Nairobi’s climate stands out as one of the most comfortable among African capitals. The higher elevation saves you from extreme heat, so you get mild temperatures almost all year. You’ll have the best experience during Nairobi’s dry seasons, from June to October and January to February, when the skies stay clear and outdoor adventures are easy to plan.
Game drives in nearby national parks become so much more enjoyable—no need to worry about muddy roads. Wildlife tends to gather around water sources, making it easier to spot animals.
Walking through the city or exploring cultural sites also feels more pleasant during these dry months, since you won’t have to dodge sudden downpours.
Rainy seasons, from March to May and November to December, bring afternoon showers that make the landscape lush and green. Some activities might slow down, but you’ll find quieter streets, fewer tourists, and lower travel costs.
This mix of dry and wet seasons shapes your trip—what you do, where you go, and what you’ll see.
Overview of Nairobi’s Climate and Seasons
Nairobi sits about 1,650 meters (5,400 feet) above sea level. That altitude gives the city a cooler, more stable climate than much of Kenya.
You’ll notice mild temperatures all year, with two rainy periods and two main dry seasons.
Temperature Patterns Throughout the Year
Thanks to its altitude, Nairobi avoids extreme heat. Daytime highs usually land between 23°C and 28°C (73°F–82°F). Nights cool down to 12°C to 15°C (54°F–59°F).
February and March tend to be the warmest months, with highs near 28°C. July and August are the coolest—average highs around 23°C, and sometimes it dips below 12°C at night.
Humidity stays moderate, unlike coastal Kenya. That makes the climate feel much more comfortable. Even in cooler months, you probably won’t need heavy clothing. Evenings can get a bit chilly outdoors, so bring a light jacket just in case.
You can plan outdoor activities without stressing about wild temperature swings.
Rainy and Dry Seasons Explained
Nairobi gets two rainy seasons, both tied to the Intertropical Convergence Zone’s movement. The long rains come from March to May. The short rains show up in October and November.
April brings the most rain—the wettest month with over 150 mm of rainfall. Showers can be heavy but usually don’t last all day, so you’ll still find dry spells.
July and August are the driest, with January and February not far behind. You’ll enjoy clear skies, lower humidity, and fewer disruptions to your plans.
Rainfall isn’t the same everywhere in Nairobi. Western areas like Dagoretti get more rain, probably because of their slightly higher elevation. Still, most rain falls as afternoon or evening showers, not all-day storms.
Monthly Weather Trends
Looking at Nairobi month by month helps you match your plans to the weather.
- January–February: Warm, dry, and sunny—expect about 9 hours of sunshine daily.
- March–May: Temperatures stay mild, but rainfall jumps, especially in April and May.
- June–August: The coolest stretch, with cloudy mornings, light rain, and 4–5 hours of sunshine each day.
- September–October: It warms up gradually, and moderate rain returns in October.
- November–December: Short rains peak in November, then December brings more sun.
On average, Nairobi gets 2,400 hours of sunshine per year. Even in the rainy months, you’ll still enjoy several hours of daylight—plenty of time for outdoor fun.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Nairobi?
Nairobi’s elevation keeps temperatures mild most of the year. The big difference comes down to dry versus rainy periods. These seasons affect how easy it is to get around, spot wildlife, and enjoy outdoor attractions.
Dry Season: June to October
June to October is the long dry season and the most popular time to visit. You’ll get clear skies, warm days, and barely any rain. That means safaris, city tours, and day trips are easier to plan—no need to worry about sudden storms.
Wildlife viewing really shines during these months. Animals gather at water sources, and thinner vegetation makes it easier to spot them in Nairobi National Park and other reserves. If you’re hoping to see lions, giraffes, or rhinos, this is your best shot.
Tourist numbers peak from July to September, when the Great Migration happens in the Maasai Mara. Nairobi isn’t in the migration zone, but travelers often start their journey here. Expect hotel and tour prices to climb during this stretch.
Short Dry Season: January to February
January and February offer another solid window for visiting Nairobi. Rain is rare, and temperatures stay comfortable—low 50s °F in the mornings, mid-70s °F in the afternoons. Skies are usually clear, so it’s a great time for photos or sightseeing.
Attractions like the Giraffe Centre, Karen Blixen Museum, and Nairobi National Museum are less crowded. Safari lodges tend to have more open rooms, and rates might be a bit lower than during peak migration months.
If you’d rather skip the crowds but still want reliable weather, this short dry season is a smart pick. You’ll get to enjoy both the city and the outdoors with fewer interruptions.
Rainy Seasons: March to May and November to December
Nairobi’s rainy periods—March to May for the long rains, and November to December for the short rains—bring afternoon or evening showers. Mornings often stay dry, so you can fit in activities before the rain.
