Nairobi Climate & Weather Averages
Kenya · Subtropical Highlands climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
Best Time to Visit Nairobi
Based on temperature comfort, low rainfall, and sunshine hours, the best months to visit Nairobi are:
February, March, June
Scores based on ideal temperature (18-28°C), low precipitation, and high sunshine. February scores 59/100.
Nairobi has a Subtropical Highlands climate with mild summers and warm winters. The warmest month is March with an average temperature of 20.4°C (68.7°F), while July is the coldest at 17.0°C (62.6°F). Annual precipitation averages 860.0mm spread across approximately 250.0 rainy days per year, with April being the wettest month at 195.8mm and July the driest at 22.6mm. The city receives an average of 8.1-11.2 hours of sunshine per day, with the sunniest months being February and March. Humidity remains relatively consistent throughout the year, averaging around 70.2% annually, while average wind speeds reach 13.9 km/h. The overall annual mean temperature is 18.9°C (66.0°F), reflecting the subtropical highlands conditions shaped by Nairobi's latitude (-1.29°) and surrounding geography. For travelers, the best time to visit is February, March, June, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is lower.
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.
Climate Insights from Our Writers
“Nairobi's altitude of 1,795 meters creates a climate that's remarkably pleasant for a city located on the equator. I've studied few cities where the combination of latitude and elevation produces such comfortable conditions. The data shows that the annual average temperature is 19°C, with March being the warmest month at 21°C and July the coolest at 17°C. The temperature range of just 4°C is among the narrowest I've recorded, reflecting the moderating influence of the altitude. The rainfall pattern is characterized by two rainy seasons — the long rains from March to May and the short rains from October to December. The long rains are more intense, with April receiving over 200mm of precipitation, while the short rains are briefer but still significant. The best time for a visit is June through September and January through February, when the weather is dry and the temperatures are most comfortable. The data shows that July is the coolest and driest month, making it ideal for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing in Nairobi National Park. The UV index is a serious concern at this altitude, with levels reaching 11+ year-round, requiring sun protection even on cloudy days. The city's green spaces — Karura Forest, Nairobi National Park, the Arboretum — offer excellent opportunities for outdoor activities within the city limits. For travelers, Nairobi offers a climate that's comfortable year-round, with the main consideration being the rainy seasons and the need for sun protection at altitude.”
— Climate & Travel Writer
Seasonal Climate Overview
Spring (Mar-May)
Average temperature 19.4°C (66.9°F), rainfall 125.8mm, sunshine 10.2 hrs/day, humidity 73.2%. Mild transitional weather characterizes this period. Expect around 24.1 rainy days per month.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Average temperature 17.4°C (63.3°F), rainfall 26.0mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs/day, humidity 70.5%. Mild transitional weather characterizes this period. Expect around 16.7 rainy days per month.
Autumn (Sep-Nov)
Average temperature 19.1°C (66.4°F), rainfall 67.2mm, sunshine 10.0 hrs/day, humidity 68.7%. Mild transitional weather characterizes this period. Expect around 22.9 rainy days per month.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Average temperature 19.5°C (67.1°F), rainfall 67.7mm, sunshine 10.9 hrs/day, humidity 68.6%. Mild transitional weather characterizes this period. Expect around 19.7 rainy days per month.
