When you think of winter, you might picture snow and freezing air, but Nairobi’s winter isn’t like that at all. Nairobi sits high in Kenya’s highlands, more than 5,000 feet above sea level, and that really shapes the city’s mild and comfortable climate.
During winter, Nairobi usually greets you with cool mornings, pleasant afternoons, and hardly any rain.
Daily highs tend to hang out in the low 70s Fahrenheit (about 22–23°C), while lows dip into the mid-50s (around 12–14°C). Rain barely shows up, humidity stays low, and the skies often clear up as winter moves along.
All this makes winter one of the driest and most stable times in Nairobi. You can get outside and explore the city or the nearby wild areas without worrying about weather ruining your plans.
Whether you want to walk through Nairobi National Park or just take in the highland views, the steady climate lets you enjoy long days with almost no interruptions.
Overview of Nairobi’s Climate
Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, has a mild climate thanks to its high elevation and equatorial location. Temperatures stay moderate all year.
Rain comes mostly in two main wet seasons, which really shape much of the city’s weather.
Geographical Location and Altitude
Nairobi sits in southern Kenya, just a bit south of the equator. Because of this, daylight hours barely change, and sunrise and sunset stay pretty consistent.
What really sets Nairobi’s climate apart is its elevation. The city rises to about 1,660 meters (5,450 feet) above sea level on the East African Plateau.
This high altitude keeps things cooler than you’d expect for a city so close to the equator. The highlands around Nairobi also play a role, as air masses crossing the plateau often bring rain, while the elevation keeps extreme heat in check.
You end up with a climate that feels almost spring-like, especially compared to the hotter lowland parts of Kenya.
Climate Classification
The Köppen climate system classifies Nairobi as Cfb (temperate oceanic) or sometimes subtropical highland. Both labels point to the same thing: mild temperatures and no true dry season.
Average yearly temperatures run from about 12°C (54°F) at night up to 26°C (79°F) in the day. These numbers hardly ever stray, so the weather stays pretty predictable.
Rain falls every month, though the amount changes. Nairobi gets more consistent rain than Kenya’s arid regions because of its elevation and spot near the equator.
This steady moisture keeps the city green and supports farming around the area.
Annual Weather Patterns
Nairobi’s weather follows two main rainy seasons. The “long rains” show up from March to May, with April being the wettest month, sometimes getting more than 120 mm of rain.
The “short rains” arrive from October to December, bringing lighter but still regular showers.
Between these, things dry out a bit but don’t go completely rain-free. June through September brings cooler days, with highs around 22°C (72°F) and less rain.
January and February are also pretty dry, though a bit warmer.
Humidity stays moderate to high all year, usually between 65% and 84%. Sunshine hours stay steady, about 8–9 hours per day, so you get consistent daylight for outdoor plans no matter the season.
Defining Winter in Nairobi
Winter in Nairobi doesn’t look anything like the cold, snowy season you might expect elsewhere. Instead, you get cooler temperatures, less rain, and shorter days, but the weather still feels pretty mild compared to most places.
Winter Months in Nairobi
Winter in Nairobi usually runs from June through August. These months bring the coolest weather, with daytime highs between 66°F (19°C) and 73°F (23°C).
Nights and early mornings can feel chilly, with lows around 50–56°F (10–13°C).
Temperatures rarely drop below 50°F, so you don’t need heavy winter clothes. A light jacket or sweater usually does the trick, especially in the mornings and evenings.
Rain almost disappears during these months. July is the driest, with average rainfall near 0.1–0.2 inches.
Winter is one of the least rainy times of year in Nairobi, though you might still get the odd light shower.
Comparison to Traditional Winter
Nairobi’s winter doesn’t bring snow, ice, or freezing nights. The city sits just south of the equator, about 5,500 feet (1,680 meters) up, and that keeps the climate mild all year.
Instead of harsh cold, you get a stretched-out cool season. Days are comfortable, often in the low 70s°F (21–23°C), and nights cool off enough to make you want an extra layer.
The biggest difference from traditional winter is the lack of big swings. You don’t see dramatic temperature drops or super short days.
Daylight hours hold steady at about 12 hours per day, and sunrise and sunset barely change.
Seasonal Transitions
Winter starts creeping in around late May, when temperatures start to dip and rain tapers off after the long rains.
By June, you’ll notice cooler mornings, and the skies can look overcast early before clearing up. As August wraps up, things start to warm again.
September brings higher daytime temps, averaging 75–77°F (24–25°C), and rain chances start to pick up.
These seasonal shifts aren’t dramatic, but you’ll notice crisper mornings, drier air, and lighter winds during Nairobi winter.
The steady daylight and mild temperatures make the changes pretty easy to handle.
Average Winter Temperatures
Winter in Nairobi brings mild weather, cool nights, and comfortable afternoons. Expect steady temperatures without wild swings, making it great for outdoor plans and everyday life.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
Daytime highs usually sit around 23°C (73°F). They rarely drop below 19°C (66°F) or go above 26°C (79°F).
