When you picture summer in Nairobi, you might expect scorching heat. But thanks to the city’s high elevation, the weather stays surprisingly comfortable.
Average summer temperatures in Nairobi usually sit between the mid-60s and upper-70s Fahrenheit, making it one of the milder African capitals during this season. Days feel warm, nights cool off, and you get a nice balance that works for both outdoor adventures and relaxed evenings.
Summer in Nairobi brings a mix of sunshine and cloud cover. Skies often stay partly cloudy, but daylight hours are steady, and you’ll still enjoy several hours of sun each day.
Rainfall during these months is lighter compared to the wet seasons. So, you can expect mostly dry weather with just the occasional shower.
This combination of mild temperatures, moderate rainfall, and steady daylight makes Nairobi’s summer weather stand out from other regions in Kenya.
If you’re thinking about exploring the city or planning trips to nearby parks, you’ll find the season offers conditions that are both comfortable and reliable.
Overview of Nairobi’s Summer Climate
Nairobi’s summer season comes with mild daytime warmth, cooler nights, and moderate rainfall. The city sits on a high plateau, which shapes its weather and keeps temperatures steady and pleasant compared to other parts of Kenya.
General Climate Characteristics
Nairobi’s summer weather stays fairly mild, with average daytime highs between 24°C and 28°C (75°F to 82°F). Nights cool down to about 12°C to 15°C (54°F to 59°F), so you might want a light sweater after sunset.
Rainfall can vary, but summer months usually bring short afternoon showers. On average, January through March sees between 40 mm and 70 mm of rain, with February being a bit drier than the others.
Humidity levels are moderate, usually between 58% and 65%, so the air feels comfortable—not too dry and not sticky. Sunshine is pretty reliable, with about 8 to 9 hours per day, making outdoor activities easy to plan.
Wind speeds average 10–15 kph, which gives a light breeze that balances out the warmth. This mix of mild temperatures, moderate rain, and steady sunshine creates a climate that residents and visitors both appreciate.
Location and Elevation Impact
Nairobi sits at about 1,650 meters (5,400 feet) above sea level, right on Kenya’s central plateau. This elevation plays a huge role in the city’s climate.
At this height, the air stays cooler than in Kenya’s lower-lying areas, which keeps away extreme heat. Even on the warmest summer days, you’ll rarely see temperatures climb above 30°C (86°F).
Nights can feel a bit chilly since heat escapes quickly at higher elevations.
The surrounding highlands affect rainfall too. Moist air from the Indian Ocean rises over the plateau, cools, and then drops showers. That’s why Nairobi gets two rainy seasons each year, with lighter rain often showing up in summer.
Thanks to its elevation, Nairobi’s weather is more stable and less extreme than you’ll find in coastal or arid areas of Kenya. It’s a lot easier to plan outdoor activities without worrying about sudden temperature spikes.
Köppen-Geiger Climate Classification
Nairobi falls into the Cfb category in the Köppen-Geiger classification. That means it has a temperate oceanic climate with no real dry season.
In practice, you’ll notice moderate temperatures all year, with rainfall spread out across the months. Even the driest summer month—usually July or August—still gets some rain.
The mean annual temperature sits around 18°C to 19°C (64°F to 66°F). Annual rainfall averages between 745 mm and 925 mm, depending on where you measure. Nairobi’s climate isn’t tropical or arid—it’s balanced by the altitude.
The Cfb label also explains the cloud cover patterns. Nairobi often has partly cloudy skies, especially in wetter months, which can cut down on sunshine hours. Still, the climate stays pretty steady, making it one of the more comfortable urban spots in East Africa.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Nairobi
Nairobi’s summer climate stays mild, mostly because it sits about 5,500 feet above sea level. You’ll get warm days, cooler nights, and a steady feel that doesn’t swing to extremes.
Average Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During summer, daytime highs usually land between 75°F and 80°F (24°C to 27°C). Temperatures rarely go above 84°F, so afternoons are comfortable—especially compared to other cities at similar latitudes.
At night, lows average around 59°F (15°C). It’s uncommon for temperatures to dip below 54°F, so evenings feel cool, not cold. Most folks find a light jacket is enough after sunset.
