Best Time to Visit Nairobi
Kenya · Subtropical Highlands climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
Recommended Months
Based on temperature comfort, low precipitation, and sunshine hours, the best time to visit Nairobi is:
February → March → June
February scores 59/100 — the highest-rated month for travel.
Monthly Ratings (0-100)
Scores are weighted: temperature comfort (50%), low precipitation (30%), sunshine (20%). Higher is better.
| Month | Overall Score | Temp Comfort | Precipitation | Sunshine | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 40 | 81 | 0 | 0 | |
| February | 43 | 86 | 0 | 0 | |
| March | 44 | 87 | 0 | 0 | |
| April | 40 | 81 | 0 | 0 | |
| May | 39 | 78 | 0 | 0 | |
| June | 43 | 74 | 22 | 0 | |
| July | 45 | 70 | 32 | 0 | |
| August | 40 | 72 | 12 | 0 | |
| September | 39 | 78 | 0 | 0 | |
| October | 42 | 84 | 0 | 0 | |
| November | 40 | 80 | 0 | 0 | |
| December | 40 | 80 | 0 | 0 |
Monthly Temperature Comfort
| Month | Mean Temp | Comfort Level |
|---|---|---|
| January | 19.2°C (66.6°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
| February | 20.3°C (68.5°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
| March | 20.4°C (68.7°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
| April | 19.2°C (66.6°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
| May | 18.7°C (65.7°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
| June | 17.7°C (63.9°F) | Mild (10-17°C) |
| July | 17.0°C (62.6°F) | Mild (10-17°C) |
| August | 17.5°C (63.5°F) | Mild (10-17°C) |
| September | 18.6°C (65.5°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
| October | 19.9°C (67.8°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
| November | 18.9°C (66.0°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
| December | 19.1°C (66.4°F) | Warm (18-24°C) |
Monthly Precipitation Rating
| Month | Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 78.1 mm | 19.0 | Wet |
| February | 65.5 mm | 13.8 | Wet |
| March | 90.0 mm | 17.6 | Wet |
| April | 195.8 mm | 29.2 | Very Wet |
| May | 91.5 mm | 25.4 | Wet |
| June | 26.1 mm | 16.6 | Dry |
| July | 22.6 mm | 15.6 | Dry |
| August | 29.3 mm | 17.8 | Dry |
| September | 33.8 mm | 18.8 | Moderate |
| October | 46.1 mm | 21.6 | Moderate |
| November | 121.8 mm | 28.2 | Very Wet |
| December | 59.6 mm | 26.4 | Moderate |
Monthly Sunshine Rating
| Month | Sunshine (hrs/day) | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10.8 hrs | Excellent |
| February | 11.2 hrs | Excellent |
| March | 10.9 hrs | Excellent |
| April | 9.7 hrs | Excellent |
| May | 10.1 hrs | Excellent |
| June | 9.9 hrs | Excellent |
| July | 8.1 hrs | Excellent |
| August | 8.2 hrs | Excellent |
| September | 9.8 hrs | Excellent |
| October | 10.6 hrs | Excellent |
| November | 9.6 hrs | Excellent |
| December | 10.8 hrs | Excellent |
Season-by-Season Breakdown
Spring (Mar-May)
Temperature: 19.4°C (66.9°F)
Rainfall: 125.8mm avg
Sunshine: 10.2 hrs/day
Humidity: 73.2%
Rainy Days: 24.1/mo
Mild transitional weather — comfortable for most activities.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Temperature: 17.4°C (63.3°F)
Rainfall: 26.0mm avg
Sunshine: 8.7 hrs/day
Humidity: 70.5%
Rainy Days: 16.7/mo
Mild transitional weather — comfortable for most activities.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Temperature: 19.1°C (66.4°F)
Rainfall: 67.2mm avg
Sunshine: 10.0 hrs/day
Humidity: 68.7%
Rainy Days: 22.9/mo
Mild transitional weather — comfortable for most activities.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Temperature: 19.5°C (67.1°F)
Rainfall: 67.7mm avg
Sunshine: 10.9 hrs/day
Humidity: 68.6%
Rainy Days: 19.7/mo
Mild transitional weather — comfortable for most activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time to visit Nairobi?
Based on our data-driven analysis, the best months to visit Nairobi are February, March, June, when temperatures are comfortable, rainfall is lower, and sunshine is plentiful. February scores 59/100, the highest-rated month.
What is the hottest month in Nairobi?
March is the hottest month with an average temperature of 20.4°C (68.7°F).
What is the coldest month in Nairobi?
July is the coldest month with an average temperature of 17.0°C (62.6°F).
When is the rainy season in Nairobi?
April is the wettest month with an average of 195.8mm of precipitation. Nairobi experiences about 250.0 rainy days per year. The driest month is July with 22.6mm.
What should I pack for a trip to Nairobi?
Packing recommendations depend on the season of your visit. Based on the climate data, pack lightweight, breathable clothing if visiting during the warm months (March is hottest at 20.4°C). For cooler months, bring layers and a warm jacket (July averages 17.0°C). A waterproof jacket or umbrella is recommended year-round as Nairobi receives 860.0mm of annual precipitation. Sun protection is important, especially during months with high UV index.
If you're planning outdoor activities in Nairobi, the altitude (1,795m) is your friend — 25°C feels like 22°C, UV is the trade-off. I ran Karura Forest in August at 8am: 18°C, perfect, but UV already at 6 by 9am. The long rains (April-May) turn trails muddy; pack waterproof shoes. The short rains (October-November) are briefer and the green season is gorgeous for hiking. June-September is the outdoor sweet spot: dry, 20-22°C, low humidity. Nairobi National Park game drives are best June-October. Always bring sun protection — equatorial UV is no joke even on cloudy afternoons.
Data Source: Open-Meteo historical archive (2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31). Daily measurements aggregated into monthly climate normals. Coordinates: -1.29°, 36.82°. Timezone: Africa/Nairobi. Last updated: 2026-07-30.