When you picture fall in Nairobi, you’ll probably think of mild temperatures, steady daylight, and a slow shift in rainfall. Average daytime highs start around 27°C in early March and cool to about 23°C by late May, while nights hover near 15°C.
The weather feels comfortable—no wild extremes like you might find elsewhere during this time of year.
Cloud cover gradually fades as the months pass, and although April can bring frequent rain, it rarely feels like too much.
Sunshine hours don’t change much, so you get reliable daylight for exploring or just getting around.
The air stays dry and pleasant, with barely any humidity to bother you.
This mix of warmth, light, and manageable rain makes fall a pretty practical time to check out Nairobi.
If you’re planning outdoor adventures or just wondering what to pack, knowing these patterns helps you make smart choices for your trip.
Overview of Fall Weather in Nairobi
Nairobi’s fall season offers mild temperatures, steady daylight, and a slow change in rain and cloud cover.
You’ll find comfortable conditions for being outside, with only small changes in temperature, humidity, and wind.
Defining Fall Months in Nairobi
In Nairobi, fall covers March through May, which lines up with the long rainy season.
The city doesn’t really have sharp seasonal changes, but this stretch brings more rainfall and slightly cooler days than the hot start of the year.
Daytime highs usually sit between 74°F and 81°F (23°C to 27°C), while nights stay near 59°F (15°C).
These temperatures barely budge, so you don’t have to worry about sudden heatwaves or cold snaps.
Rain falls more often now, averaging about 2 inches (50 mm) each month, though totals shift a bit.
April tends to be wetter than March or May.
Because Nairobi sits near the equator, daylight hours stick close to 12 hours all season long.
Climate Classification and Location
Nairobi sits about 5,500 feet (1,680 meters) above sea level, and this elevation gives it a subtropical highland climate.
Despite being so close to the equator, temperatures stay moderate all year.
The city lies just south of the equator, so seasonal shifts are more about rain than temperature.
You won’t find snow or frost here, and humidity stays low enough to keep things comfortable.
The surrounding landscape—grasslands, croplands, and forests—affects the weather too.
The higher ground helps cool things off, so Nairobi feels cooler than many other East African cities at lower elevations.
Typical Weather Patterns
During fall, you’ll see cloud cover slowly drop, from about 69% in early March to 62% by late May.
Skies often look overcast in April, but by season’s end, clear days show up more often.
Rain falls in quick bursts, not all-day storms.
Wet days make up about 12–15% of the season, with April seeing the most rain.
Still, rainfall usually stays manageable for travel and daily life.
Winds mostly blow in from the east, averaging 7 to 10 mph (11–16 km/h).
These breezes keep the air fresh and help balance the mild humidity.
Solar energy levels dip a bit as the season goes on, but you’ll still get plenty of daylight for whatever’s on your agenda.
Average Temperatures During Fall
Temperatures in Nairobi during fall stay pretty steady, with warm afternoons and cool mornings.
You’ll see highs in the mid-70s to low-80s °F and lows in the upper-50s °F, making it easy to get outside or travel around.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
During fall, daytime highs in Nairobi usually range from 81°F (27°C) in early March to about 74°F (23°C) by late May.
Temperatures rarely go above 84°F or below 70°F, so you skip the wild swings seen in other places.
At night, lows average around 59°F (15°C).
Evenings feel cool but not cold, and it’s rare for temperatures to dip below 54°F.
You can stroll or dine outside without needing a heavy coat.
Warm days and cooler nights set a steady rhythm for the season.
Light clothes work for the daytime, and a sweater or jacket is perfect for the evenings.
This consistency is one reason Nairobi’s fall weather appeals to so many visitors.
Monthly Temperature Trends
From March through May, you’ll notice a gentle cooling trend.
March brings average highs near 81°F (27°C) and lows around 60°F (16°C).
By April, highs drop to about 77°F (25°C), while lows stay close to 59°F (15°C).
May keeps cooling things off, with highs around 74°F (23°C) and lows dipping to 58°F (14°C).
The changes happen slowly, not suddenly, so you can plan activities without worrying about big temperature swings.
Temperature Variability
Temperature shifts during fall stay predictable and narrow.
The difference between highs and lows usually sits at 15–20°F.
