Spring in Nairobi, Kenya feels like a blend of mild warmth and shifting skies. The daylight keeps a steady rhythm, making the season comfortable, but it can be a bit unpredictable. Daytime highs usually hit around 76°F (24°C), while nights cool down to 55–60°F (13–16°C). That’s pretty pleasant for city exploring or heading out into the countryside.
Unlike places where spring brings big changes, Nairobi’s subtropical highland climate keeps temperatures pretty steady. Still, you’ll notice more clouds and rain as the season moves along.
As spring rolls on, the skies get cloudier and the rain picks up. Light showers start in early September and by November, you might see heavier rainfall. This pattern really shapes daily life in Kenya’s capital, from how locals plan their days to when travelers decide to visit.
With just over 12 hours of daylight all season, you always have time to check out city sights or wander into nature nearby. It’s nice not having to rush.
Knowing how the weather works here helps you plan better. Maybe you’re comparing spring to other times of year, figuring out when to visit, or just curious how weather shapes local culture. Either way, it’s good to know what you’re in for.
Overview of Nairobi’s Spring Climate
During spring, Nairobi gives you mild temperatures, regular rainfall, and steady humidity. The weather stays comfortable, but the long rains really define the season more than any temperature swings.
Seasonal Temperature Patterns
Spring in Nairobi runs from March through May. Temperatures stay pretty stable, especially compared to other places. Daytime highs land between 22°C (72°F) and 27°C (80°F), and at night it cools to about 14°C–16°C (57°F–61°F).
March feels a bit warmer, with highs near the top of that range. By April and May, afternoons cool off as clouds and rain move in. Even with the rain, you won’t see wild temperature swings, making Nairobi’s spring weather easy to predict.
If you’re used to dramatic seasonal changes, Nairobi’s climate might surprise you with its consistency. The city sits at about 1,795 meters (5,889 feet) above sea level, which helps keep things mild, even at the height of the rains.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Rainfall really sets the tone for Nairobi’s spring. March starts the shift, with about 50–60 mm (2 in) of rain. April is the wettest month, often hitting 120–130 mm (about 5 in). May stays damp, though the rain drops off a bit to 80–85 mm (3 in).
Rainy days stack up, especially in April—you might see rain on 20–25 days, usually in the afternoon or evening. The showers can be heavy, but they rarely last all day.
Locals call this the “long rains.” Roads can get muddy, and you might need to adjust your plans for outdoor stuff. Still, the rain turns the landscape lush and green, which many travelers love—especially if you’re looking to visit Nairobi’s parks and gardens at their best.
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~56 mm | 19 days |
| April | ~125 mm | 24–27 days |
| May | ~83 mm | 22–25 days |
Humidity and Sunshine Hours
Humidity holds steady between 70% and 84% during spring. April feels the stickiest, thanks to the constant rain and thick cloud cover. Even so, temperatures stay comfortable, and it rarely feels oppressively muggy.
Sunshine hours drop compared to the dry months. March offers about 8.8–9 hours per day, but April’s clouds cut that down to around 8.5 hours. In May, you’ll start to see a bit more sunshine as the skies clear up.
You get a mix of cloudy mornings, afternoon showers, and the occasional bright break. If you’re planning something outdoors, mornings usually work best before heavier showers roll in.
Monthly Breakdown of Spring Weather
Spring in Nairobi keeps things mild, with highs in the mid-70s °F and lows in the mid-50s °F. Rainfall climbs as the season goes on, and cloud cover gets thicker. Daylight hours barely change, which makes planning a bit easier.
March Weather Highlights
In March, you’ll see daytime highs around 75°F (24°C), and nights drop to about 56°F (13°C). The air feels nice and humidity stays low, so it’s great for being outside.
Rain starts to pick up compared to earlier in the year. On average, you’ll get 2 to 3 inches (50–75 mm) of rain, usually in short bursts. The rains aren’t constant, but when they come, they can be pretty strong.
Skies stay partly cloudy, which keeps things from getting too hot. Winds blow in from the east at about 8–9 mph, making evenings feel cooler. With around 12 hours of daylight, sunrises and sunsets hit close to 6:30 AM and 6:30 PM.
April Weather Highlights
April kicks off the wettest stretch of spring in Nairobi. Highs hover near 74–76°F (23–24°C), and lows average 57–59°F (14–15°C). The mild temperatures make things comfortable, but it’s the rain you’ll notice.