Afternoons feel pleasant and never get oppressively hot, which is a nice change from other equatorial cities.
At night, it cools to about 13°C (55°F). Lows hardly ever fall below 10°C (50°F), though you might notice a chill first thing in the morning.
Planning to be out late or up early? Grab a light jacket.
This balance between warm afternoons and cool nights keeps Nairobi’s winter weather stable and easy to enjoy.
No need to brace for sudden cold snaps or heat waves.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Winter in Nairobi covers June through August, and temperatures barely change during these months.
- June: Highs average 22–23°C (72–73°F), lows near 12–13°C (54–55°F)
- July: Usually the coldest month, with highs at 22°C (72°F) and lows at 12°C (54°F)
- August: Temperatures start to rise, with highs at 23–24°C (73–75°F)
Since there’s not much variation, you won’t need to pack differently if you’re traveling during winter.
Nairobi’s steady winter weather is thanks to its high elevation (1,798 meters / 5,899 feet), which softens both heat and cold.
Temperature Extremes
Extreme temperatures almost never happen in Nairobi’s winter. The coldest nights reach 12°C (54°F), and the chilliest days hit 22°C (72°F).
Even on the coldest days, frost or freezing temperatures just don’t occur.
On the warm side, winter highs rarely go above 26°C (79°F), so you don’t have to worry about uncomfortable heat waves.
Compared to the hottest part of the year, when highs can reach 27°C (81°F), winter feels cooler but not by much.
The lack of both extreme heat and bitter cold makes Nairobi’s winter climate predictable and easy to live with.
Winter Precipitation and Humidity
In Nairobi’s winter, you’ll find moderate rainfall, steady humidity, and fewer rainy days than the rest of the year.
These conditions affect how comfortable it feels outside and what you can do, especially if you like being outdoors.
Rainfall Patterns
Rainfall during winter is much lighter than in the main rainy seasons (March–May and October–December). Monthly totals usually land between 25 mm and 60 mm, depending on the month.
You won’t see the heavy downpours that hit in April or November, but quick showers still pop up.
Nairobi’s spot at about 1,798 meters (5,899 feet) above sea level helps keep the rain moderate compared to lower areas.
Rain usually falls in the late afternoon or evening, so mornings tend to be drier and clearer.
That makes it easier to plan outdoor activities, since early hours rarely get rained out.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Nairobi doesn’t change much through the year, thanks to its equatorial setting. In winter, relative humidity averages 65% to 75%, which feels pretty comfortable, especially compared to Kenya’s coast.
Cooler winter temperatures, with highs near 23°C (73°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F), mean the humidity doesn’t feel sticky.
You might notice a chill in the mornings or evenings, especially if it’s cloudy.
Humidity and cloudiness go hand in hand. During winter, skies are often partly cloudy, and the overcast time drops from about 62% in early June to 44% by August.
As the season goes on, the sky clears up, and the air feels drier.
Rainy Days Frequency
Rainy days drop off in winter compared to the wet months. Expect about 10 to 14 rainy days per month, which is less than the 18 to 20 days you’ll get in the rainy seasons.
Rain usually comes in quick bursts, not long stretches. You might get a short shower, then hours of sunshine.
Sunshine averages 8 to 9 hours per day, so you get a good mix of bright skies and some rain.
This pattern makes winter a reliable time for outdoor plans in Nairobi, without constant weather disruptions.
Sunshine and Daylight During Winter
Winter months in Nairobi bring fewer sunshine hours and slightly shorter days than other times of the year.
You’ll notice cooler mornings, softer sunlight, and more clouds, all of which affect how much daylight you get.
Average Sunshine Hours
In winter, Nairobi gets less daily sunshine than in the earlier dry season. June, July, and August usually bring about 4 to 5 hours of sunshine per day.
That’s quite a bit less than the 9 or more hours you’d see in January.
This drop is tied to seasonal cloudiness. Even though afternoons often clear up, mornings can stay gray and overcast.
This makes the days feel shorter and cooler, even if they’re not that much shorter in reality.
If you want to plan outdoor activities, late morning or early afternoon is usually your best bet for sunshine.
A lot of travelers say the softer light in winter is actually perfect for taking photos.
Daylight Duration
Nairobi’s daylight in winter stays pretty steady, since the city sits so close to the equator.
You get around 11.8 to 12 hours of daylight per day, with sunrise near 6:30 a.m. and sunset close to 6:30 p.m.
Unlike places farther from the equator, you won’t notice big changes in day length between seasons.
The main thing that changes isn’t how long the sun is up, but how strong and visible it is through the clouds.
This steady daylight makes it easy to plan your days. Whether you’re commuting, sightseeing, or heading out on safari, you don’t really need to adjust for seasonal shifts in daylight.
