility Amboseli and air pressure (yes, we notice that stuff!)
Amboseli Park’s Month to Month Weather:
🌤 January
- High: 27°C | Low: 13°C
- Rainfall: 33 mm over 5 days
- Humidity: 72% | Cloud Cover: 57%
- Wind: 9 km/h
Summary: Warm days and cool mornings with low to moderate rainfall. Great visibility and minimal crowds make this one of the best months for wildlife viewing and Kilimanjaro photography.
☀️ February
- High: 28°C | Low: 14°C
- Rainfall: 27 mm over 4 days
- Humidity: 66% | Cloud Cover: 55%
- Wind: 9 km/h
Summary: Dry, sunny, and slightly warmer. One of the driest months. Ideal for game drives, especially in the mornings before temperatures peak.
🌧 March
- High: 28°C | Low: 15°C
- Rainfall: 36 mm over 6 days
- Humidity: 68% | Cloud Cover: 56%
- Wind: 9 km/h
Summary: Marks the start of the long rains. Still good for travel, but occasional showers may occur, especially in the afternoon. Lush scenery begins to return.
🌦 April
- High: 28°C | Low: 16°C
- Rainfall: 45 mm over 11 days
- Humidity: 74% | Cloud Cover: 69%
- Wind: 7 km/h
Summary: Wettest month in Amboseli. Landscapes are green and beautiful but be prepared for muddy roads and limited views of Kilimanjaro due to cloud cover.
🌿 May
- High: 28°C | Low: 15°C
- Rainfall: 16 mm over 5 days
- Humidity: 72% | Cloud Cover: 67%
- Wind: 6 km/h
Summary: Rainfall begins to ease. The park remains lush and green. A good shoulder-season month—fewer tourists and increased wildlife movement.
🌬 June
- High: 28°C | Low: 13°C
- Rainfall: 1 mm over 1 day
- Humidity: 68% | Cloud Cover: 62%
- Wind: 7 km/h
Summary: Start of the dry season. Clear skies return. Excellent for safaris and photography. Animals begin congregating around permanent water sources.
🌞 July
- High: 27°C | Low: 12°C
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Humidity: 65% | Cloud Cover: 58%
- Wind: 7 km/h
Summary: Coldest mornings of the year. Absolute peak of dry season. Prime time for wildlife viewing and crisp, clear mornings perfect for photography.
🌤 August
- High: 27°C | Low: 13°C
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Humidity: 64% | Cloud Cover: 60%
- Wind: 8 km/h
Summary: Dry, cool, and clear. Visibility is excellent and animal viewing remains outstanding. Popular with international tourists.
🌅 September
- High: 28°C | Low: 14°C
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Humidity: 62% | Cloud Cover: 55%
- Wind: 9 km/h
Summary: Transition month—dry with slight warming. Still ideal for game drives. Fewer tourists than August, offering more serene safari experiences.
🌥 October
- High: 28°C | Low: 15°C
- Rainfall: 6 mm over 2 days
- Humidity: 63% | Cloud Cover: 58%
- Wind: 10 km/h
Summary: Pre-rain build-up begins. Still very dry overall. Cloud cover increases slightly but visibility remains good. Excellent for late dry season safaris.
🌧 November
- High: 27°C | Low: 16°C
- Rainfall: 40 mm over 10 days
- Humidity: 73% | Cloud Cover: 64%
- Wind: 9 km/h
Summary: Short rains begin. Rainfall revives the grasslands. Great for birdwatching and elephant sightings, but be prepared for some muddy patches.
🌦 December
- High: 26°C | Low: 15°C
- Rainfall: 46 mm over 8 days
- Humidity: 76% | Cloud Cover: 57%
- Wind: 9 km/h
Summary: A green and refreshing month. Holiday travel increases. Wildlife is dispersed but active. Great for landscapes, birds, and family safaris.
🧳 Packing Tips by Season
| Season | Essentials to Pack |
|---|---|
| Dry (Jun–Oct, Jan–Feb) | Layers (fleece for morning, t-shirt for day), hat, sunscreen, sunglasses |
| Wet (Mar–May, Nov–Dec) | Waterproof jacket, quick-dry trousers, sandals or boots, insect repellent |
| Year-Round | Binoculars, camera, refillable water bottle, light scarf for dust |
Here is a simplified table representing month-to-month weather in Amboseli National Park with key indicators:
| Month | High (°C) | Low (°C) | Rainfall (mm) | Humidity (%) | Cloud Cover (%) | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 27 | 13 | 33 | 72 | 57 | Warm, dry; great for game drives |
| February | 28 | 14 | 27 | 66 | 55 | Sunny, dry; excellent visibility |
| March | 28 | 15 | 36 | 68 | 56 | Start of long rains; occasional showers |
| April | 28 | 16 | 45 | 74 | 69 | Wettest month; lush, muddy roads |
| May | 28 | 15 | 16 | 72 | 67 | Greener; rains tapering off |
| June | 28 | 13 | 1 | 68 | 62 | Start of dry season; clear skies |
| July | 27 | 12 | 0 | 65 | 58 | Coolest mornings; peak safari season |
| August | 27 | 13 | 0 | 64 | 60 | Dry and clear; very popular |
| September | 28 | 14 | 0 | 62 | 55 | Warming slightly; excellent for safaris |
| October | 28 | 15 | 6 | 63 | 58 | Transition month; mostly dry |
| November | 27 | 16 | 40 | 73 | 64 | Short rains begin; green scenery |
| December | 26 | 15 | 46 | 76 | 57 | Green, refreshing; more tourists |
7. Final Word
Amboseli’s weather is part of its charm—whether it’s misty mornings, stormy afternoons, or golden sunsets behind elephant herds. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare makes all the difference.
Travel light, dress smart, and stay curious. See you on safari!