Showers come often, with April averaging 6 to 8 inches (150–200 mm) of rain. Wet days are the norm, and clouds fill the sky over 70% of the time. Fewer sunshine hours, but the air still feels fresh, not stuffy.
Winds pick up a little, reaching 10–11 mph, still mostly from the east. Despite the clouds, daylight stays steady at just over 12 hours.
May Weather Highlights
May keeps the rain coming, but temperatures don’t change much. Daytime highs sit at 74–75°F (23–24°C), and nights cool to 56–58°F (13–14°C). The mild range makes it easy to plan both indoor and outdoor activities, even if you need to dodge a shower.
Rain averages 4 to 6 inches (100–150 mm), a bit less than April. Showers usually hit in the afternoon or evening, leaving mornings clearer. Cloud cover stays high, but you’ll catch some sun between the clouds.
Winds stay moderate, about 10 mph, so the air never feels too still. Sunrise creeps a little earlier to about 6:20 AM, and sunset stays around 6:30 PM. That mix of rain and mild warmth really sums up late-spring in Nairobi.
Comparing Spring to Other Nairobi Seasons
Spring in Nairobi means long rains, cooler evenings, and plenty of clouds. If you’re planning a trip, it helps to see how spring stacks up against the city’s other seasons.
How Spring Differs from Summer
Spring (March to May) gets much wetter than summer. April brings the most rain—often over 3 inches—while summer months like January and February barely see an inch. You’ll want rain gear in spring, but in summer, light clothes do the trick.
Spring highs average 74–76°F (23–24°C), with nights in the low 60s°F. Summer runs a bit warmer, with highs near 79–81°F (26–27°C) and cooler nights in the low 50s°F.
Summer skies are usually clear, while spring is often overcast. If you’re hoping for reliable sunshine for safaris or hikes, summer is better. But if you’re okay with rain, spring brings out Nairobi’s lush landscapes.
How Spring Differs from Fall
Fall (September to mid-October) is drier and clearer than spring. September averages about 0.2 inches of rain, while April can see over 3 inches. Fall is great for outdoor activities with almost no rain interruptions.
Fall temperatures range from 65–80°F (18–27°C), similar to spring, but the dry air makes the heat feel more comfortable. Cloud cover picks up in October but isn’t as heavy as in April or May.
For many, fall is the top time to visit Nairobi. You get mild temperatures, long daylight, and way fewer rainy days. If you want predictable weather, fall is a safer bet than spring.
How Spring Differs from Winter
Winter (June through August) in Nairobi is cooler and much drier. Highs average 71–73°F (21–23°C), and lows can dip to the lower 50s°F. Winter evenings feel chillier than spring, when nights stay in the low 60s°F.
Rainfall almost disappears in winter—July often gets less than 0.1 inches. Compare that to April, which can exceed 3 inches. So, you’ll see clear skies and dry air in winter, but spring means regular showers.
Winter brings calmer winds and steady weather. Outdoor activities like visiting Nairobi National Park or taking walking tours are easier in winter. Spring has pleasant temperatures, but you’ll need to stay flexible with your plans because of the rain.
Best Time to Visit Nairobi During Spring
Spring in Nairobi means the long rains, with showers pretty common from March through May. There’s more rain, but you also get cooler temperatures, green scenery, and fewer crowds than during the dry season.
Ideal Months for Outdoor Activities
From March to May, expect frequent afternoon showers or thunderstorms. Mornings are usually clearer, so that’s your best bet for short outdoor outings before the rain rolls in.
If you’re planning safaris, keep in mind that heavy rains can turn dirt roads into mud, making travel tough. Some lodges outside the city close during the wettest weeks, especially late April and May. Still, city spots like the Nairobi National Museum or Karen Blixen Museum stay open.
Spring is a great time for photography. The rain brings out vibrant greens and dramatic skies. Birdwatchers will also have a field day, since migratory species are more active now.
Even though it’s not the best time to visit Nairobi for long game drives, you’ll still find shorter trips, cultural sites, and indoor experiences worth your time. Just toss a light rain jacket and waterproof shoes in your bag.
Tourist Considerations in Spring
Traveling in spring usually costs less, since it’s the low season. Hotels and tour operators often drop their rates, so you can stretch your budget further.
