Trip finderAll destinationsWhere to go each monthBest places to visitSee all: DestinationsAll 54 countriesInteractive mapNorth AfricaSee all: CountriesWhat safaris really costPlan your first safariGreat Migration by monthSee all: SafariAll animalsLionMountain gorillaSee all: WildlifeBest time to visitVisasHealth and malariaSee all: Plan
Photo: Łukasz Ciesielski - kontakt: Facebook, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Kenya · East Africa · Beach

Diani Beach

Long white beaches and coral reefs south of Mombasa.

Best timeJul to Mar
Ideal stay3 to 6 nights
GatewayMombasa or Ukunda
Month by month
  1. JAnuary (good)
  2. FEbruary (good)
  3. MArch (good)
  4. APril
  5. MAy
  6. JUne
  7. JUly (good)
  8. AUgust (good)
  9. SEptember (good)
  10. OCtober (good)
  11. NOvember (good)
  12. DEcember (good)

Travel advice: some regions are off-limits. Check your government’s advice for the exact areas before you book.

Diani is Kenya’s best-known beach, with calm lagoons, colobus monkeys in the coastal forest and dhow trips to the Kisite marine park to see dolphins.

Highlights

  • Kisite-Mpunguti marine park
  • Colobus monkeys
  • Kitesurfing
  • Shimba Hills

Wildlife to look for

  • Dolphins
  • Sea turtles

Where to stay

Resorts, villas and boutique hotels.

Getting there

Fly to Ukunda, or drive from Mombasa.

Tips

  • Seaweed can be heavy at some times of year.
  • Book dolphin trips with responsible operators.
  • Combine with Tsavo for a quick safari.

Best time to visit

Jul to Mar. See where to go in Africa in January and our guide to the best time to visit Africa.

Travel advice: Parts of the country are off-limits under most government travel advice. Check your government’s advice before booking.

Plan your stay

Hotels on Booking.com Tours on GetYourGuide Tours on Viator

These searches open on the booking sites. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Always check reviews and the operator’s licence.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Diani Beach?

Jul to Mar. Seaweed can be heavy at some times of year.

How long should I spend at Diani Beach?

3 to 6 nights.

How do I get to Diani Beach?

Fly to Ukunda, or drive from Mombasa.

Have you been to Diani Beach?

Rate it

Tips from travellers

Been to Diani Beach? Share one tip for the next traveller. The first good one goes right here.

Share a tip

We read every tip before it goes live. No links, please, and nothing personal about other people.

Questions from readers

Got a question about Diani Beach? Ask it here.

Ask a question

We can’t reply privately. Useful questions get answered here on the page.

Nearby and similar

Masai Mara

Kenya’s most famous reserve, with dense big cat populations and the migration from about July to October.

Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct 3 to 4 nights

Zanzibar

Spice island beaches and the winding alleys of UNESCO-listed Stone Town.

Jun to Oct, Dec to Feb 4 to 7 nights

Cape Town

Table Mountain, beaches, penguins, wine and food in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Oct to Apr 4 to 6 nights

Lake Malawi

A vast freshwater lake with clear water and colourful fish.

May to Nov 3 to 5 nights