Masai Mara National Reserve Weather
Masai Mara in Southern Kenya is warm all year, with warmer temperatures from October to March and slightly cooler temperatures from June to August. The rainy season is divided into two parts: the “long rains” (March to May), with April being the wettest month, and the “short rains” (November to December). The driest months are June through October.
Throughout the year, the temperature is nice, with chilly evenings. The Masai Mara National Reserve is located approximately south of the Equator, at a height of 1,500 to 1,900 meters above sea level (5,000 and 6,200 feet). From October to March, temperatures are somewhat higher, whereas from June to August, temperatures are slightly colder. The temperature can dip below 10 °C (50 °F) at night, especially between June and August.
In the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, the annual rainfall is around 1,400 mm (55 in). The wettest month is April, while the driest month is July. Throughout the two rainy seasons, especially in April, there is a lot of rain, which can lead to floods.
When it comes to the south direction of the Masai Mara National Reserve, which is located over the Tanzanian border, Savanna herbivores such as wildebeest and zebras migrate between the two parks in a circular path throughout the year in search of greener pastures and are preyed upon by lions, hyenas, leopards, and cheetahs, while crocodiles and hippos wait for them in the rivers. The Mara River and its tributaries are present in the area, with some of its branches becoming entangled in the marshes.
There are two rainy seasons in Masai Mara and Serengeti National Park, both lasting about six weeks from March to May (“the long rains”) and the other lasting about two weeks from October to December (“the short rains”), also known as “the short rains.” However, because of its southern location, the Serengeti remains wet in January and February and turns dry from June to September, whilst the Mara remains wet even in June and September.
As a result, the animals migrate from the Serengeti to the Mara at this time, arriving in July on average, and returning in October, when the Serengeti’s season of brief rains begins. While there is no true dry season in Masai Mara, rain falls less frequently from June to September, with July being the driest month.
The huge Masai Mara reserve is situated between 4,875 and 7,052 feet above sea level, giving it a moist atmosphere and a cooler climate than the rest of Kenya. Temperatures during the day can reach 85°F (30°C), while temperatures at night can reach 60°F (15°C).
The animals do not roam in herds of thousands, but rather in herds of tens of thousands, and their migration varies from year to year depending on rainfall and hence grass availability. However, as previously said, the animals may normally be seen in the Masai Mara from July to October, with a larger possibility in August and September.
Because the park is near the Equator, the sun passes through the zenith at midday (that is, directly overhead in the sky) twice a year, in late March and late September, and remains very high above the horizon around noon in the other months; as a result, it necessitates appropriate protection, also due to the park’s high altitude.
The quantity of sunshine in Masai Mara is good all year, because the sky is typically clear. However, there may be some afternoon cloudiness, which might lead to showers and thunderstorms, which are obviously more common during the two wet seasons.
Witnessing the Great Migration at its finest is a major consideration when planning a vacation to the Masai Mara. The yearly flow of animals into the park varies depending on rainfall, but the herds generally enter the Masai Mara from July to October, with August and September being the busiest months for seeing the migration.
The optimal moment for you to be at Masai Mara National Reserve
The months of June through September are the best for visiting the Masai Mara since they are the coolest and (if somewhat) driest of the year. Showers are still possible in the afternoon, and the weather can be chilly (or even cold) at night, despite the fact that it is nice during the day.
Alternatively, you may visit in January and February, which is another rather dry season, when the weather is warmer and, as previously noted, occasional showers are still likely.
From July through October, the park is visited by herds of wildebeest and zebras, with August and September being the most popular months. However, October is a little hotter than the previous months, and the zenith passage of the sun causes a slight increase in temperature, so it can be a little hot during the day and less chilly at night. Until the brief rain season arrives, which might happen in October or November depending on the year, the quantity of rainfall is comparable to that of the preceding months. The local fauna, including large cats, may be observed between January and February.
The rainiest months are March and May, as well as November and December, which are the shortest wet months. During certain periods, the park could be difficult to navigate. It is the best time to witness the park’s animals between July and October since the weather is dry, the foliage is lush, and the daytime temperatures are nice. During this time, the Masai Mara attracts the most visitors. The park’s hottest months are December and January, with the coldest months being June and July. Game watching: the Masai Mara Game Reserve is one of Africa’s top wildlife viewing locations. Game drives are a fantastic way to see the park and are available all year. If big cats are what you’re after on your Kenyan safari, you’ll almost certainly see them. Therefore, the best time for a Masai Mara Safari has been clearly discussed.