What’s in demand, and when

Most weddings happen in a few months: venues, catering, photography, attire, flowers, cakes and rentals book up months ahead.

The second rainy season (roughly October–December): a second planting season in many areas and steady demand for farm inputs and rain gear.

India’s biggest festival and shopping season: gold, sweets, clothes, electronics, home decor and gifts — and Dhanteras, two days before, is a traditional day to buy gold and new things.

December is peak travel and celebration time in Kenya: people travel upcountry and to the coast, so transport, hospitality, events, meat and drinks peak — and January school fees follow.

Black Friday deals are now common in Kenya, especially online and in electronics, fashion and supermarkets.

Schools close and many people travel upcountry or to the coast: buses, hotels, events, nyama choma, drinks and gifts peak — then spending drops sharply in January as school fees fall due.

Kenya’s school year starts in January (terms also start around May and late August): uniforms, books, fees and transport peak right after December spending.

Post-Christmas sales and gift-card spending: shoppers return and buy discounted stock.

Parties, dinners and countdown events push one night of very high demand for venues, food, drinks and entertainment.

People start the year with goals — fitness, money, learning — so sign-ups and first purchases cluster in January.

China’s biggest holiday: hundreds of millions travel home, gifts and feasts peak — and most factories close for weeks, which matters to anyone importing from China.

A month of fasting: daytime trade slows, evenings get busy (iftar meals, family gatherings), food shopping and charity rise, and spending builds toward Eid.

Gifts and evenings out for partners: flowers, jewellery, chocolate and restaurant tables peak in the days before 14 February.

Kenya’s main rainy season (roughly March–May): planting time for farmers, and demand rises for seeds, fertiliser, rain gear and roof and drainage repairs, while some construction and travel slow down.

The celebration ending Ramadan: new clothes, gifts, family meals and travel, with the busiest shopping in the last week of Ramadan.

A long weekend in many countries: chocolate, baking, family meals, church events and short trips.

KRA individual returns are due by 30 June: accountants and cyber cafés helping with iTax filings get busiest in June.

Gifts, flowers and meals out for mothers — one of the busiest days of the year for restaurants and florists.

The Feast of the Sacrifice: livestock and meat demand peaks, with family gatherings, travel and new clothes.

The first AFCON hosted by three countries (Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania), with 28 teams: visiting fans need rooms, transport and food, and watch parties fill bars and restaurants across the region.

Gifts and outings for fathers: grilling, tools, electronics, grooming and meals out.

China’s National Day week: record domestic travel and spending, while many factories and offices close or slow down for the week.