Things to Do in Kenya in December
December weather, activities, events & insider tips
Peak Season · Premium Pricing
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
Is December Right for You?
Weigh the advantages and considerations before booking
Advantages
- + The Great Migration herds are still concentrated in the southern Masai Mara, delivering some of the year's most reliable predator action and the thunderous sound of thousands of wildebeest crossing rivers.
- + Kenya's Indian Ocean coast enters its prime season. Water clarity around Diani and Watamu turns an impossible turquoise. The sea breeze carries frangipani scent, not oppressive humidity.
- + Christmas and New Year's in Nairobi have a distinct local flavor. Carol services at All Saints Cathedral include Swahili hymns. Nyama choma feasts happen in gardens strung with fairy lights.
- + The short rains have usually ended by early December. The central highlands around Mount Kenya stay lush and green. Crisp morning air is good for hiking.
Considerations
- − December, the last two weeks, marks the absolute peak of the international tourist season in Kenya. Lodges in the Mara book out a year in advance. Expect a dozen other safari vehicles at a lion sighting.
- − While the coast is glorious, inland areas like Nairobi and the Rift Valley can feel surprisingly warm and sticky in the afternoons. That 70% humidity makes a 34°C (93°F) day feel heavier than the thermometer suggests.
- − Pricing across the board reaches its annual zenith. Domestic flights between parks and a simple beachfront banda cost top dollar. You pay for guaranteed weather and wildlife.
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. Later you'll pick your way over ancient coral on Wasini Island while a Swahili seafood feast is served beneath baobab trees. 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.
December Events & Festivals
What's happening during your visit
December 12
Jamhuri Day (Independence Day)
Celebrated on December 12th, this national holiday commemorates Kenya's independence. In Nairobi, the main event is a military and cultural parade at the Nyayo National Stadium. For a more local experience, head to Uhuru Park where families picnic and the atmosphere is festive and relaxed.
Late December
Christmas and New Year's Eve
Kenya celebrates Christmas with a unique Swahili coastal twist and a highland meat-and-beer tradition. In Mombasa and Lamu, expect elaborate street decorations and midnight church services filled with song. In Nairobi and upcountry, the sound of the season is the sizzle of nyama choma (goat or beef) on massive grills in backyard gatherings. New Year's Eve in Nairobi often sees fireworks over the city center. But the best parties are in private homes or lodge bush dinners in the Mara.
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View Kenya Packing List →Essential Tips
Insider knowledge and common pitfalls to avoid
Insider Knowledge
The Nairobi to Masai Mara flight is jaw-dropping. Pop a motion pill. Small planes bounce in thermals over dirt strips.
Coast runs on Swahili time. Captain says 9 AM, means 10. Build slack into your day. Relax.
Skip the hotel buffet for Christmas. Hit a nyama choma joint in Carnivore or Diani roadside. Order a kilo of roast goat, ugali, kachumbari. Eat with fingers.
In Lamu, pack loose, modest clothes. Town is conservative Muslim. Shoulders and knees covered off-beach show respect.
Avoid These Mistakes
Don't mock Kenyan distances. Nairobi to Mara is 300 km yet 5-6 hours on rough roads. One park per trip is plenty.
Beach-safari combos need a full travel day. Coast lies 1-hour flight from nearest safari hub, often via Mombasa layover.
Khaki-only looks odd in Nairobi restaurants or on Diani Beach. City folks dress sharp. Coast style is casual yet cool.
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