The long dry season (June–October) is the best time for wildlife in the conservancies — grass is short, animals concentrate around water, and the roads are passable. Mount Kenya trekking is best in the dry seasons: January–February and July–September, when skies are clearest at altitude.
The long rains (April–May) make the Laikipia roads difficult and can close some conservancy tracks entirely; the short rains (November) are lighter and less disruptive. December and January can be surprisingly dry and uncrowded.
Avoid the mountain in March–May and October–November when cloud and rain reduce visibility and make summit attempts miserable. Year-round, mornings at altitude are cold regardless of the season below.