Nairobi — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Nairobi.
Nairobi climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26°C | 13°C | 38mm | 55% |
| Feb | 26°C | 13°C | 64mm | 56% |
| Mar | 25°C | 14°C | 125mm | 62% |
| Apr | 24°C | 14°C | 211mm | 69% |
| May | 22°C | 13°C | 158mm | 70% |
| Jun | 21°C | 11°C | 46mm | 59% |
| Jul | 21°C | 11°C | 15mm | 55% |
| Aug | 21°C | 11°C | 23mm | 53% |
| Sep | 24°C | 13°C | 31mm | 52% |
| Oct | 25°C | 14°C | 53mm | 57% |
| Nov | 23°C | 14°C | 109mm | 65% |
| Dec | 23°C | 13°C | 86mm | 66% |
Climate overview
Nairobi lies just 1° south of the equator, but at about 1,700 metres above sea level its climate is far milder than its latitude suggests. It is classed as subtropical highland (Cwb): pleasantly warm days, cool nights and two distinct rainy seasons. Highs stay between 21°C and 26°C all year, and nights are typically 11–14°C.
Rather than summer and winter, Nairobi's year is defined by rain. The 'long rains' fall from March to May, peaking in April at about 211 mm, and the 'short rains' come from October to December. Between them are two dry seasons: a warm, sunny one in January and February, and a cooler, often cloudy one from June to September. Annual rainfall totals about 860 mm.
Köppen classification: Cwb — subtropical highland
Nairobi through the seasons
Warm dry season
January – FebruaryThe warmest and sunniest period, with highs of 26°C and clear skies. Nights remain cool at around 13°C. It is an excellent time for city sightseeing and safaris in nearby parks.
Long rains
March – MayRain becomes frequent, usually as heavy afternoon and evening downpours. April is the wettest month. Roads in parts of the city can flood, and some unpaved roads in parks become difficult.
Cool dry season
June – SeptemberNairobi's 'winter'. July and August are the coolest months, with highs of 21°C and lows of about 11°C. Mornings are often grey and overcast before clearing in the afternoon. This is peak safari season in Kenya.
Short rains
October – DecemberRain returns in shorter, lighter bursts, often in the late afternoon. November is the wettest month of this season at about 109 mm. The landscape turns green again.
What makes Nairobi's weather distinctive
Altitude is the defining factor. Strong equatorial sunshine at high elevation means the UV index is very high even when it does not feel hot, so sunburn is a real risk. Evenings cool quickly, and many homes have fireplaces for the chilly months of June to August.
Because Nairobi sits on the equator, day length hardly changes during the year — sunrise and sunset happen around 6:30 am and 6:45 pm every month. The rainy seasons can vary considerably from year to year, with some seasons bringing flooding and others drought.
Best time to visit Nairobi
January to February and July to October are the best times to visit Nairobi. Both dry seasons offer easy travel, and July to October coincides with the Great Migration in the Maasai Mara. The rainy seasons are greener and quieter, but expect afternoon downpours.
What to pack
- Layers — warm days and cool evenings are the norm
- A fleece or warm jacket for June to August mornings and nights
- A light rain jacket for the rainy seasons
- High-SPF sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Neutral-coloured clothing and closed shoes if heading on safari
Frequently asked questions
Is Nairobi hot?
Not usually. Thanks to its altitude, average highs range from 21°C to 26°C, and nights are cool.
When are Nairobi's rainy seasons?
The long rains run from March to May and the short rains from October to December.
What is the coldest time of year in Nairobi?
July and August, with highs around 21°C and lows near 11°C.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
Check Nairobi Live Weather
Track Nairobi alongside up to 5 other cities simultaneously — free.
Open Weather Dashboard →