Cloud Cover Trends
Cloud cover really shapes how winter feels in Nairobi. In June and July, you’ll find skies overcast about 50–60% of the time, especially in the mornings.
By August, clouds start to thin out a bit, but the sky still doesn’t clear up like it does in the drier months.
These clouds keep daytime temperatures mild, usually around 23–24°C. Nights feel cooler too.
Cloudiness cuts down on sunshine hours, even though the length of daylight doesn’t really change.
If you’re hoping for more sun, late August into September usually brings more breaks in the clouds.
That’s when you’ll notice the shift toward drier, sunnier days.
Other Winter Weather Factors
During winter in Nairobi, you’ll notice more than just cooler air. Wind, air pressure, and the occasional weather pattern all affect daily comfort.
Wind Speeds and Directions
Winds in Nairobi’s winter stay light to moderate. You’ll usually feel breezes between 6–13 mph, with the stronger winds showing up more often from December to February.
Most of the time, these breezes come from the east or southeast, thanks to the regional trade winds.
Mornings tend to feel calmer, but afternoons can bring a bit more gustiness. Local heating patterns kick up the air movement as the day goes on.
If you’re traveling, don’t worry—the wind rarely disrupts plans. Instead, it clears the air and cuts humidity, so the outdoors feel pleasant.
A light jacket usually does the trick, especially if you’re in the shade or up in the hills.
Air Pressure Variability
At about 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level, Nairobi sits higher than coastal cities, so the air pressure here is lower.
In winter, pressure readings mostly stay steady, though passing weather systems can nudge them a bit.
You’ll see typical values around 633 mmHg (21.4 inHg), which is pretty standard for highland areas.
These small changes usually go unnoticed, but if you’re sensitive, you might feel a little fatigue or get short of breath when you’re active.
Stable pressure supports a dry, clear atmosphere during most winter months. That makes the season a good bet for outdoor plans, whether you’re touring the city or heading to a park.
Notable Weather Events
Winter in Nairobi usually feels calm, with only a few surprises. Unlike the wet months—April, May, and November—rain barely makes an appearance, and storms are rare.
You’ll get more sunny days and not much cloud cover.
Sometimes cool nights in June and July dip into the lower 50s °F (10–12 °C).
If you’re used to warmer nights, these can catch you off guard, but they’re not severe.
Dust can pick up when winds blow across drier areas outside the city. These dusty spells don’t last long and won’t really disrupt your plans, but they might blur the view or bother sensitive folks.
Travel Tips for Nairobi’s Winter Season
Nairobi’s winter brings cooler mornings, mild afternoons, and less rain than other times of year. You’ll spot shorter showers, clearer skies, and pleasant daytime temperatures that make getting outside a lot easier.
What to Pack
Go for light layers—mornings and evenings can feel chilly, with lows near 12–13°C, while afternoons usually reach 22–24°C.
A light jacket or sweater comes in handy if you’re up early or outside before sunrise.
Pack comfortable walking shoes for city exploring and nature reserves.
A hat and sunglasses help with the midday sun, which still packs a punch even when it’s cooler.
Toss in a compact umbrella or light rain jacket—short showers still pop up here and there.
If you’re heading out on safari, bring neutral-colored clothing for game drives and skip the bright colors, since they can distract wildlife.
For your gadgets, a universal power adapter is a must, since Kenya uses the British-style plug (Type G).
A reusable water bottle keeps you hydrated, especially since the dry air can sneak up on you.
Best Activities
With mild winter weather, it’s a great time for wildlife viewing. Nairobi National Park, just outside the city, offers clear morning game drives with less dust and hardly any heavy rain.
Inside the city, you might want to visit the David Sheldrick Elephant Orphanage or the Giraffe Centre—both feel especially nice in cooler weather.
Winter is also a good season for culture. You can stroll through the Karen Blixen Museum or browse open-air craft markets without sweating through the heat.
Clearer skies make outdoor dining a treat. Plenty of Nairobi’s restaurants have garden seating, so you can relax and try local dishes.
If hiking’s your thing, check out the Ngong Hills or Karura Forest. The air feels cooler and less humid, so it’s a much more comfortable trek than in the hotter months.
Health and Safety Considerations
Even when the weather feels cool, sun protection really matters. Go ahead and use sunscreen daily, since Nairobi sits right near the equator and those ultraviolet levels stay high.
Bring insect repellent with you, because mosquitoes don’t really take a break, even if malaria risk in Nairobi isn’t as high as in rural spots.
Drink plenty of water, especially if you’re outside for a while. Cooler air mixed with dryness can trick you into thinking you’re not losing fluids, but you probably are.
Traffic in Nairobi? It gets heavy, honestly. Give yourself some extra travel time between plans. Stick with reliable transport options, and if you’re out late, don’t walk alone in quiet areas.
If your lungs are a bit sensitive, keep in mind that dust can kick up on dry days. Maybe toss a light face mask in your bag if you’re planning to walk along busy roads or through open-air markets.