Heavy downpours sometimes make unpaved roads muddy and tough to use. March to May sees the heaviest rain, and some lodges outside Nairobi might close. If you’re traveling now, pack waterproof gear and avoid long rural drives.
Within Nairobi, museums, restaurants, and cultural spots remain open. The November to December rains are lighter and shorter. You’ll see the city turn green—perfect for photography or birdwatching.
Fewer tourists come during the wet season, so prices drop. If you don’t mind the occasional shower, you’ll enjoy a quieter Nairobi.
Weather Impact on Popular Attractions
Nairobi’s weather really shapes how you experience its highlights. Dry months make outdoor adventures easier. Rainy months bring some challenges, but you get lush scenery and fewer crowds. Indoor attractions stay open all year, though how comfy you feel might depend on the temperature and humidity.
Nairobi National Park and Wildlife Viewing
Nairobi National Park sits just outside the city. It’s at its best in the dry months: June to October and January to February. Roads stay firm, so game drives are smoother. Wildlife, especially lions, gathers at waterholes, so your chances of spotting them go up.
March to May’s long rains can turn park roads muddy and tough to drive on. The scenery turns lush, but tall grass might make it harder to spot animals. Fewer people visit, so the park feels quieter.
If you come during the short rains (October to December), expect afternoon showers but mostly clear mornings. It’s a great time for birdwatching since migratory birds arrive. Bring light rain gear to stay comfortable.
Tip: For photos, dry season means clearer skies and less haze. Wet season brings dramatic, green backdrops.
Exploring the Karen Blixen Museum
The Karen Blixen Museum—once home to the famous author—is mostly indoors, so rain doesn’t really ruin your visit. Still, the gardens and grounds are part of the draw, and they’re much more enjoyable when it’s dry and the paths are easy to walk.
Rainy season can make the grounds muddy, and outdoor seating feels less inviting. If you want to explore the gardens or snap photos of the house with the Ngong Hills behind it, dry weather gives you better light and clearer views.
Cooler months like July and August are perfect for walking the grounds—temperatures stay mild. If you visit in hotter months like February, try to come earlier in the day to avoid the heat.
Visiting Nairobi National Museum
The Nairobi National Museum is a safe bet no matter the weather. Most exhibits are indoors, so you’ll stay dry even if it’s pouring outside.
Rainy months are actually a good time to visit if you want to avoid crowds and spend time learning about Kenyan history, culture, and natural heritage.
During the dry season, the museum tends to get busier as tourists combine it with other outdoor plans. If you’d rather have space to yourself, March to May is usually quieter.
There’s also a botanical garden and outdoor sculptures on the museum grounds. These are best when it’s dry, since the paths won’t be slippery. Still, the main galleries are open all year, so you can always count on the museum as a backup.
Seasonal Events and Festivals in Nairobi
Nairobi doesn’t just offer good weather—it’s also packed with cultural, culinary, and national events. These gatherings highlight Kenya’s food, music, trade, and traditions, letting you connect with the city in a deeper way.
Nairobi Restaurant Week and Culinary Events
Nairobi Restaurant Week usually happens early in the year and runs about 10 days. Top restaurants across the city put together special menus at discounted prices. It’s a great excuse to check out fine dining in Westlands, Karen, or downtown without breaking the bank.
If you love food culture, this event is a must. Many places offer three-course meals and pairings with local wines or craft cocktails. Some even host cooking demos or tasting sessions, so you get a peek into Nairobi’s growing food scene.
Outside Restaurant Week, you’ll find other food events all year. Weekend markets at spots like The Alchemist or Karura Forest bring together chefs, bakers, and small producers. You’ll get to try Kenyan classics like nyama choma (grilled meat) along with international dishes.
Jamhuri Day and National Celebrations
Jamhuri Day, every December 12, marks Kenya’s independence and the birth of the republic. The main celebration happens at Nyayo Stadium or Kasarani Stadium, with parades, military displays, and cultural performances. You can join thousands of locals for speeches and the flag-raising ceremony.
The whole city gets in on the action. Streets fill with music, dance, and community events. Markets and malls hang Kenyan flags, and restaurants serve special local menus.
If you want to feel Nairobi’s patriotic spirit, this is the time to visit. Expect traffic jams and big crowds downtown, but also a lively, festive mood.
Nairobi International Trade Fair
The Nairobi International Trade Fair is one of East Africa’s biggest agricultural expos. It usually runs in late September or early October at Jamhuri Park, about 5 miles from downtown.
The fair focuses on agriculture, livestock, and technology. Local farmers, agribusinesses, and international groups all set up displays. You’ll see dairy cattle, poultry, and the latest farming gear.
Demonstrations cover irrigation, seeds, and livestock breeding. There are also stands for textiles, crafts, and home goods. If you want a glimpse of Kenya’s economic backbone and rural life, this fair is worth a stop.