With fewer tourists around, you can check out Nairobi’s museums, restaurants, and markets without dealing with big crowds. Galleries and shops are a lot calmer too.
You’ll need to stay flexible, though. Flight delays happen more often because of the weather, and some safari routes might close. Sticking to paved roads and staying close to the city center helps you avoid hassles.
If you want a quieter, more affordable trip, spring is a good choice. Just remember, the rain will shape your plans and what’s practical each day.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Nairobi’s Spring
Spring in Nairobi means mild daytime warmth, cool evenings, and more rain as the weeks go by. You’ll want to be ready for changing skies—clear in the morning, cloudy by afternoon—and pack things that keep you comfortable and dry.
What to Pack for Spring Weather
During spring, Nairobi’s daytime temperatures usually reach 24–25°C (76–77°F), and nights drop to about 13–16°C (55–61°F). So, you’ll need both light clothes and a couple of warmer layers.
Pack breathable shirts, trousers, and a light sweater or jacket for evenings. Don’t forget a compact umbrella or light rain jacket—rainfall picks up, especially in October and November.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, since sidewalks can be uneven and roads get muddy after showers. A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are smart, too—UV levels stay high even when it’s cloudy.
If you’re heading to Nairobi National Park or nearby reserves, stick with neutral-colored clothing for game drives. Bright whites or flashy colors stand out and aren’t the best choice for blending in.
Health and Safety Considerations
Nairobi’s air usually feels dry, with barely any muggy days. Still, you’ll want to stay hydrated—higher elevations seem to make you thirsty faster.
Bring a reusable water bottle and top it up with safe drinking water whenever you can.
You won’t find as many mosquitoes in Nairobi as you would along the coast, but it’s smart to pack mosquito repellent anyway. If you’re heading out of the city, you might want to think about anti-malarial medication too.
Spring brings more rain, so keep an eye out for slippery paths and the odd bit of flooding in lower areas. Shoes with good grip really help cut down your risk of slipping.
Nairobi sits at about 1,684 meters (5,525 feet), and some folks feel a bit tired when they first arrive. Don’t rush—take it easy for your first day or so, and give your body time to settle in before you jump into long hikes or safaris.
Impact of Spring Weather on Local Life and Tourism
Mild temperatures and increasing rainfall shape how people in Nairobi adjust their routines. Visitors end up planning their trips around the weather too.
Cloudier skies, shifting winds, and more frequent showers can throw off outdoor plans, travel, and all those seasonal events.
Effect on Daily Life in Nairobi
During spring, Nairobi usually sees highs around 76°F (24°C), and nights dip down to the mid-50s °F (13–15°C). That’s pretty manageable—no stifling heat while you’re commuting, shopping, or working outside.
As the weeks roll by, you’ll spot more clouds and a bigger chance of rain. By late spring, rainy days are just part of the routine, so tossing an umbrella or a light rain jacket in your bag makes sense.
Some neighborhoods get muddy, and traffic tends to crawl during heavier showers.
Winds pick up too, often blowing at 8–11 mph. That’s nice for cutting the humidity, but it can kick up dust in the drier spots.
Farmers really appreciate the rain since it helps with planting and gets crops growing. For you, that means local markets fill up with fresh produce.
With Nairobi’s high elevation, humidity stays low, so muggy weather almost never happens. Even on those overcast days, both residents and visitors usually find the weather pretty comfortable.
Spring Events and Activities
Spring rains definitely shape what you can do outside. Sure, short showers pop up often, but you’ll usually find time for activities before or after the rain.
Mornings tend to be clearer, so they’re a great bet for walks, checking out local markets, or heading over to Nairobi National Park.
Cultural events and festivals keep going through the season, though organizers sometimes tweak plans for the weather. Outdoor concerts, food fairs, and sporting events might shift their schedules to dodge the heaviest showers.
You’ll want to check local updates, since the weather can change plans at the last minute.
Tourism adapts too. Safaris near Nairobi get a boost from the greener landscapes, and wildlife comes closer to graze.
Birdwatchers have more to see, as migratory species show up with the rains.
If you’re into photography, the softer light from cloudy skies really makes for some stunning landscape and wildlife shots.
Even with the extra rain, spring is still a good time to explore Nairobi.
Just bring light rain gear and keep your plans flexible, so you can enjoy both city life and nature nearby.