Mornings and evenings feel crisp, while afternoons stay nicely warm.
You won’t see many extremes.
The hottest days rarely top 84°F (29°C), and the coolest nights almost never go below 54°F (12°C).
This stability makes packing easy—light layers for the day, maybe a jacket for the night.
Mild changes like this are a big part of Nairobi’s climate charm in fall.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
During fall in Nairobi, rainfall drops off from the heavy showers of April and May.
You’ll notice things get drier, though short rains still pop up in October and November.
The mix of wet and dry days shapes how you plan your outings and travel.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rain in Nairobi during fall doesn’t spread out evenly over September, October, and November.
September usually stays pretty dry, with 25–40 mm of rain.
October sees a jump, averaging 60–100 mm.
November brings the peak of the short rainy season, with totals hitting 120–150 mm.
So, you’ll get lighter showers early in fall and heavier downpours as November rolls in.
Rain often comes in the afternoon or evening, leaving mornings clearer.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| September | 25–40 | Mostly dry, light showers |
| October | 60–100 | Moderate increase |
| November | 120–150 | Short rains peak |
The increase matches Nairobi’s equatorial climate, where shifting wind patterns and the Intertropical Convergence Zone drive rainfall.
Number of Rainy Days
Rainy days tick up as fall moves along.
September usually brings 5–7 rainy days.
October goes up to about 10–12, and November averages 14–18 days with some rain.
Still, rainy days don’t always mean a washout.
Showers are usually brief, maybe an hour or two, and sunshine often follows.
You can still plan to be outside, just keep an umbrella handy.
In November, more rainy days can slow down travel and make roads tricky.
If you’re visiting then, packing light rain gear makes sense.
Rainfall Distribution Across Fall
Rain in Nairobi during fall doesn’t fall evenly.
September is drier, while November brings most of the season’s rain.
October sits in the middle, acting as a bridge between the two.
Most rain comes in short, intense bursts, not long drizzles.
So, even in the wetter months, you’ll still get long dry spells.
Afternoon showers are more common than rain in the morning.
Early in the season, expect clearer skies; later, plan for more wet weather.
If you’ve got outdoor events or travel lined up, November is the month most likely to get disrupted by rain.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
During fall in Nairobi, you get steady daylight almost every day, with only tiny changes in day length.
Sunshine levels shift a bit more, starting off brighter and growing cloudier as the season goes on.
Clouds really decide how much direct sunlight you’ll get.
Average Daily Sunshine
In September, you’ll get about 6 hours of sunshine per day.
October bumps this up to around 7 hours, and November stays just above 7 hours.
These numbers come from long-term climate records, reflecting Nairobi’s spot near the equator.
October usually shines brightest, with clearer skies.
September can start off cloudier, so you get shorter sunny spells.
By November, things stay bright, but cloud cover increases as the short rains arrive.
Here’s the gist:
- September: ~6 hours daily
- October: ~7 hours daily
- November: ~7 hours daily
So, you get direct sun for about half the daylight hours during fall.
Length of Daylight
Daylight in Nairobi barely changes in fall.
Because the city’s so close to the equator, the difference between the longest and shortest days is less than 15 minutes.
From September to November, you’ll see about 12 hours of daylight per day.
For example, September gives you about 12h 06m, October 12h 08m, and November 12h 10m.
You probably won’t even notice the difference.
This stability means you don’t have to rush or worry about early sunsets.
Whether you’re sightseeing, commuting, or just out for an evening walk, daylight hours stay reliable.
Cloud Cover Trends
Cloud cover changes a bit more than daylight.
In early September, skies are partly cloudy or overcast about 50% of the time.
By October, clearer skies take over, with sunshine filling nearly 60% of daylight hours.
As November comes in, clouds return, especially in the afternoons.
This matches up with the short rains and thicker clouds.
Here’s a quick look at average sunny daylight percentages:
- September: ~50% sunny
- October: ~59% sunny
- November: ~59% sunny
You’ll get the brightest skies in the middle of the season, with more clouds showing up as fall winds down.
Humidity, Wind, and Other Atmospheric Conditions
During fall in Nairobi, you’ll deal with moderate humidity, gentle but steady winds, and a fairly high UV index thanks to the city’s height and equatorial location.
