Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, enjoys a mild subtropical highland climate thanks to its elevation of about 1,795 metres. The city experiences warm days and cool nights year-round, with two distinct rainy seasons and abundant sunshine. Temperatures are comfortable, rarely extreme, making Nairobi an inviting destination for outdoor activities and urban exploration throughout most of the year.
The best times to travel section shows how the months compare for a visit, so you can find the time of year that fits what you want to do.
Background colours of the months:
The colour shows the typical temperature: yellow (hot), green (mild) and blue (cold). How strong the colour is shows the travel season: full colour means high season, soft colour means shoulder season and soft-striped means off season.
Weather symbols:
Each month has one symbol showing what the weather is typically like, such as hot and sunny, freezing or a rainy or snowy season. Use them to quickly spot months that match the weather you want, or to avoid the ones that don't.
Crowdedness:
The people icon shows how busy the place usually is. The more people, the more crowded it gets.
Additional notes:
The grey info boxes point out special things worth knowing, like recurring weather issues or seasonal events.
Nairobi’s climate is classified as subtropical highland, characterised by moderate temperatures and a distinct pattern of wet and dry seasons. The city’s elevation keeps temperatures pleasant, with average daily highs ranging from 21°C in July (the coolest month) to 26–28°C in February and March (the warmest months). Nighttime lows can dip to 10–14°C, especially from June to August, so evenings and early mornings may feel chilly.
The city receives about 745 mm of rainfall annually, distributed mainly over two rainy seasons: the ‘long rains’ from March to May and the ‘short rains’ from late October to December. April is the wettest month, with up to 155 mm of rain, while July and August are the driest, each averaging only 12–14 mm. Humidity is generally moderate, peaking during the rainy months. Sunshine is plentiful, with Nairobi averaging around 2,400–2,500 hours of sunshine per year; the sunniest months are January and February, while July and August are cloudier. Winds are typically light to moderate, averaging around 15–18 km/h, with December being the windiest month. Daylight hours remain consistent at about 12 hours per day throughout the year.
Due to its altitude, Nairobi rarely experiences extreme heat or cold, and there is no snow. The climate supports lush greenery during the rains, while the dry seasons are cooler and more comfortable for outdoor pursuits. The city’s weather is generally stable, but can change quickly, especially during the transition between wet and dry periods.
| Average climate data for Nairobi, Kenya | |||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Average maximum temperature (°C) | 26 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 23 | 25 | 25 | 24 | 24 | 27 |
| Average minimum temperature (°C) | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 14 | 13 | 13 | 14 | 14 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 13 |
| Average precipitation (mm) | 28 | 33 | 56 | 123 | 83 | 69 | 32 | 33 | 31 | 61 | 67 | 59 | 675 |
| Average rainfall days (days) | 12 | 13 | 19 | 27 | 28 | 23 | 19 | 16 | 17 | 22 | 25 | 20 | 242 |
| Average relative humidity (%) | 68 | 65 | 68 | 80 | 83 | 80 | 74 | 71 | 68 | 67 | 77 | 78 | 73 |
| Average wind speed (km/h) | 11 | 12 | 11 | 9 | 7 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 11 | 11 | 11 | 9 |
| Average daily daylight hours (h) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Average daily sunshine hours (h) | 9 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 | 9 |
| Average cloud coverage (%) | 26 | 25 | 32 | 51 | 54 | 46 | 42 | 42 | 35 | 40 | 45 | 43 | 40 |
| Average UV index | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
The best time to visit Nairobi is during the dry seasons: January to February and June to September. These months offer mild temperatures, plenty of sunshine, and minimal rainfall – ideal for safaris, sightseeing, and outdoor adventures. Wildlife viewing is excellent, and the weather is comfortable for exploring both the city and surrounding parks.
The least favourable time to visit Nairobi is during the long rains, from March to May, and the short rains in November. Heavy rainfall can cause muddy roads, disrupt outdoor plans, and reduce wildlife visibility. April is particularly wet, making travel and sightseeing less enjoyable, though the city is lush and green.
Nairobi has a mild subtropical highland climate with warm days, cool nights, and moderate temperatures year-round. The city experiences two rainy seasons and plenty of sunshine, making it comfortable for travel most of the year.
Nairobi has two rainy seasons: the ‘long rains’ from March to May, peaking in April, and the ‘short rains’ from late October to December. The rest of the year is mostly dry and pleasant.
Nairobi’s daytime temperatures rarely exceed 28°C, even in the hottest months (February–March). Nights are cool, often dropping to 10–14°C, especially from June to August.
Extreme weather is rare in Nairobi due to its elevation. The city doesn’t experience snow or extreme heat, but heavy rainfall during the wet seasons can cause temporary flooding and muddy conditions.
Pack layered clothing to accommodate cool mornings and warm afternoons. Bring a light jacket or jumper for evenings, rain gear for the wet seasons, and sun protection (hat, sunglasses, sun cream) year-round.
Yes, Nairobi is an excellent base for safaris, especially during the dry seasons (January–February and June–September) when wildlife viewing is at its best and the weather is comfortable.
The warmest month, with the highest average maximum temperature, is February (27 °C). The month with the lowest average maximum temperature is June (22.5 °C). Overall, the average maximum temperature over the whole year is 24.5 °C.
The month with the highest average minimum temperature is April (15.7 °C). The coldest month, with the lowest average minimum temperature, is July (12.7 °C). Overall, the average minimum temperature over the whole year is 14.2 °C.
The wettest month, with the highest amount of precipitation, is April (123.4 mm). The driest month, with the least amount of precipitation, is January (28.3 mm). Over the whole year there are 674.9 mm of rainfall on average.
The month with the most days of rain is May (27.7 days). The month with the fewest days of rain is January (12.3 days). Over the whole year there are 241.6 days of rain on average.
The month with the highest average relative humidity is May (83.3 %). The month with the lowest average relative humidity is February (65 %). The overall average relative humidity over the whole year is 73.3 %.
The windiest month, with the highest average wind speed, is February (11.9 km/h). The calmest month, with the lowest average wind speed, is June (6.2 km/h). The overall average wind speed over the whole year is 9.4 km/h.
The month with the cloudiest skies, so the highest cloud coverage, is May (54.4 %). The month with the clearest skies, so the lowest cloud coverage, is February (25.1 %). Over the whole year there is an average cloud coverage of 40.1 %.
The months with the longest days, so the most daylight, are January, February, March, April, May, July, August, September, October, November and December (Average daylight: 12 h). The month with the shortest days, so the least daylight, is June (Average daylight: 12 h). Over the whole year there are 12 h of daylight per day on average.
The month with the most sunshine per day is March (Average sunshine: 9.1 h). The month with the least sunshine per day is May (Average sunshine: 7.9 h). Over the whole year there are 8.7 h of sunlight per day on average.
The month with the highest average UV index is September (UV index: 6). The months with the lowest average UV index are January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, October, November and December (UV index: 5). Over the whole year the average UV index is 5.1.