This balance between warm days and cool nights comes from Nairobi’s subtropical highland climate. The altitude keeps heat from building up, so you don’t get the muggy or sweltering conditions you might expect near the equator.
Temperature Variation by Month
Summer in Nairobi runs from December through February. December usually starts with highs near 75°F (24°C), while February often hits the peak around 80°F (27°C).
Nighttime temperatures stay pretty steady, averaging close to 59°F (15°C). The difference between the start and end of summer is more noticeable during the day.
| Month | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 75 | 59 |
| January | 77 | 59 |
| February | 80 | 60 |
These gradual changes make summer one of the most predictable times of year for Nairobi’s weather.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Compared to winter (June–August), summer is a bit warmer. In winter, daytime highs average about 71°F (22°C), and nights can get closer to 54°F (12°C). So, if you like mild warmth, summer’s the better bet.
Spring and autumn bring heavier rainfall, while summer is drier. You’ll see fewer rainy days and steadier temperatures.
Nairobi stands out from other African cities because it doesn’t get extreme heat. Coastal regions are often humid and hot, but Nairobi’s altitude keeps summer moderate and pleasant for outdoor plans.
Rainfall Patterns During Summer
Rainfall in Nairobi during summer is moderate, but it changes from month to month. One of the two rainy seasons sometimes overlaps with this period, which affects how much rain you get and how humid it feels.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
Nairobi’s summer months—roughly June through August—are part of the cooler, drier stretch of the year. Rainfall drops off compared to the heavy rains in April and May.
On average, July is the driest month, with about 17–20 mm of rain. June and August are a bit wetter, averaging 25–35 mm each. That’s way less than April, which can get over 130 mm.
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| June | 25–30 mm |
| July | 17–20 mm |
| August | 30–35 mm |
These lighter totals mean you’ll often see clear skies for much of the day, with only brief showers here and there.
Number of Rainy Days
The number of days with measurable rain drops a lot in summer. In July, you might only get about 5 rainy days, while June and August bring 6–8 days each. That’s a big change from April, which averages almost 19 rainy days.
Rain usually falls in short bursts, not long storms. Showers tend to show up in the afternoon or evening, so mornings are often dry.
If you’re planning your day, expect more dry days than wet ones. Outdoor activities are less likely to get rained out, though it’s smart to prep for the occasional shower.
Humidity Trends
Humidity in Nairobi during summer is lower than in the wetter months. Average relative humidity ranges from 65% to 75%, compared to over 80% during peak rainy times.
The cooler temperatures of 23–25°C in July and August also keep the air from feeling heavy, even when humidity is moderate.
Mornings are usually more humid, but levels drop as the day heats up. Nights can feel crisp, especially in July, when low rainfall and cool air combine to lower overall moisture.
This mix of mild humidity and fewer rainy days creates comfortable conditions for everyone in the city.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Nairobi’s spot near the equator gives you pretty steady daylight all year, but sunshine strength and length do shift with the seasons. In summer, you’ll get more hours of bright sun than during the cloudier, cooler times.
Average Daily Sunshine
During summer in Nairobi, you’ll usually see between 7 and 9 hours of sunshine per day. January often tops the list, with close to 9.5 hours daily. August is a bit less sunny, with only about 4 to 4.5 hours per day.
Yearly, Nairobi totals about 2,450 to 2,500 hours of sunshine, which is more than many cities in North America and Europe. It’s not quite as sunny as Perth, Australia, but it’s still pretty bright.
If you’re planning to be outdoors, mornings and early afternoons are the sunniest. Cloud cover tends to build later in the day, especially during the wetter months. For the best mix of warmth and light, summer is your season.
Daylight Duration in Summer
Because Nairobi is so close to the equator, daylight length barely changes throughout the year. The difference between the longest and shortest days is less than 10 minutes.
In summer, you’ll get about 12 hours of daylight each day, with sunrise around 6:30 a.m. and sunset near 6:30 p.m. That consistency means you can plan your day without worrying about big seasonal shifts.
Unlike cities farther from the equator, Nairobi doesn’t get super long summer days or really short winter ones. This steady rhythm makes it easy to adjust and enjoy outdoor life without major changes in daylight.
Other Summer Weather Factors
During Nairobi’s summer, the weather stays mild, but a few other things shape how comfortable your days feel. Wind, sunlight intensity, and air pressure patterns all matter more than you might think.
