On a motorbike tour in Kenya, the weather decides a lot. Dry murram is fast and fun. Wet murram is a slippery red paste. So when should you go?
Short answer: outside the two rainy seasons. Long answer below, month by month.
Kenya’s Seasons in a Nutshell
- Long rains: roughly late March or April to early June. The heaviest rain of the year.
- Short rains: roughly November to early December. Lighter, often in afternoon showers.
- Dry seasons: mid December to March & June to October.
Kenya sits on the equator, but much of the riding is at altitude. The highlands around Nairobi and the Rift Valley stay mild, with cool mornings and warm afternoons. Pack a fleece.
Month by Month for Riders
| Month | Weather | Riding |
|---|---|---|
| January | Dry and hot | Great. Dusty tracks, clear skies. |
| February | Dry and hot | Great. One of the driest months. |
| March | Hot, rains can start late in the month | Good early on, a gamble later. |
| April | Long rains | Tough. Sticky murram and flooded tracks. |
| May | Long rains | Tough. Many dirt roads get messy. |
| June | Rains ending, green and cooler | Excellent. Our pick. |
| July | Dry and cool | Excellent. Cold mornings in the highlands. |
| August | Dry and cool | Excellent. Parks are busy with the migration. |
| September | Dry and warming up | Great. |
| October | Dry and warm | Great. Rain can arrive at the end. |
| November | Short rains | Mixed. Mornings are often fine. |
| December | Rains ending, then dry | Good from mid month. |
Every year is a little different, so treat this as a guide, not a promise.
Ready to Ride With Us?
Small groups, your own bike and a crew right behind you. Kenya or India, pick your adventure.
Why We Ride in June
Our Safari Loop runs in June, and that is on purpose.
- The land is green. The long rains have just finished, so the Rift Valley & the savannah look their best.
- Less dust. The ground still holds some moisture, so the tracks are firm without the thick dust of later in the year.
- Cooler riding. Comfortable temperatures in full riding gear.
- Fewer crowds. It is before the busy migration season in the parks.
What About the Great Migration?
The wildebeest migration usually reaches the Maasai Mara somewhere between July and October. Spectacular, but the Mara is also at its busiest and most expensive then. On a motorbike you see plenty of wildlife anyway, right from the saddle. Zebra, giraffe, antelope and ostrich are part of the daily scenery on our routes.
Riding in the Rain: What to Expect
Even in dry season, a shower can surprise you. When it does:
- Murram turns slippery fast. Slow down, stay loose & keep off the front brake.
- Black cotton soil gets extremely sticky. Sometimes the answer is to wait an hour.
- River crossings can rise quickly. Never cross without checking first.
More on surfaces in our guide to riding terrain in Kenya.
Pick Your Dates
Our 2027 Safari Loop runs from Saturday 12 to Saturday 19 June 2027. Eight spots, fully organised and timed for the best riding of the year. See the tour or read the practical guide to riding a motorbike in Kenya.
Ready for the Trip of a Lifetime?
Two tours in 2027. The Safari Loop in Kenya and a one time Special Edition in India. Max eight riders in Kenya, nine in India.