Things to Do in Kenya in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
High Season · Book Early
December Weather in Kenya
Temperature, rainfall and humidity at a glance
93°F (34°C)
High Temp
75°F (24°C)
Low Temp
2.0 inches (51 mm)
Rainfall
70%
Humidity
⚠ Afternoon storms flash-flood dirt roads. Game drives and transfers can stall.
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + The short rains have usually tapered off, leaving the Maasai Mara grasslands a vivid green that attracts huge herds of wildebeest and zebra. Skies clear to a brilliant blue. Spectacular photography follows.
- + This is the tail end of the high season proper. You get the reliably good weather of July-October without the absolute peak crowds and their associated premium prices at camps and for charter flights.
- + Coastal Kenya, from Diani to Lamu, hits its sweet spot. Humidity drops a notch. The sea breeze picks up. The Indian Ocean turns that postcard shade of turquoise that makes the dhow trips worthwhile.
- + Nairobi is surprisingly pleasant. The jacaranda blooms might be gone. But the air in the highlands is crisp in the mornings. You can sit outside at places like the Talisman in Karen without sweating through your shirt.
Considerations
- − You're dancing on the edge of the short rains. They can linger unpredictably into early December. A vehicle getting bogged on a soggy track in the Mara or Amboseli isn't unheard of. That can reroute a game drive.
- − It's still expensive. While not the absolute peak, December in Kenya commands high-season rates almost everywhere. This is true from mid-month onward as the Christmas migration of the international diaspora begins.
- − Internal flights between parks and the coast book up fast. If you're planning a multi-stop itinerary relying on Safarilink or similar, lock that in well ahead. Otherwise, you'll face a long, dusty drive instead.
Best Activities in December
Top things to do during your visit
December in Kenya moves to its own beat. The mercury hits the mid-thirties Celsius, humidity clings to the coast, and the savannah sun feels like a brand. Quick afternoon showers sometimes interrupt. But they leave the air rinsed and the grass absurdly green after the short rains. Markets swell as residents stock up for Christmas. Towns buzz with plans for big family meals. Photographers get razor-sharp light, and anyone with sense starts game drives at dawn to dodge the furnace heat. Safari traffic is heavy this month, and for good reason. Animals crowd the last reliable waterholes, and the plains glow emerald. The Indian Ocean stays bath-warm; snorkel conditions are usually mellow. Expect sharp contrasts: cool forested parks give instant relief, and the scent of frangipani drifts through Swahili pop from a tinny radio.
Dhow Adventure to Wasini Island and Kisite Marine Park
cruiseA timber dhow snaps open her sail and slides across the turquoise channel toward Kisite Marine Park. Bottlenose dolphins arc beside the hull. Fresh snapper, chili-lime rub, coconut rice, done.
one glide above Kenya's most protected reef plus a crash course in coastal maritime culture.
Insider tip: wear shoes that can handle sharp coral rag, and seal your camera in a dry bag for the dhow ride and snorkel sessions.
3 days Masai Mara on Private 4x4 Land Cruiser
adventureYou get a private Land Cruiser, the Masai Mara's golden grasslands, and no one else's schedule. Lions sprawl in acacia shade; a hippo pod grunts in the Mara River. Dust drifts through the open roof. Your guide reads tracks like a newspaper.
linger as long as you like, skip the crowd.
Insider tip: ask for a guide who speaks Maa. His family networks often unlock stories you won't hear in English.
From Mombasa: Tsavo East Full-Day Safari
day_tripOut of Mombasa the road turns red. Tsavo East spreads out, all commiphora scrub and endless sky. Dust-red elephants wallow at the waterholes; you'll hear branches crack like gunshots.
quickest big-five fix for anyone staying on the southern coast.
Insider tip: pack breakfast. The gate is a long haul from the city and lodge lunch often lands mid-afternoon.
Nairobi Park Wildlife Safari
otherRhinos graze with skyscrapers behind them in Nairobi National Park. Over 400 bird species call from the Athi-Kapiti grassland. Your tires rattle on dirt tracks minutes off the asphalt.
the world's only capital-city national park.
Insider tip: after the drive buy a separate ticket for the adjacent Safari Walk and animal orphanage; you'll get within arm's reach of rehabilitating wildlife.
Masai Mara 3 Days Tour Safari Private 4WD Landcruiser
guided_experienceThree full days in the Masai Mara. If the migration is still in residence you'll watch cheetahs survey the plains from termite mounds and wildebeest splash across streams. Nights bring bush TV: a crackling fire, grilled beef, cold beer, star blaze.
time equals odds. The longer you stay the higher the chance of predator-prey theatre.
Insider tip: if a village visit is offered carry small notes for the optional cultural contribution. It is appreciated, never demanded.
Safe and Executive Airport transfer in Nairobi
transportA clean, air-conditioned car meets you at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and slips you straight into Nairobi's flow. No taxi haggle, no meter gamble, no luggage sweat.
the easiest, safest handshake with Kenya.
Insider tip: reconfirm your driver's phone and exact meeting point inside the international arrivals hall. Procedures shift without warning.
Where to Stay in Kenya in December
Hand-picked hotels across price tiers for December travellers.
Public Holidays in December
Dates that affect opening hours, transport and crowds
Jamhuri Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Jamhuri Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Jamhuri Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Christmas Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Boxing Day
Observed nationwide as a public holiday.
Packing Checklist
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Climate-specific gear, brand recommendations, and what to leave at home.
View Kenya Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
Book internal flights the same day as your international ticket. They sell out months ahead. Driving adds days on rough roads.
Order nyama choma with mukimo. It's the taste of Kenyan December holidays.
Christmas to New Year is peak local travel. Miss early November bookings and you scrape the barrel.
Hit City Market or Maasai Market on weekday mornings. Friday afternoon prices double for tourists.
Avoid These Mistakes
Traffic trebles from mid-December. A 30-minute Uber ride becomes two hours.
Don't pack only safari gear. You'll look odd in Nairobi restaurants or Lamu boutiques.
Coast plus Mara in one week? Logistics devour time. Pick one region and dive deep.
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