Samburu weather at a glance
Samburu National Reserve lies in northern Kenya, in the dry country along the Ewaso Nyiro. Days are hot, and rain falls in two seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December. The edges of each season are flexible.
For April 2026, a forecast for Isiolo County expected daytime highs of 30 to 36 °C and lows of 20 to 26 °C. That is a forecast for one month, not a set of long-term averages, but it gives a fair idea of the heat. Plan game drives around it and read our page on Samburu safaris to see how trips are structured.
The best time to visit Samburu
No single week is best for everyone, and no month promises sightings. Wildlife can be seen in every season. What changes is the ground under your tyres and the water in the river. In dry spells, water sources such as the springs in Buffalo Springs National Reserve draw animals in. In the rainy seasons, roads and river crossings need more care.
Think in terms of what matters to you. If you want the lowest risk of washed-out roads, the dry months are the safer choice. If you are flexible and drive with a guide who knows the area, the rainy months are possible too, as long as you accept that plans may change. Whatever the season, drink plenty of water and plan for hot middays.
Our pick: a road safari for the dry season
With entry fees in the price, this three-day trip from Nairobi is easy to plan around the drier months.
Hand-picked tours, booked through Viator. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Samburu safaris and day trips
Game drives and fly-in safaris in Samburu, with live prices and availability.
Rainfall by month in the Isiolo area
Rainfall in mm in Isiolo County in 2019, 2020 and 2021. These are three individual years, not long-term averages.
| Month | 2019 (mm) | 2020 (mm) | 2021 (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 0.0 | 80.4 | 3.7 |
| February | 0.0 | 37.2 | 5.7 |
| March | 26.1 | 35.5 | 3.8 |
| April | 56.7 | 74.8 | 54.3 |
| May | 17.7 | 4.3 | 8.4 |
| June | 2.5 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| July | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.0 |
| August | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.3 |
| September | 0.0 | 0.0 | 7.5 |
| October | 61.8 | 42.1 | 20.1 |
| November | 191.2 | 66.7 | 43.6 |
| December | 78.2 | 30.7 | 38.5 |
Three patterns show up in all three years. June to September is nearly dry. April is the wettest month of the long rains. October to December brings the biggest swings: November 2019 recorded 191.2 mm, while November 2021 recorded 43.6 mm. For most visitors who want predictable roads, June to September is the low-risk window. If you choose the short rains, keep your dates flexible.
Rain, floods and the river
The Ewaso Nyiro rises in the highlands around Mount Kenya, so what happens upstream matters as much as local rain. In rainy periods, flash floods, flooded river crossings and washed-out roads are possible in the area. Never cross a flooded river or channel.
The river does not behave evenly through the year or from year to year. Drought and flood have both marked the area in recent history, as our history page explains. Do not count on a steady flow in every month, and ask your lodge or guide about current conditions before you set out.
Planning around the weather
Practical points for each season.
Dry months
Expect dust and heat. Carry water, wear a hat and sunscreen and plan breaks around the midday hours. Rain is rare in these months, but the unpaved last stretches still need time.
Long rains, March to May
April is the wettest month in all three years in the table. Allow extra time for unpaved roads, and check the road to the gates before you leave Isiolo.
Short rains, October to December
Rain can be heavy and uneven from year to year. Keep dates flexible, and check forecasts and road reports for your days.
Flying in
If you fly to an airstrip near the reserve, you skip the long drive from Nairobi. See getting there for routes and times, and confirm your pickup time close to the date.
If you plan to combine Samburu with another park in southern Kenya, compare the rain patterns in our guide to the best time for the Maasai Mara.
Samburu weather: frequently asked questions
When are the rainy seasons in Samburu?
The long rains fall from March to May and the short rains from October to December. The edges of each season are flexible.
How hot does Samburu get?
A forecast for Isiolo County in April 2026 expected daytime highs of 30 to 36 °C and lows of 20 to 26 °C. Expect hot days in general and carry water.
Which month is driest?
June to September was nearly dry in each of the three years in the table above. That is a record of three years, not a promise for any particular year.
Can I see wildlife in the rainy seasons?
Wildlife can be seen in every season, but no month can promise sightings. In rainy periods, roads and river crossings need more care.
Is this the official weather page of the reserve?
No. This is an independent travel guide, not run by Samburu County, the Kenya Wildlife Service, Reteti or Lewa, and with no ties to safari operators or lodges. Check current forecasts before you travel.