Monthly Temperature Averages (°C / °F)
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Mean Temp |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 25.4°C (77.7°F) | 14.5°C (58.1°F) | 19.2°C (66.6°F) |
| February | 27.2°C (81.0°F) | 14.9°C (58.8°F) | 20.3°C (68.5°F) |
| March | 27.2°C (81.0°F) | 15.2°C (59.4°F) | 20.4°C (68.7°F) |
| April | 25.0°C (77.0°F) | 15.6°C (60.1°F) | 19.2°C (66.6°F) |
| May | 24.2°C (75.6°F) | 14.6°C (58.3°F) | 18.7°C (65.7°F) |
| June | 23.6°C (74.5°F) | 13.0°C (55.4°F) | 17.7°C (63.9°F) |
| July | 22.7°C (72.9°F) | 12.5°C (54.5°F) | 17.0°C (62.6°F) |
| August | 23.6°C (74.5°F) | 12.7°C (54.9°F) | 17.5°C (63.5°F) |
| September | 25.1°C (77.2°F) | 13.3°C (55.9°F) | 18.6°C (65.5°F) |
| October | 26.8°C (80.2°F) | 14.6°C (58.3°F) | 19.9°C (67.8°F) |
| November | 24.8°C (76.6°F) | 15.1°C (59.2°F) | 18.9°C (66.0°F) |
| December | 25.1°C (77.2°F) | 14.9°C (58.8°F) | 19.1°C (66.4°F) |
Monthly Precipitation (mm)
| Month | Avg Rainfall | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| January | 78.1 mm | |
| February | 65.5 mm | |
| March | 90.0 mm | |
| April | 195.8 mm | |
| May | 91.5 mm | |
| June | 26.1 mm | |
| July | 22.6 mm | |
| August | 29.3 mm | |
| September | 33.8 mm | |
| October | 46.1 mm | |
| November | 121.8 mm | |
| December | 59.6 mm |
Monthly Rainy Days (avg days with rain > 0.1mm)
| Month | Avg Rainy Days | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| January | 19.0 | |
| February | 13.8 | |
| March | 17.6 | |
| April | 29.2 | |
| May | 25.4 | |
| June | 16.6 | |
| July | 15.6 | |
| August | 17.8 | |
| September | 18.8 | |
| October | 21.6 | |
| November | 28.2 | |
| December | 26.4 |
Monthly Humidity (%)
| Month | Avg Humidity | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| January | 69.6% | |
| February | 63.0% | |
| March | 64.4% | |
| April | 78.3% | |
| May | 76.8% | |
| June | 71.6% | |
| July | 70.9% | |
| August | 69.0% | |
| September | 67.3% | |
| October | 63.1% | |
| November | 75.8% | |
| December | 73.2% |
Monthly Wind Speed (avg max km/h)
| Month | Avg Max Wind | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| January | 15.8 km/h | |
| February | 16.4 km/h | |
| March | 16.2 km/h | |
| April | 13.3 km/h | |
| May | 11.2 km/h | |
| June | 11.3 km/h | |
| July | 11.6 km/h | |
| August | 12.5 km/h | |
| September | 12.2 km/h | |
| October | 14.3 km/h | |
| November | 15.1 km/h | |
| December | 16.6 km/h |
Monthly UV Index (avg max)
| Month | UV Index | Risk Level | Bar |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | — | — | |
| February | — | — | |
| March | — | — | |
| April | — | — | |
| May | — | — | |
| June | — | — | |
| July | — | — | |
| August | — | — | |
| September | — | — | |
| October | — | — | |
| November | — | — | |
| December | — | — |
Monthly Sunshine Hours (daily average)
| Month | Avg Daily Sunshine | Bar |
|---|---|---|
| January | 10.8 hrs | |
| February | 11.2 hrs | |
| March | 10.9 hrs | |
| April | 9.7 hrs | |
| May | 10.1 hrs | |
| June | 9.9 hrs | |
| July | 8.1 hrs | |
| August | 8.2 hrs | |
| September | 9.8 hrs | |
| October | 10.6 hrs | |
| November | 9.6 hrs | |
| December | 10.8 hrs |
Frequently Asked Questions
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).
What is the rainiest month in Nairobi?
April is the wettest month with an average of 195.8mm of precipitation. The city experiences about 250.0 rainy days per year.
When is the best time to visit Nairobi?
The best time to visit Nairobi is during February, March, June, when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is lower.
Cities with Similar Climate (Subtropical Highlands)
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.