These factors all play into how comfortable it feels outside and how you plan your day.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Nairobi during fall usually sits between 65% and 78%.
Mornings and evenings can feel a little damp, but afternoons are more comfortable.
November brings the highest humidity, as the short rains push up moisture in the air.
September feels drier, with humidity on the lower end.
Since humidity never gets too extreme, you rarely deal with sticky, heavy air.
If you’re planning to be outside in October or November, expect more clouds and maybe a bit of drizzle.
Indoors, the air feels mild, so you probably won’t need dehumidifiers or air conditioning.
Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds in Nairobi during fall are light to moderate, averaging around 10–12 km/h (6–7 mph).
They usually come from the east and southeast, thanks to regional trade winds.
September often has steadier breezes, which help offset warmer days.
By November, winds calm down as rain picks up, making things a bit more humid.
You’ll rarely find wind strong enough to be a problem.
Instead, it offers a nice cooling effect, especially in the afternoons.
If you’re heading to parks or open spaces, the breeze makes walks and hikes more pleasant.
UV Index and Air Quality
Nairobi sits at about 1,660 meters (5,450 feet) above sea level, so the UV index stays high all year. In fall, you’ll often see values hit 8–10 on the scale, which is definitely strong.
Honestly, you’ll want sun protection—think sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses—even when it looks a bit cloudy.
Air quality usually feels pretty good during fall, especially after those light rains that wash away dust and particles. Still, traffic can cause local pollution in the busier parts of the city center.
If you’re heading outdoors, especially around midday, try not to stay in direct sun too long and keep some water with you. High UV and moderate humidity can make afternoons feel warmer than you’d expect from the actual temperature.
What to Expect: Practical Tips for Fall Visitors
During fall, Nairobi’s temperatures stay mild. Daytime highs hover in the mid-70s °F, and evenings drop to around 59°F.
You might get some rain, but it’s usually light, and the skies flip between cloudy and clear. These shifts affect what you wear, your plans, and even how you get around town.
Recommended Clothing
Pack light layers, since mornings and evenings can feel chilly compared to midday. A light jacket or sweater is great for evenings, while short sleeves or thin long sleeves work well during the day.
Bring a compact rain jacket or umbrella, since those light showers can pop up, especially early in the season.
You’ll want practical shoes—closed-toe walking shoes for the city, and sturdier ones if you’re checking out parks nearby.
Don’t skip sun protection. Even with clouds, Nairobi’s elevation means the UV can still be intense. Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for anything outdoors.
A simple packing list could look like this:
- 2–3 light shirts (short or long sleeve)
- 1–2 sweaters/light jackets
- 1 rain jacket or umbrella
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat and sunglasses
Outdoor Activities and Events
Fall feels like a great time for outdoor exploration. The temperatures are comfortable, and humidity stays low.
Wildlife viewing in Nairobi National Park works well, as animals tend to gather near water after the short rains.
City parks like Karura Forest and Uhuru Park are nice for walking or cycling. The trails usually aren’t muddy like they get in the heavier rainy season.
You might find cultural events and festivals happening in the city during this period. It’s a good chance to catch music, food, or local crafts.
Short trips to spots like the Giraffe Centre or Karen Blixen Museum are easy, since you don’t have to deal with extreme heat or heavy rain.
Photography gets a boost too. Cloud cover can give you soft light, and on clear days, you’ll get sharp views of the Ngong Hills and the city skyline.
Travel Considerations
Traffic in Nairobi tends to be heavy all year, so you’ll want to give yourself extra time when getting between the airport, hotels, or any attractions. If it rains, roads get slick, and that can slow things down even more—just something to keep in mind if you’re traveling by car.
Accommodation demand isn’t as high as it is during the dry season. You might spot better availability and slightly lower rates. Still, safari lodges outside the city can fill up pretty fast.
Public transport is there, but honestly, it’s usually crowded and not the most reliable for visitors. Most folks end up hiring a driver or sticking with reputable taxi services, which just makes life simpler.
Nairobi’s altitude means you probably won’t deal with extreme heat, but staying hydrated is still important. Always carry bottled water for day trips, and it’s best to skip tap water altogether.
Planning to head out of Nairobi? Definitely check road conditions and weather updates before you go, especially if you’re aiming for rural or safari areas, since rain can make some routes tough to access.