Other Annual Festivals
Nairobi hosts plenty of other cultural and arts festivals. The Koroga Festival, held several times a year, mixes live music with African food and fashion. It’s often at the Nairobi Arboretum, so you get an outdoor vibe with local and international acts.
Movie fans should check out the Nairobi Film Festival, which screens Kenyan, African, and international films. It’s a great way to see the city’s creative side.
You’ll also find art fairs, book festivals, and smaller neighborhood events celebrating literature, photography, and design. These gatherings let you meet local artists and see how Nairobi blends new ideas with traditional culture.
Month-by-Month Guide to Visiting Nairobi
Nairobi’s weather shifts between dry and rainy seasons. Each month brings new chances for outdoor adventures, cultural events, and wildlife viewing. Knowing what to expect helps you plan your visit—with fewer surprises.
Highlights of Each Month
January–February: Clear skies and warm days make this the best time for wildlife photography in Nairobi National Park. Hiking trails at Karura Forest and the Ngong Hills stay dry and accessible.
March–May: Long rains arrive in these months. Heavy afternoon showers often soak the city, but gardens and forests turn lush. Museums and indoor cultural sites become great choices when it’s too wet to be outside.
June–August: The dry season comes back with cooler days. You can check out outdoor festivals or hit the hiking trails while they’re still firm. Many travelers use Nairobi as a base for trips to the Maasai Mara during the Great Migration.
September–October: Weather stays mostly dry, so it’s comfortable for cultural tours, heritage walks, and birdwatching. Karura Forest looks especially green in October.
November–December: Short rains arrive in November, drawing migratory birds to the wetlands. December brings festive markets and warm, sunny days, which makes sightseeing and shopping even more enjoyable.
Seasonal Advantages and Challenges
The dry seasons (January–February, June–October) give you the best shot at wildlife viewing and outdoor adventures. Trails are firm, skies are clear, and animals gather at water sources, so safaris feel extra rewarding. These months also bring more visitors and higher hotel prices.
The rainy seasons (March–May, November) turn the landscape greener and keep the crowds away. You might find lower hotel prices, but heavy showers can mess with safaris and outdoor plans. Roads and trails get muddy, and travel times sometimes stretch out.
If you’re into cultural experiences, rainy months let you enjoy Nairobi’s museums, markets, and indoor events without peak-season crowds. But if you want photography and wildlife, the dry months offer the most reliable conditions.
Tips for Planning Your Trip to Nairobi
When you plan a trip to Nairobi, keep an eye on seasonal weather, your preferred activities, and how you’ll move around the city. Good preparation helps you make the most of both urban attractions and the wild spots nearby.
Choosing the Right Time for Your Interests
Your travel goals should help you pick when to visit Nairobi. If you want to see wildlife, the dry months from June to October and January to February work best. Roads are easier to manage, and Nairobi National Park offers clearer game viewing.
For cultural events, December brings the Nairobi City Festival, and February has food and music gatherings. If you like fewer crowds, March to May gives you quiet museums and discounted hotels, though heavy rainfall can limit outdoor plans.
Hikers should aim for dry months on trails like Ngong Hills or Karura Forest. If you’re more interested in history and indoor sites, like the Karen Blixen Museum or Nairobi National Museum, rainy months don’t really get in your way.
Packing and Preparation Advice
Pack for the season. In the dry months, lightweight clothes, sunscreen, and a hat are must-haves. Nights can still feel cool, so toss in a light jacket. During rainy months, waterproof shoes and a raincoat make city walks and day trips way more comfortable.
Bring insect repellent all year, since mosquitoes stick around even in the city. Nairobi’s high elevation means evenings can feel chilly, even after warm days.
If you plan day trips outside Nairobi, carry a refillable water bottle and basic first aid. For nature trails like Oloolua or hikes near Mount Longonot, sturdy walking shoes are a must. A small backpack helps you keep essentials organized while you explore.
Navigating Nairobi’s Neighborhoods
Nairobi really sprawls out, and each neighborhood feels a bit different. Karen draws people in with its museums, nature trails, and those leafy, quiet streets.
Westlands? It’s the spot for dining, shopping, and a lively nightlife. The Central Business District packs in government buildings, markets, and a bunch of historical landmarks.
Traffic jams are common, so it’s smart to think ahead about when you travel. I’d recommend using registered taxis or ride-hailing apps if you don’t know the routes—definitely feels safer than hopping into an informal matatu.
You can walk around in places like Karen, or in parts of Westlands, but honestly, sidewalks almost disappear in the city center. Keep your valuables close, and I’d avoid walking late at night.
Staying alert lets you explore more comfortably, and you’ll probably enjoy the city a lot more that way.