Wind Speeds and Patterns
You’ll notice steady but moderate winds in Nairobi during summer. Average speeds hover around 11 km/h (about 7 mph), and sometimes gusts reach up to 17 km/h (10 mph). These breezes help take the edge off the daytime warmth.
Winds mostly come from the east and southeast, shaped by Nairobi’s elevation and its spot near the equator. This keeps air moving and stops things from feeling stagnant or humid.
If you’re planning outdoor activities, you’ll see that mornings are usually calmer, while afternoons can get a bit breezier. The wind doesn’t really disrupt daily life, but it might make shaded spots or high places feel cooler.
UV Index and Sun Protection
Even though temperatures stay mild, Nairobi’s elevation at about 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) makes the sun’s rays pretty strong. The UV index often reaches high levels, especially around midday.
You should use sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and bring UV-protective sunglasses. Light clothing that covers your arms and legs adds another layer of protection.
Clouds can take the edge off, but UV rays still get through. If you’re outside from mid-morning to early afternoon, take breaks in the shade. This is especially true if you’re hitting parks or going on walking tours with little cover.
Air Pressure and Visibility
Air pressure in Nairobi stays pretty steady during summer, usually between 1013 mb and 1017 mb. You won’t feel those sudden shifts that can make some climates uncomfortable.
Visibility is generally good, with clear skies common in the drier summer months. You’ll get long views across the city and out to the highlands.
Sometimes you’ll see a bit of haze in the morning, but it usually clears up as things warm. For travelers, summer is a great time for photography, sightseeing, and enjoying Nairobi’s open landscapes without heavy clouds.
How Nairobi’s Summer Weather Compares Regionally
Nairobi sits high up, so its summer climate feels pretty mild. Daytime highs usually hang out in the mid-20s °C, and nights cool off a lot.
If you look at nearby cities or other places at the same latitude, you’ll spot some big differences in rainfall, cloudiness, and temperature swings.
Comparison With Other Kenyan Cities
Traveling from Nairobi down to Mombasa on the coast, you leave behind the highlands and step right into a humid tropical zone. Mombasa’s summer highs often push up to 30–32°C, and even at night it barely cools off, sticking around 24°C.
Nairobi, on the other hand, keeps its nights much cooler, closer to 15°C. The coast also feels stickier because of the higher humidity.
If you go west to Kisumu by Lake Victoria, you’ll notice it’s both warmer and wetter. Kisumu gets highs of 28–30°C in summer, and those afternoon showers show up a lot.
Meanwhile, Nairobi’s rainfall drops off quite a bit from December to February. It averages just 25–55 mm per month during that time.
Head north to Eldoret, and you’ll find even cooler air since it sits higher up than Nairobi. Highs usually stay at 22–24°C, and nights can get chilly, down to 10–12°C.
Eldoret feels cooler than Nairobi, especially after dark.
| City | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Rainfall Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nairobi | 24–27 | 15 | Light, decreasing |
| Mombasa | 30–32 | 24 | Humid, scattered rain |
| Kisumu | 28–30 | 18–20 | Frequent showers |
| Eldoret | 22–24 | 10–12 | Dry, cooler nights |
Comparison With Global Summer Climates
Nairobi’s summer really stands out for being mild and comfortable, especially if you compare it to other cities at similar elevations. Take Mexico City (elevation ~2,200 m)—summer highs are close to 25°C, pretty similar to Nairobi, but the city gets hit with heavier rainfall during its wet season.
On the other hand, Addis Ababa in Ethiopia, also up in the highlands, feels cooler. Summer highs usually hover around 21–23°C. Nights get downright chilly. Nairobi feels warmer and, honestly, a bit more stable.
If you check out tropical islands like Honolulu or Mérida, the difference is obvious. Both places reach highs of 30–32°C with way more humidity. Nairobi dodges that kind of heat thanks to its altitude, about 1,684 m. That elevation keeps the air drier and noticeably cooler.
So, Nairobi’s summer lands in a pretty “comfortable” climate zone. You get steady daytime warmth, cool nights, and less rainfall than most tropical spots. Outdoor plans? Way easier, since you don’t have to worry about muggy weather or surprise downpours.