Things to Do in Kenya in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
December Weather in Kenya
Is December Right for You?
Advantages
- Peak safari season with excellent wildlife viewing - December falls during the dry season when animals concentrate around water sources, making game drives significantly more productive. Grass is shorter at Maasai Mara and Amboseli, so you'll actually spot predators that would be hidden during greener months. Elephant herds at Amboseli are particularly visible against the backdrop of Kilimanjaro.
- Perfect beach weather along the coast - Diani Beach, Watamu, and Lamu experience their best conditions in December with calm seas ideal for snorkeling and diving. Water visibility reaches 20-30 m (65-100 ft), and dhow sailing conditions are excellent. The Indian Ocean sits around 26-28°C (79-82°F), which is genuinely comfortable for extended swimming.
- Festive atmosphere without overwhelming crowds until Christmas week - The first three weeks of December are surprisingly manageable. You get the benefit of excellent weather and wildlife viewing before the actual holiday rush hits around December 20th. Nairobi has a genuine buzz with end-of-year celebrations, but attractions remain accessible.
- Ideal hiking and trekking conditions in highlands - Mount Kenya, Aberdare Range, and the Great Rift Valley escarpment have clear skies and dry trails. Morning temperatures in places like Nanyuki start cool at 10-12°C (50-54°F), warming to pleasant 20-22°C (68-72°F) by midday. The lack of heavy rains means technical routes on Mount Kenya are safer and more accessible.
Considerations
- Significant price increases and booking challenges from December 15th onward - Safari lodges and coastal resorts can charge 30-50% premiums during the Christmas and New Year period. If you're traveling December 20-January 5, expect to pay peak rates and book at least 4-6 months ahead. Budget accommodations fill up fast, and last-minute travelers often find themselves with limited options.
- Short rains occasionally linger into early December - While December is technically dry season, the short rains that typically end in November sometimes extend into the first week or two of December. This is less predictable than the long rains, but when it happens, you might get afternoon thunderstorms that disrupt plans. The coast is generally more reliable than the highlands during this transition.
- Intense sun exposure requires constant vigilance - That UV index of 8 is no joke, especially at higher elevations where you're closer to the equator. You'll burn faster than you expect, particularly on safari when you're in open vehicles for 4-6 hours. The combination of altitude at places like Nairobi (1,795 m / 5,889 ft) and equatorial sun means even 30 minutes without protection can leave you crispy.
Best Activities in December
Maasai Mara game drives and wildlife safaris
December is genuinely one of the two best months for the Mara, alongside July-August but without the wildebeest chaos. Resident wildlife is concentrated and visible, with excellent predator activity. Morning drives starting at 6:30am offer the best light and animal activity before temperatures climb. The grass is short enough that you'll spot cheetahs on termite mounds and lions in the open plains. River crossings aren't happening since the migration is in Tanzania, but the resident game viewing is actually superior. Expect to spend 4-6 hours per game drive.
Diani Beach and south coast water activities
The Indian Ocean is at its calmest and clearest in December, with visibility perfect for snorkeling at Kisite-Mpunguti Marine Park where you'll see dolphins, sea turtles, and reef fish. Kitesurfing conditions are excellent with consistent northeast monsoon winds of 15-25 knots. The coral reefs are accessible without fighting currents, and dhow sunset cruises happen in genuinely pleasant conditions rather than choppy seas. Water temperature around 27°C (81°F) means you can snorkel for hours without a wetsuit.
Mount Kenya trekking routes
Dry trails and clear skies make December ideal for attempting Point Lenana at 4,985 m (16,355 ft), the trekkers' summit. The Sirimon-Chogoria traverse is particularly stunning with minimal mud and excellent visibility of the peaks. Morning starts are cold at 0-5°C (32-41°F) at altitude, but daytime conditions are manageable. The technical routes like the Normal Route to Batian require dry rock, which December typically provides. Allow 4-5 days for proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness.
Lamu Island cultural exploration and dhow sailing
December weather is perfect for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site without the oppressive heat of other months. The narrow streets of Lamu Old Town are walkable in the morning before temperatures peak, and the lack of cars means you're navigating by foot or donkey anyway. Traditional dhow sailing trips to Manda Island and Shela Beach happen in calm seas with reliable winds. The Maulidi Festival sometimes falls in December depending on the Islamic calendar, bringing incredible cultural performances. The island maintains its authentic Swahili character better than the southern coast.
Amboseli National Park elephant viewing
December offers the iconic Kilimanjaro backdrop with clear morning skies before clouds roll in around 10am. The park's elephant population is among Africa's most studied and habituated, allowing for close viewing of multi-generational herds. The dry conditions mean elephants concentrate around the swamps, making them predictable to find. Dust levels are high from dry lake beds, creating dramatic photography conditions but bring lens cleaning supplies. The park is smaller than Mara, so 2-3 days is sufficient unlike Mara's 4-5 day recommendation.
Great Rift Valley lakes and flamingo viewing
Lake Nakuru and Lake Bogoria host massive flamingo populations in December, with the alkaline conditions perfect for their algae food source. The combination of flamingos, rhinos at Nakuru, and the dramatic escarpment views makes this accessible from Nairobi (160 km / 99 miles, 2.5 hours). Lake Naivasha offers boat trips among hippos and diverse birdlife, with Hell's Gate National Park adjacent for cycling and walking among wildlife. The dry weather means roads around the lakes are passable and viewpoints are accessible without mud.
December Events & Festivals
Jamhuri Day celebrations
December 12th marks Kenya's Independence Day with official ceremonies at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi featuring military parades, traditional dances, and presidential addresses. The atmosphere is genuinely patriotic rather than tourist-focused, giving you insight into contemporary Kenyan national identity. Nairobi streets have increased security and some road closures, but the energy is festive. Locals typically gather for nyama choma barbecues and family celebrations throughout the day.
Lamu Maulidi Festival
This celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's birthday follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so it shifts dates yearly. When it falls in December, Lamu Island hosts one of East Africa's most significant cultural events with Swahili poetry competitions, traditional taarab music, dhow races, and donkey races. The festival attracts participants from across the Swahili coast and offers rare access to traditions maintained for centuries. Accommodation becomes extremely tight during festival week.