Nairobi Weather in August
Kenya · Subtropical Highlands climate · Data averaged from 2020-01-01 to 2024-12-31 (5 years)
August in Nairobi sees average temperatures ranging from a low of 12.7°C (54.9°F) to a high of 23.6°C (74.5°F), with a mean of 17.5°C (63.5°F). Compared to the annual average of 18.9°C (66.0°F), this month is 1.4°C cooler than the yearly norm. Precipitation averages 29.3mm, making it approximately 42.0mm drier than the monthly average of 72.0mm. The city receives an average of 8.2 hours of sunshine per day during August, with relative humidity averaging 69.0%. Wind speeds reach an average maximum of 12.5 km/h. For travelers, this month offers a temperature experience in Nairobi, with drier-than-average conditions compared to the rest of the year.
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.
August vs Adjacent Months
| Metric | July | August | September |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mean Temp | 17.0°C (62.6°F) | 17.5°C (63.5°F) | 18.6°C (65.5°F) |
| Rainfall | 22.6mm | 29.3mm | 33.8mm |
| Sunshine | 8.1 hrs | 8.2 hrs | 9.8 hrs |
| Humidity | 70.9% | 69.0% | 67.3% |
| Wind | 11.6 km/h | 12.5 km/h | 12.2 km/h |
| Rainy Days | 15.6 | 17.8 | 18.8 |
Seasonal Context
August falls in Summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer brings the warmest conditions of the year with the longest daylight hours. For travelers visiting Nairobi in August, the data indicates favorable conditions based on the combination of temperature, precipitation, and daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average temperature in Nairobi in August?
The average temperature in Nairobi during August ranges from 12.7°C (54.9°F) to 23.6°C (74.5°F), with a mean of 17.5°C (63.5°F).
How much does it rain in Nairobi in August?
Nairobi receives an average of 29.3mm of precipitation in August, spread across approximately 17.8 rainy days.
What should I pack for Nairobi in August?
Based on August weather data, pack layers including light jackets and t-shirts, plus an umbrella.
Is August a good time to visit Nairobi?
August is a good time to visit Nairobi, with comfortable temperatures and manageable rainfall.
Other Months for Nairobi
Cities with Similar August 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.