Best Time to Visit
Best Time to Visit Nairobi
🇰🇪 Nairobi, Kenya · Africa
Based on 30-year climate data (1991-2020) from Open-Meteo
Recommended Travel Months
Jan
26°
14°
Great
Feb
27°
15°
Great
Mar
27°
16°
Good
Apr
25°
16°
Good
May
23°
15°
Good
Jun
22°
14°
Great
Jul
22°
12°
Great
Aug
22°
13°
Great
Sep
24°
13°
Great
Oct
25°
15°
Good
Nov
23°
15°
Good
Dec
24°
14°
Good
Month-by-Month Weather in Nairobi
| Month | High | Low | Rain Days | Sunshine | Humidity | UV | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| JanuaryRecommended | 26°C | 14°C | 7 | 11h | 82% | 8 | Great | View |
| FebruaryRecommended | 27°C | 15°C | 6 | 11h | 82% | 8 | Great | View |
| March | 27°C | 16°C | 11 | 11h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| April | 25°C | 16°C | 20 | 10h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| May | 23°C | 15°C | 16 | 10h | 82% | 4 | Good | View |
| JuneRecommended | 22°C | 14°C | 8 | 9h | 82% | 4 | Great | View |
| JulyRecommended | 22°C | 12°C | 4 | 8h | 82% | 4 | Great | View |
| AugustRecommended | 22°C | 13°C | 5 | 8h | 82% | 4 | Great | View |
| SeptemberRecommended | 24°C | 13°C | 4 | 10h | 82% | 6 | Great | View |
| October | 25°C | 15°C | 10 | 11h | 82% | 6 | Good | View |
| November | 23°C | 15°C | 19 | 10h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
| December | 24°C | 14°C | 11 | 11h | 82% | 8 | Good | View |
Data source: Open-Meteo ERA5 reanalysis archive, 30-year historical normals (1991-2020). Temperatures in Celsius. Sunshine hours are daily averages.
Seasonal Guide to Nairobi
Spring (September to November)
Avg: 24°C high, 14°C low
The spring equivalent in Nairobi brings gradually warm temperatures. Daytime highs reach around 24°C (75°F) while nights cool to 14°C (57°F). This is one of the wetter periods, so waterproof gear is recommended.
Summer (December to February)
Avg: 26°C high, 14°C low
Summer is the warmest season in Nairobi, with temperatures reaching 26°C (79°F). Comfortable warmth makes this a popular time for tourists, though accommodation prices tend to peak. Long daylight hours and abundant sunshine provide plenty of time to explore.
Fall (March to May)
Avg: 25°C high, 16°C low
Fall in Nairobi is a transitional season with changing conditions. Temperatures settle around 25°C (77°F) during the day and 16°C (61°F) at night. Rainfall picks up during this period, so waterproof clothing is advisable.
Winter (June to August)
Avg: 22°C high, 13°C low
Winter in Nairobi brings the mildest cool season. While not as warm as peak travel months, the pleasant temperatures make for comfortable sightseeing without the summer crowds.
When to Avoid Nairobi
The least favorable time to visit Nairobi is April and May. During this period, you can expect heavy rainfall, high humidity.
April
Challenges: heavy rainfall, high humidity
May
Challenges: heavy rainfall, high humidity
November
Challenges: heavy rainfall, high humidity
Note: visiting during off-peak months often means lower prices, fewer crowds, and a more authentic experience. Consider your priorities when planning your trip.
What to Pack for Nairobi
Packing recommendations for visiting Nairobi during the best travel months (July, August, September), when temperatures range from 13°C to 23°C:
- +Light layers for warm days and cooler evenings
- +Comfortable walking shoes
- +Sunscreen and sunglasses
- +A light sweater or cardigan for evening temperature drops
- +Reusable water bottle
- +Universal power adapter
Nairobi Year-Round Climate Overview
Nairobi has a subtropical climate (Koppen classification: Cwb). The warmest month is March with highs of 27°C, while the coldest month is August at just 22°C. Annual rainfall averages 656mm across approximately 121 rain days.
| Metric | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 26 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 22 | 22 | 22 | 24 | 25 | 23 | 24 |
| Low °C | 14 | 15 | 16 | 16 | 15 | 14 | 12 | 13 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 |
| Rain Days | 7 | 6 | 11 | 20 | 16 | 8 | 4 | 5 | 4 | 10 | 19 | 11 |
| Rain mm | 39 | 36 | 63 | 122 | 95 | 40 | 15 | 22 | 19 | 55 | 97 | 53 |
| Sun h/day | 11 | 11 | 11 | 10 | 10 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 |
| Humidity % | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 |
| UV Index | 8 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 6 | 6 | 8 | 8 |
Compare Nearby Destinations
Considering alternatives to Nairobi? Compare the best travel months for nearby cities:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best month to visit Nairobi?+
The best time to visit Nairobi is July, August, September. During these months, temperatures average 23°C (73°F) with 9 hours of daily sunshine and only 4 rain days per month. These conditions offer the most comfortable weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
What is the worst time to visit Nairobi?+
The least ideal time to visit Nairobi is April and May. During this period, you can expect heavy rainfall, high humidity. While Nairobi can still be visited during this time (often with fewer crowds and lower prices), the weather may limit outdoor activities.
Is Nairobi good to visit in winter?+
Winter in Nairobi (December to February) brings temperatures of 26°C (79°F) highs and 14°C (57°F) lows, with about 11 hours of sunshine and 8 rain days per month. This is generally a good time to visit.
What is the rainy season in Nairobi?+
The rainy season in Nairobi runs from April to November, when average rain days increase to 18 days per month. Total monthly precipitation during this period averages 105mm.
What should I pack for Nairobi?+
When visiting Nairobi during the best travel months (July, August, September), pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings, comfortable walking shoes, and a light jacket. Bring a compact umbrella just in case. Sunscreen and sunglasses are recommended.
Is July a good time to visit Nairobi?+
Yes, July is one of the best months to visit Nairobi. Expect average highs of 22°C (72°F), 8 hours of daily sunshine, and only 4 rain days. The weather is ideal for exploring the city, visiting outdoor attractions, and enjoying local activities.
Detailed Monthly Weather for Nairobi
For a complete day-by-day weather breakdown including packing lists, activities, and local events, explore each month individually:
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
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